I love Christmas, it's my favorite holiday... but there's something different this year... I want to just skip Christmas and New Years Day. Why? Well, let's go back to May 8th of this year. It was a Monday... and to my dismay, the day it became official, the day my parents got a divorce..
My mom, and sister seem to be taking it like NOTHING ever happened.. as if they were already divorced. Well, they somewhat were... just not legally or whatever. I hate it! I texted my mom that day and asked if the divorce was official, and she said yes. I was in the last hour of school that day (study hall)... and I almost broke down in complete tears... I was fighting them, I lost it that night in my room though.
I want to skip christmas because, every year is always the same, always the same people, always ONE missing from the picture. That one, you ask, is my Dad. The only year that he was there, was the one year that I was sick with a horrible soar throat, a bad cough and a fever.. it was nice that he was there. That's all I want this year... for my dad to actually BE there... and not just "there" but actually involved. I love MY dad ;)
The best gift that a teenage girl like me could ask for this christmas, would be to have my dad there. I don't care if someone gave me the coolest thing on earth, that wouldn't come close to having my dad there. It would be amazing.. oh and on my birthday (2/16) too! I'll be a 16 year old whose NEVER had a birthday party.
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul
In the past, I've been given gifts that, to be honest, felt like they were trying to buy my love for them. You can't buy love.. it doesn't work that way. You can't earn it either.
This isn't what Christmas is all about... I mean, yes, I'm sorry there's suffering in the world and what not... but, it's about Jesus!
Why would God come down, leave EVERYTHING, just to die for me? I guess it's because of His love for us.
Romans 5:8 says "God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Jesus died to save us... He died so that we may have life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). He is the reason to live.
Isaiah 53:5
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
There's nothing you can do, and there's nothing I can do that'll earn our way to heaven. Jesus said in John 14:6 that HE is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but by me.
Christianity is not some religion, it's a relationship. The word religion, literally means to "bind back"... as if we could ever work our way to a righteous, holy and perfect God. We are sinful, God is too holy to dwell with sin.. it's quite stupid if you ask me... as if working our way to God would ever work!! I think God is far more holy than we think and we're alot more sinful than we think. I mean, compared to God's holy, perfect standard, we fall short.
Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
1. God is the perfect one here...
2. We're the farthest from perfect...
3. Jesus is the one who did ALL the work so we could have a relationship with God and have eternal life.
John 3:15
"That everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life."
If we could get to heaven by our "good deeds" than why aren't we able to clean ourselves before we actually take a shower? huh? see, it just don't work that way. Just be quiet and accept Jesus' free gift of eternal life!! ;) If I gave you a million dollars, would you smack me? No. Would you spit at me? No. Would you call me an idiot? No. You'd accept it and be thankful. So, why not accept Jesus' FREE gift of eternal life? It sort of looks like a slap in the face to God when you choose to "earn" your way to heaven by your "good" deeds... He's offered us so much more than a million dollars, He's offered LIFE!! It's a free gift, who in their right mind could ever say 'no' to that? All you have to do is trust in Him... He did the rest already on the cross 2,000 years ago. :) Thank God. We would never reach ultimate perfection!
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Merry Christmas ;)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
If We Are The Body..
I have a serious problem with the atmosphere of the youth group at church... Like tonight, when I walked in there, I wasn't sure if this was a "Christian" atmosphere or a "Worldly" atmosphere. I've noticed there are cliques of people in there... they always seem to just stay with their friends and not go and talk to anyone else.
I remember when this group of teens from another state where there, and one of them, talked to me and it was pretty cool, because she was so loving and caring towards me. It was a little overwhelming. That's what we should do... when we see a new comer, why not run towards them and give them a hug and talk for a good 20 minutes or something?! and have a real conversation?
I remember, tonight, seeing someone, and I'm not sure if he was new or what, but, he looked like he really wasn't convinced this is the LOVING, CARING atmosphere. It was disappointing that the atmosphere was aweful... I walked in there and it was an intense feeling that was in there. And, I'm not going to lie, I wanted to leave.
If someone were to leave church because of the aweful "Christian" atmosphere... I wouldn't blame them. We are supposed to be the most loving, caring, humble, real...etc. people ever. And I didn't feel that tonight at all. I really wanted to leave...
Like in the youth service, what in the world is the focus? Do they make sense when you put them together? Do they support your sermon for the night? Nothing in the service seemed to go together tonight...
Well, after high school, I want to be a youth pastor or something working with teenagers. ;) Whenever we start the Campus Ministry, I pray that the Christian atmosphere will be there and that no one will be able to deny it! The love. The caring. The humbleness. The fun. The atmosphere of people being open about what they believe and why, and etc. and it'll be like a magnet that people wonder why we act the way that we do.
I remember when this group of teens from another state where there, and one of them, talked to me and it was pretty cool, because she was so loving and caring towards me. It was a little overwhelming. That's what we should do... when we see a new comer, why not run towards them and give them a hug and talk for a good 20 minutes or something?! and have a real conversation?
I remember, tonight, seeing someone, and I'm not sure if he was new or what, but, he looked like he really wasn't convinced this is the LOVING, CARING atmosphere. It was disappointing that the atmosphere was aweful... I walked in there and it was an intense feeling that was in there. And, I'm not going to lie, I wanted to leave.
If someone were to leave church because of the aweful "Christian" atmosphere... I wouldn't blame them. We are supposed to be the most loving, caring, humble, real...etc. people ever. And I didn't feel that tonight at all. I really wanted to leave...
Like in the youth service, what in the world is the focus? Do they make sense when you put them together? Do they support your sermon for the night? Nothing in the service seemed to go together tonight...
Well, after high school, I want to be a youth pastor or something working with teenagers. ;) Whenever we start the Campus Ministry, I pray that the Christian atmosphere will be there and that no one will be able to deny it! The love. The caring. The humbleness. The fun. The atmosphere of people being open about what they believe and why, and etc. and it'll be like a magnet that people wonder why we act the way that we do.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Yesssuh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I met with my high school principle today about the campus ministry today during advisory. And when my advisory teacher told me to go to the office, I was soooooo nervous, I prayed like crazy!! It’s great to know that my principle is a Christian and he and other people (including me) pray for staley everyday. Thank God!!
Sometime this week I get to meet with the activities director and talk about it and then I’ll get an official club form to fill out. Now, I gotta find a sponsor (sp?) for it… he told me that the guy will probably ask me if I have one… if I don’t, i hope he’ll help us out.
He assured me that the threat of a shooting, wasn’t credible and that they took care of it and talked to the student... He asked me a question that I can’t remember, but it was about the threat, and I couldn’t help it… I cried. He said he didn’t mean to make me cry…he found my blog post ‘Threat Of A Staley High School Shooting’ He asked me if I thought I was in trouble when he told me he found it, I said no… I was nervous.. don’t know why, I didn’t say anything bad in my blog.
He told me he’s glad I love my high school. My principle seems like a cool guy ;)
Sometime this week I get to meet with the activities director and talk about it and then I’ll get an official club form to fill out. Now, I gotta find a sponsor (sp?) for it… he told me that the guy will probably ask me if I have one… if I don’t, i hope he’ll help us out.
He assured me that the threat of a shooting, wasn’t credible and that they took care of it and talked to the student... He asked me a question that I can’t remember, but it was about the threat, and I couldn’t help it… I cried. He said he didn’t mean to make me cry…he found my blog post ‘Threat Of A Staley High School Shooting’ He asked me if I thought I was in trouble when he told me he found it, I said no… I was nervous.. don’t know why, I didn’t say anything bad in my blog.
He told me he’s glad I love my high school. My principle seems like a cool guy ;)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'll Praise You In This Storm
This is alot harder than I imagined... apparently, getting no support from mom has affected me soo much that I can't even eat. And when I cry it hurts... physically, my mouth gets dry and my stomach starts to hurt.
At times, I'm not going to lie about it, I want to quit. But, that's not an option. I (we) have to reach out to my generation... now.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." -Psalm 119:105
(The light in Bible time lamps, came from candles. In the span of their dim light, a person could only see enough to take the next step. Lamps weren't like flashlights that allow a person to see a long ways down the path. So this verse is a reminder. Let God's word guide your next step. -Teen Study Bible)
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him." -Psalm 103:11
"When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" -Psalm 55:3-4
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." -Psalm 62:5
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." -Psalm 35:18
"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will recieve me." -Psalm 27:10
It is so hard to continue with this campus ministry. I won't give up though. I don't have that option.
Earlier in the car, I don't remember exactly what we were talking about, but, my mom ignorantly claimed to know me... so I tested her because I know she has no idea. I asked, "Then what's my problem?" She is my problem...right now. I mean, yeah, she gave birth to me and raised me, thaty does NOT mean you know me. To know someone, you have to hangout together... and whatever. Ma said that I wouldn't have a problem with people... yet. Explain to me, how stinkin ignorant can someone get?! C'MON!
I'm 100% convinced that Ma does NOT care. Why? Because when I told her, "Someone threated to shoot up Staley." she said; "Oh. That's cool" She doesn't care that OTHER teens lives can be snatched from them... let alone my life... gee Ma, thanks for all the "support". Out of all the people I have met, she certanly counts as one of them or all of them.
This is hard and I know that. I'm determined to see my generation turned around with and by the power of the gospel. Please, don't stop praying for us and the other teens on their high school and middle school campuses in and out of the U.S. We do love and appreciate all of the support.
PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY.
Matthew 26:41
"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"
Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 91:15
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8).
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"'" (Luke 18:9-14).
What I want to know is, where in the world am I getting my determination to see this generation reached from?! I love it!!
continue to pray for all of us.
At times, I'm not going to lie about it, I want to quit. But, that's not an option. I (we) have to reach out to my generation... now.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." -Psalm 119:105
(The light in Bible time lamps, came from candles. In the span of their dim light, a person could only see enough to take the next step. Lamps weren't like flashlights that allow a person to see a long ways down the path. So this verse is a reminder. Let God's word guide your next step. -Teen Study Bible)
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him." -Psalm 103:11
"When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" -Psalm 55:3-4
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." -Psalm 62:5
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." -Psalm 35:18
"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will recieve me." -Psalm 27:10
It is so hard to continue with this campus ministry. I won't give up though. I don't have that option.
Earlier in the car, I don't remember exactly what we were talking about, but, my mom ignorantly claimed to know me... so I tested her because I know she has no idea. I asked, "Then what's my problem?" She is my problem...right now. I mean, yeah, she gave birth to me and raised me, thaty does NOT mean you know me. To know someone, you have to hangout together... and whatever. Ma said that I wouldn't have a problem with people... yet. Explain to me, how stinkin ignorant can someone get?! C'MON!
I'm 100% convinced that Ma does NOT care. Why? Because when I told her, "Someone threated to shoot up Staley." she said; "Oh. That's cool" She doesn't care that OTHER teens lives can be snatched from them... let alone my life... gee Ma, thanks for all the "support". Out of all the people I have met, she certanly counts as one of them or all of them.
This is hard and I know that. I'm determined to see my generation turned around with and by the power of the gospel. Please, don't stop praying for us and the other teens on their high school and middle school campuses in and out of the U.S. We do love and appreciate all of the support.
PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY.
Matthew 26:41
"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"
Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 91:15
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8).
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"'" (Luke 18:9-14).
What I want to know is, where in the world am I getting my determination to see this generation reached from?! I love it!!
continue to pray for all of us.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
So Pumped About Campus Ministry!!!!
Could I get any more stoked? I think so!! God is so amazing. I'm soo glad I go to Staley High School.
If tomorrow isn't a snow day, me and my friend Sara are going to the office to see about the Campus Ministry. These teens need Jesus now before all hell breaks lose at our high school. My friend, Katie, told me that the school shooting by another student was supposed to happen the day she found out... it was planned to happen during the first lunch. I blogged about it, title 'Threat Of A Staley High School Shooting'... just scroll down and you'll eventually find it.
It's crazy! We've got to pray about it... pray for teens to be reached with the message of Jesus and for us to boldly proclaim the gospel as we should and also for us to show the love of Christ to those students. I mean, can't you see it, the one student who sits alone during lunch, being shown and feeling the love of Christ from genuine Christian teenagers?! They feeling actually loved and cared for... the solution to preventing school violence is that. Jesus. No tighter secruity, gun control..or anything else. But only the love and hope that is only found in Jesus alone.
As I said before, I'm so glad I go to Staley. Our high school is our mission field.. Let's do this in the power of Christ!! INVINCIBLE!! Talk about takin your school by storm with the message and mission of Jesus!
Super stoked!! Remember to keep praying for us and all the other teens on their high school and middle school campuses in and out of America.
If tomorrow isn't a snow day, me and my friend Sara are going to the office to see about the Campus Ministry. These teens need Jesus now before all hell breaks lose at our high school. My friend, Katie, told me that the school shooting by another student was supposed to happen the day she found out... it was planned to happen during the first lunch. I blogged about it, title 'Threat Of A Staley High School Shooting'... just scroll down and you'll eventually find it.
It's crazy! We've got to pray about it... pray for teens to be reached with the message of Jesus and for us to boldly proclaim the gospel as we should and also for us to show the love of Christ to those students. I mean, can't you see it, the one student who sits alone during lunch, being shown and feeling the love of Christ from genuine Christian teenagers?! They feeling actually loved and cared for... the solution to preventing school violence is that. Jesus. No tighter secruity, gun control..or anything else. But only the love and hope that is only found in Jesus alone.
As I said before, I'm so glad I go to Staley. Our high school is our mission field.. Let's do this in the power of Christ!! INVINCIBLE!! Talk about takin your school by storm with the message and mission of Jesus!
Super stoked!! Remember to keep praying for us and all the other teens on their high school and middle school campuses in and out of America.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Paitence!!
I gotta be honest, I'm not the most paitent person. Especially if I'm in a hurry and someone, this never seems to fail, is ALWAYS taking their dear sweet time. It's frustrating. I wish we could just stop time... but that's not how God did it.
I remember soo many times where I would do something, like this one time at my grandmas house, I was pretty frezzing cold so I turned the heat up and she yelled at me and said "Don't You EVER do THAT AGAIN!" I'm like "but I was cold..." she said "I don't care, don't you ever touch it." it's extremely irritating. It's hurts too. We are some SELFISH people... pretty heartless too. Way too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance.
Read this: (Found it on myyearbook.com)
This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.
Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, "Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?" The father went home & committed suicide.
Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.
People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.
---------------------------------------------------------
wow. Alright, so I have a confession that I'm VERY disappointed in myself about, I'm not happy to say it, it was a Sunday night in KC, and I guess my grandma had been pushing my buttons for far too long that I, well, snapped. Not verbally... (take a note: I'm not the physically violent type person so this is a shocker to alot) but ALMOST physically... I was holding my little cousin, Caleb, when she ticked me off... Let's just say my mind wasn't focusing... and well, I ALMOST threw my lil cousin at her, but, Thank God, God stopped me and the thought I had was a reality check... it said "What do you think you're doing?!" So, I sat caleb down and didn't pick him back up... I lost all paitence and totally flipped out... It's not something I'm proud of, I'm thankful that God stopped me though. Oh, and on Monday night, the guilt ATTACKED the heck out of me... I didn't know what to do. I needed to be forgiven.
I hate it when the devil just won't back off and keep it under Jesus' blood.
Exactly. So be PAITENT!!
James 1:19-22
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
I remember soo many times where I would do something, like this one time at my grandmas house, I was pretty frezzing cold so I turned the heat up and she yelled at me and said "Don't You EVER do THAT AGAIN!" I'm like "but I was cold..." she said "I don't care, don't you ever touch it." it's extremely irritating. It's hurts too. We are some SELFISH people... pretty heartless too. Way too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance.
Read this: (Found it on myyearbook.com)
This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.
Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, "Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?" The father went home & committed suicide.
Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.
People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.
---------------------------------------------------------
wow. Alright, so I have a confession that I'm VERY disappointed in myself about, I'm not happy to say it, it was a Sunday night in KC, and I guess my grandma had been pushing my buttons for far too long that I, well, snapped. Not verbally... (take a note: I'm not the physically violent type person so this is a shocker to alot) but ALMOST physically... I was holding my little cousin, Caleb, when she ticked me off... Let's just say my mind wasn't focusing... and well, I ALMOST threw my lil cousin at her, but, Thank God, God stopped me and the thought I had was a reality check... it said "What do you think you're doing?!" So, I sat caleb down and didn't pick him back up... I lost all paitence and totally flipped out... It's not something I'm proud of, I'm thankful that God stopped me though. Oh, and on Monday night, the guilt ATTACKED the heck out of me... I didn't know what to do. I needed to be forgiven.
I hate it when the devil just won't back off and keep it under Jesus' blood.
Exactly. So be PAITENT!!
James 1:19-22
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday. 12-4-09
So, after reading Andrews' comment, (which was quite encouraging btw. thankyou) I've decided that we HAVE got to do the CM during lunch until we can do it after school. These christian teens need to know how to reach out to those who don't know Jesus. Relational/Relentless.
Maybe, next weekend, me and my friend Sara can go to the mall and share Jesus with random people. :)
Pray with me that I use the 20 minutes for God and nothing else.
Maybe, next weekend, me and my friend Sara can go to the mall and share Jesus with random people. :)
Pray with me that I use the 20 minutes for God and nothing else.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I Can't Do It Anymore...
I'm sick 'n tired or waiting on the high school people/ person whatever to give us an answer on the campus ministry. I am going to lose my mind... if I haven't already. I'm irritated yet hurt. Teens need Jesus NOW! not later. Later is too late.
Later could be when someone gets pushed over the edge and could commit suicide, or even worse, a high school shooting... is that what'll happen to get everyone's attention? they need HIM now. It's not the hell they're headed to, but the hell they are going through that they need saving from.
I can't do it anymore. I'm sick 'n tired of going to the office and writing reminder notes because the guy is "too busy." It's been almost 2 - 3 months. I'm not even close to convinced they're taking me seriously.
I'll NEED to have an adult come or call up there and convince them about the campus ministry. Teens reaching teens til every teen is reached.THE cause.
I don't know who should call up there.... I want someone to do it though.
At lunch today, I didn't even try to bring the CM up. 20 minutes just isn't even close to enough time... just seems like sheer pep talk time before an evangelism happens. I don't know who'll take me seriously..
Who is passionate about seeing teens reach teens with the message and mission of Jesus? I am. Are you? We really need an adult somewhere, anywhere to not sit out on the sidelines, like it feels like some of you already are doing.
To be honest, in Kansas City, I don't know anyone who'll call my high school and explain to them the importance of the campus ministry and why we need more than just a bible study. Agh, please help. it's all I ask. What if this prevents the high school shooting? What if it saves a student from commiting suicide? What if a student decides to improve... academically? What if every teen in america is reached with the gospel? What if ever school teacher, administrator, janiter, etc at every school is reached because of a teenager?
Are you willing to help us? please. Every second someone dies and possibly ends up in Hell... Don't let satan have one more!!
**Because of you, Jesus can become real to MY generation.
PSA 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him
with his hand.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures
forever--do not abandon the works of your hands (in the bible somewhere)
Jereimah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
(in the bible somewhere) "and my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus, our Lord"
Hebrews 10:19-39... (its pretty long so I'll save space.)
"God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in
him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be given you.
9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Romans 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Later could be when someone gets pushed over the edge and could commit suicide, or even worse, a high school shooting... is that what'll happen to get everyone's attention? they need HIM now. It's not the hell they're headed to, but the hell they are going through that they need saving from.
I can't do it anymore. I'm sick 'n tired of going to the office and writing reminder notes because the guy is "too busy." It's been almost 2 - 3 months. I'm not even close to convinced they're taking me seriously.
I'll NEED to have an adult come or call up there and convince them about the campus ministry. Teens reaching teens til every teen is reached.THE cause.
I don't know who should call up there.... I want someone to do it though.
At lunch today, I didn't even try to bring the CM up. 20 minutes just isn't even close to enough time... just seems like sheer pep talk time before an evangelism happens. I don't know who'll take me seriously..
Who is passionate about seeing teens reach teens with the message and mission of Jesus? I am. Are you? We really need an adult somewhere, anywhere to not sit out on the sidelines, like it feels like some of you already are doing.
To be honest, in Kansas City, I don't know anyone who'll call my high school and explain to them the importance of the campus ministry and why we need more than just a bible study. Agh, please help. it's all I ask. What if this prevents the high school shooting? What if it saves a student from commiting suicide? What if a student decides to improve... academically? What if every teen in america is reached with the gospel? What if ever school teacher, administrator, janiter, etc at every school is reached because of a teenager?
Are you willing to help us? please. Every second someone dies and possibly ends up in Hell... Don't let satan have one more!!
**Because of you, Jesus can become real to MY generation.
PSA 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him
with his hand.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures
forever--do not abandon the works of your hands (in the bible somewhere)
Jereimah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
(in the bible somewhere) "and my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus, our Lord"
Hebrews 10:19-39... (its pretty long so I'll save space.)
"God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in
him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be given you.
9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Romans 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Threat Of A Staley High School Shooting
To be honest, I don't know where to start on this. I think I'll give you some of my history. I grew up and lived in Kansas til the end of freshman year in High School... Then, me and mom moved to Kansas City, Missouri and I love my new high school. it's alot different and alot bigger than my old high school...but, .....
To cut to the chase, in Self Development, people were talking about the threat someone had made to shoot the school up. That doesn't make me feel good, nor is that a good way to end the school day on a terrible note. It freaks me out... not for my life, but for their lives... What IF they don't know Jesus? What happens? Who loves them enough to risk their friendships with them by sharing the gospel?
Matthew 10:28
28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
It freaks me out that these teens could be robbed of their life here on earth and that could be caused by a school shooting... Heck, I could even die because of a school shooting. But, 'to live is Christ. to die is gain.' . I have to tell them about Jesus! and so do you.
I told my mom earlier... … she had basically the same response as when I told her about the campus ministry… I told her “I don’t know if I told you, but someone threatend to shoot up Staley.” she said, “Oh, that’s cool.” her tone of voice came across as sarcasm.. which said ‘well, they’re dumb..’ I thought, ‘No! it’s not cool. Was columbine cool?! and No, They’re not dumb. they need Jesus. They’re full of anger and hatred and pain that they don’t know what to do and they do crazy things because it’s eating away at them and they assume that a HS shooting will make them feel better.’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpBuEuagZxE <-- video embeding was disabled. This video is ; Jeremy Camp - There Will Be A Day - Video Devotional Someone’s gotta share Jesus with them… before someone loses their mind and decides to do a high school shooting… I don’t understand it. Greg (ma doesn’t count) is the only one that I’ve told about this… I want to tell more people but I’m scared I’ll get the same reaction from them as mom. oh, and my friend Katie told me that it was supposed to happen the day she found out. I’m grateful it didn’t… but scared that it very well could and lives be robbed from these teenagers... The fact that Staley High was threatened with a shooting, makes me miss Kansas. (The only time I will ever say that I miss KS). We have a message and a mission that we can't keep to ourselves... so, what are you waiting for?!
PLEASE pray for my high school? and pray for those crazy Christian teens who dare to share the BEST message ever on our high school campus(es) in a relational/relentless way? We do appreciate all the prayers and support we have recieved. You guys rock!!
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6
I'm aware that this threat was like close to the beginning of the year, but still, I'm not one known not to take it seriously... just because it hasn't happened doesn't give us any excuse to 100% dismiss it. please pray.
To cut to the chase, in Self Development, people were talking about the threat someone had made to shoot the school up. That doesn't make me feel good, nor is that a good way to end the school day on a terrible note. It freaks me out... not for my life, but for their lives... What IF they don't know Jesus? What happens? Who loves them enough to risk their friendships with them by sharing the gospel?
Matthew 10:28
28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
It freaks me out that these teens could be robbed of their life here on earth and that could be caused by a school shooting... Heck, I could even die because of a school shooting. But, 'to live is Christ. to die is gain.' . I have to tell them about Jesus! and so do you.
I told my mom earlier... … she had basically the same response as when I told her about the campus ministry… I told her “I don’t know if I told you, but someone threatend to shoot up Staley.” she said, “Oh, that’s cool.” her tone of voice came across as sarcasm.. which said ‘well, they’re dumb..’ I thought, ‘No! it’s not cool. Was columbine cool?! and No, They’re not dumb. they need Jesus. They’re full of anger and hatred and pain that they don’t know what to do and they do crazy things because it’s eating away at them and they assume that a HS shooting will make them feel better.’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpBuEuagZxE <-- video embeding was disabled. This video is ; Jeremy Camp - There Will Be A Day - Video Devotional Someone’s gotta share Jesus with them… before someone loses their mind and decides to do a high school shooting… I don’t understand it. Greg (ma doesn’t count) is the only one that I’ve told about this… I want to tell more people but I’m scared I’ll get the same reaction from them as mom. oh, and my friend Katie told me that it was supposed to happen the day she found out. I’m grateful it didn’t… but scared that it very well could and lives be robbed from these teenagers... The fact that Staley High was threatened with a shooting, makes me miss Kansas. (The only time I will ever say that I miss KS). We have a message and a mission that we can't keep to ourselves... so, what are you waiting for?!
PLEASE pray for my high school? and pray for those crazy Christian teens who dare to share the BEST message ever on our high school campus(es) in a relational/relentless way? We do appreciate all the prayers and support we have recieved. You guys rock!!
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6
I'm aware that this threat was like close to the beginning of the year, but still, I'm not one known not to take it seriously... just because it hasn't happened doesn't give us any excuse to 100% dismiss it. please pray.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Untitled
I didn't know whether I should eat dinner or not... the strong feeling of hurting for the lost today, felt like it could kill me. I ate, but, I still can't get the fact out of my head that there are people who don't have a relationship with God and I hate the fact that someone dies every second and most likly ends up in Hell.
Earlier, when I was getting close to the appartment door, another guy across the outside hall, walked out of his appartment, and I almost went to complete tears. Imagining a 'Bound for hell' sign on peoples' forehead, is killer. I don't like the idea of anyone being in eternal seperation from God... as the Bible says "God isn't slow as some understand slowness, but wants everyone to come to repentence.'
Do me a favor, and remember back to the time when you didn't know Jesus personally and think about other people, your friends, your family, your husband or wife in eternal seperation from God... it's not just the hell they're headed to, but the hell they are going through...
Listen to this song by JJ Heller - Love Me. Before you read any further. It tore my heart to shreds! I was in tears after the first few seconds of it..
Love. it's what we all desire and long for! is it not? I ended up in tears! Makes me think of how empty and hopeless people must be feeling when they don't have Jesus. How can they survive? It's like they're trying to breathe without the oxygen to supply the air... they're trying to live life to the fullest, but, they can't do it without the source of life. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is THE life and in John 10:10 He says that He has come to give us life to the very fullest. Is that not what people want? meaning, purpose, love, hope, joy, peace? Why arent they finding it? Because they are rejecting the source of all these things they are longing for.
think I'll get all emotional and heart broken for those who don't know Jesus!! If I'm heart broken over this, God must feel the worst over it. If God knows everyon, how come everyone doesn't know God? Are we not doing enough? I don't think we are...
I'm soo heart broken for those who don't know Jesus and for those 'christians' who aren't heart broken for those who don't know Jesus.
How can they expect to do anything if they aren't torn for those who don't know Jesus?
He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He’s the kid with the story no one would believe
He prays every night, “Dear God won’t you please
Could you send someone here who will love me?"
Ever wonder what people are like at home? I mean, those who don't know Jesus.. when their alone, they must feel hopeless, unloved, so un full of Jesus...etc. What do they go through at home? They come to school in smiles and the next day you find out they killed themselves! What would make someones life that bad, that suicide has to be "the" option of escape? I don't understand it.
People NEED to be loved for who they are. Just love them..like Jesus. He cares for them just as he cares for you.
Her office is shrinking a little each day
She’s the woman whose husband has run away
She’ll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would’ve stayed
And she says…
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means
People try to do things in order to make themselves "better" in some way, but they just don't seem satisfied with the results. IF anyone truly loves you, they don't want you to change anything. They love you for you. God loves us not for who we are but for who He is. God has a CRAZY love for all of us..
"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that forwhoever belives in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"...I have come so you may have life and have it to the very fullest." John 10:10
He’s waiting to die as he sits all alone
He’s a man in a cell who regrets what he’s done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
“Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home”
Wow, in Self Development, Mrs. Hiatt said something about the class getting to a prison and talk to the inmates, I hope we can go. I'd love to share Jesus with them and then give them a Bible and tell them to read John. Pray that we get to go!! and pray Collosians 4:4-6
Oh and, tomorrow, during lunch, we're gonna have our first campus ministry "meeting"... its not a meeting, we're just going to exchange stories, pray and share ideas... and talk about THE cause. I printed 20 out for the other people... even though there aren't even 20... there's only like 7 or 8. pray more will join with us in turning staley high upside down for Jesus. Pray Collosians 4:4-6 ;)
P.S Jesus makes me smile! ;) so true... so chessy though. I have a shirt that says that. I got it at a Youth Convention in Branson, Missouri October 0f '08. He did make me smile and cry that weekend!!
Hillsong United was totally shreddin' the gnar on the Youth Convention in October. I think it'd be so cool if they were at a D2S conference before I graduate! It was during HU leading worship, that I fully gave my life to Jesus. ;) That feeling of being ALIVE for the very first time, leaves me speechless and amazed.
'For our God is a consuming fire' - Hebrews 12:29
-Katelyn
Earlier, when I was getting close to the appartment door, another guy across the outside hall, walked out of his appartment, and I almost went to complete tears. Imagining a 'Bound for hell' sign on peoples' forehead, is killer. I don't like the idea of anyone being in eternal seperation from God... as the Bible says "God isn't slow as some understand slowness, but wants everyone to come to repentence.'
Do me a favor, and remember back to the time when you didn't know Jesus personally and think about other people, your friends, your family, your husband or wife in eternal seperation from God... it's not just the hell they're headed to, but the hell they are going through...
Listen to this song by JJ Heller - Love Me. Before you read any further. It tore my heart to shreds! I was in tears after the first few seconds of it..
Love. it's what we all desire and long for! is it not? I ended up in tears! Makes me think of how empty and hopeless people must be feeling when they don't have Jesus. How can they survive? It's like they're trying to breathe without the oxygen to supply the air... they're trying to live life to the fullest, but, they can't do it without the source of life. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is THE life and in John 10:10 He says that He has come to give us life to the very fullest. Is that not what people want? meaning, purpose, love, hope, joy, peace? Why arent they finding it? Because they are rejecting the source of all these things they are longing for.
think I'll get all emotional and heart broken for those who don't know Jesus!! If I'm heart broken over this, God must feel the worst over it. If God knows everyon, how come everyone doesn't know God? Are we not doing enough? I don't think we are...
I'm soo heart broken for those who don't know Jesus and for those 'christians' who aren't heart broken for those who don't know Jesus.
How can they expect to do anything if they aren't torn for those who don't know Jesus?
He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He’s the kid with the story no one would believe
He prays every night, “Dear God won’t you please
Could you send someone here who will love me?"
Ever wonder what people are like at home? I mean, those who don't know Jesus.. when their alone, they must feel hopeless, unloved, so un full of Jesus...etc. What do they go through at home? They come to school in smiles and the next day you find out they killed themselves! What would make someones life that bad, that suicide has to be "the" option of escape? I don't understand it.
People NEED to be loved for who they are. Just love them..like Jesus. He cares for them just as he cares for you.
Her office is shrinking a little each day
She’s the woman whose husband has run away
She’ll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would’ve stayed
And she says…
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means
People try to do things in order to make themselves "better" in some way, but they just don't seem satisfied with the results. IF anyone truly loves you, they don't want you to change anything. They love you for you. God loves us not for who we are but for who He is. God has a CRAZY love for all of us..
"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that forwhoever belives in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"...I have come so you may have life and have it to the very fullest." John 10:10
He’s waiting to die as he sits all alone
He’s a man in a cell who regrets what he’s done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
“Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home”
Wow, in Self Development, Mrs. Hiatt said something about the class getting to a prison and talk to the inmates, I hope we can go. I'd love to share Jesus with them and then give them a Bible and tell them to read John. Pray that we get to go!! and pray Collosians 4:4-6
Oh and, tomorrow, during lunch, we're gonna have our first campus ministry "meeting"... its not a meeting, we're just going to exchange stories, pray and share ideas... and talk about THE cause. I printed 20 out for the other people... even though there aren't even 20... there's only like 7 or 8. pray more will join with us in turning staley high upside down for Jesus. Pray Collosians 4:4-6 ;)
P.S Jesus makes me smile! ;) so true... so chessy though. I have a shirt that says that. I got it at a Youth Convention in Branson, Missouri October 0f '08. He did make me smile and cry that weekend!!
Hillsong United was totally shreddin' the gnar on the Youth Convention in October. I think it'd be so cool if they were at a D2S conference before I graduate! It was during HU leading worship, that I fully gave my life to Jesus. ;) That feeling of being ALIVE for the very first time, leaves me speechless and amazed.
'For our God is a consuming fire' - Hebrews 12:29
-Katelyn
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Love Them Like Jesus
I get soo irritated with fake people. Mainly those who call themselves "Christian"... I hate how they treat people. Those who surrond us are so desperate for the love of Christ that I don't even understand it. We are called to love others just as we love ourselves.
MATTHEW 22:39 NKJ
39 "And the second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
I know I haven't been the best at loving those who happen to be around me.. and in no way am I going to justify that. It's not ok to not love your neighbor... What if their best friend in the entire world just died, and you say they are a jerk? They might snap at you... not always yelling, but they may cry... Why? I don't know, maybe because they still don't understand what just happened and why it was to them.. Whether their friend died, or the one they love is in the hospital in fatal condition... whatever the case, whatever their situation, Jesus' command is pretty clear. Love your neighbor as yourself. Can't make it any clearer than that.
PHILIPPIANS 2:4 NKJ
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Jesus cares for you, just as He cares for them. Show those around you that you truly care about them and that you love them. It hurts me when people get treated poorly... especially by "Christians".
1 JOHN 3:14 TEV
14 We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death.
1 JOHN 3:18 TEV
18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.
Why don't you love people? You say you love everyone, but your life shows another story. Why in the world would anyone ever want to follow Jesus if your words and actions don't match? They may think that Jesus could very well be like us, having empty promises, leaving hearts broken... etc. Jesus is no where near like that... but we couldn't be farther from just that.
Love them like Jesus. Cut the crap, and get real. No one likes the attitude that fake people have...
If you really love them, you'll watch what you say. Take Ephesians 4:29 seriously. Let others know they are loved. God loves us, not for who we are, but for who He is. I wish people would get to know Him personally for who He is and not for who others think He is. I hate that we judge people and put a label on them and assume it covers their whole personality... did you know it would take over 9 years to read ALL the DNA in one person? One word doesn't define anyone.
My challenge, love them like Jesus. Stop being fake... are you pushing others away from Christ or pushing others towards Him?
1 JOHN 4:7 TEV
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God.
If you really love your neighbor, the first thing you will do is pray for them. As a human you are limited in how you can help your neighbor, but God is unlimited in how He can help. The greatest thing you can do for your neighbor is seriously pray for them.
God can do more for your neighbor in one minute than you could in a lifetime.
ROMANS 13:10 NKJ
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
SHARE JESUS WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE. (NOT JUST FAMILY AND FRIENDS. RANDOM PEOPLE IN LIKE THE GAS STATION..OR WHEREEVER.) ;)
MATTHEW 22:39 NKJ
39 "And the second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
I know I haven't been the best at loving those who happen to be around me.. and in no way am I going to justify that. It's not ok to not love your neighbor... What if their best friend in the entire world just died, and you say they are a jerk? They might snap at you... not always yelling, but they may cry... Why? I don't know, maybe because they still don't understand what just happened and why it was to them.. Whether their friend died, or the one they love is in the hospital in fatal condition... whatever the case, whatever their situation, Jesus' command is pretty clear. Love your neighbor as yourself. Can't make it any clearer than that.
PHILIPPIANS 2:4 NKJ
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Jesus cares for you, just as He cares for them. Show those around you that you truly care about them and that you love them. It hurts me when people get treated poorly... especially by "Christians".
1 JOHN 3:14 TEV
14 We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death.
1 JOHN 3:18 TEV
18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.
Why don't you love people? You say you love everyone, but your life shows another story. Why in the world would anyone ever want to follow Jesus if your words and actions don't match? They may think that Jesus could very well be like us, having empty promises, leaving hearts broken... etc. Jesus is no where near like that... but we couldn't be farther from just that.
Love them like Jesus. Cut the crap, and get real. No one likes the attitude that fake people have...
If you really love them, you'll watch what you say. Take Ephesians 4:29 seriously. Let others know they are loved. God loves us, not for who we are, but for who He is. I wish people would get to know Him personally for who He is and not for who others think He is. I hate that we judge people and put a label on them and assume it covers their whole personality... did you know it would take over 9 years to read ALL the DNA in one person? One word doesn't define anyone.
My challenge, love them like Jesus. Stop being fake... are you pushing others away from Christ or pushing others towards Him?
1 JOHN 4:7 TEV
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God.
If you really love your neighbor, the first thing you will do is pray for them. As a human you are limited in how you can help your neighbor, but God is unlimited in how He can help. The greatest thing you can do for your neighbor is seriously pray for them.
God can do more for your neighbor in one minute than you could in a lifetime.
ROMANS 13:10 NKJ
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
SHARE JESUS WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE. (NOT JUST FAMILY AND FRIENDS. RANDOM PEOPLE IN LIKE THE GAS STATION..OR WHEREEVER.) ;)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I gotta be honest...
I can't do this! I'm trying to start a campus ministry at my high school and from my mom, I get no support. None. notta. nothing. ziltch. el zipo. (spanish? haha) No, seriously, I HATE this! but I also LOVE it.
hate it because, I don't see how I can do this if NO ONE seems to be behind me... :/ I know there are other teenagers who are willing to do this CM with me... but, who stands behind us? Parents? Youth Pastors? Youth Leaders? Other Adults? Where are you guys at? I know there are some, and I thank God for them. What about the verizon guy and the loads of people who tell the guy with the phone that "You're covered"... who's gonna tell us "you're covered"? huh? Will you?
Starting a CM isn't easy, it's hard. I told my mom the other day because I told her I needed to print somethings (okay, under statement of my life.). So she asked why..so I told her it's for a campus ministry I'm trying to start at the high school. What did she say in return? "Oh ok. cool" or something un-supportive along those lines. Not what I need or want to hear. saying 'oh ok. cool.' doesn't tell me you care.
Me and like 10 people are willing to do this. Willing to reach out to the lost, hurting, desperate teens at our high school.... I highly doubt the 'oh ok. cool' saying, will "push" us to go out there and SHRED THE GNAR for Jesus. That saying 'oh ok. cool' SUCKS. never use it again...ever. I mean it!!
Hopefully, we'll get approved and be able to start before January. I get to be the leader of it (awesomeness)!! With me as student leader, we're totally going to the malls (Independence mall and/or the Legends in KCK.) and totally shreddin' the gnar! I'm stoked to the extreme.
I (we teens) NEED people behind us telling us constantly that 'we're covered' and to challenge us and to "push" us like a coach pushes his or her team to go beyond their best on the field or court.
We have a challenge. To reach OUR high school campus with the message and mission of Jesus. Train teens to go and share Jesus...effectivly. Relational && Relentless. In Christ we ARE invincible.
Will you pray for us that we get approved to start a campus ministry? Will you pray the every student, before they graduate, hears about Jesus for who He truly is and not for what people view Him as? Pray for us as we go out the our mission feild and share the greatest ultimate love story ever known to man kind? The love of Christ for everyone. Pray, that I, as a leader of this awesome thing, doesn't loose her mind because she doesn't get support through her family, but that you will support her and tell her 'she's covered'? Pray for EVERY single Christian teenager on their campuses to effectivly share Jesus?! pray that we stay strong in Jesus and never lose heart. Just pray for me will ya? I didn't mention all of the prayer requests, but God knows them all.
hate it because, I don't see how I can do this if NO ONE seems to be behind me... :/ I know there are other teenagers who are willing to do this CM with me... but, who stands behind us? Parents? Youth Pastors? Youth Leaders? Other Adults? Where are you guys at? I know there are some, and I thank God for them. What about the verizon guy and the loads of people who tell the guy with the phone that "You're covered"... who's gonna tell us "you're covered"? huh? Will you?
Starting a CM isn't easy, it's hard. I told my mom the other day because I told her I needed to print somethings (okay, under statement of my life.). So she asked why..so I told her it's for a campus ministry I'm trying to start at the high school. What did she say in return? "Oh ok. cool" or something un-supportive along those lines. Not what I need or want to hear. saying 'oh ok. cool.' doesn't tell me you care.
Me and like 10 people are willing to do this. Willing to reach out to the lost, hurting, desperate teens at our high school.... I highly doubt the 'oh ok. cool' saying, will "push" us to go out there and SHRED THE GNAR for Jesus. That saying 'oh ok. cool' SUCKS. never use it again...ever. I mean it!!
Hopefully, we'll get approved and be able to start before January. I get to be the leader of it (awesomeness)!! With me as student leader, we're totally going to the malls (Independence mall and/or the Legends in KCK.) and totally shreddin' the gnar! I'm stoked to the extreme.
I (we teens) NEED people behind us telling us constantly that 'we're covered' and to challenge us and to "push" us like a coach pushes his or her team to go beyond their best on the field or court.
We have a challenge. To reach OUR high school campus with the message and mission of Jesus. Train teens to go and share Jesus...effectivly. Relational && Relentless. In Christ we ARE invincible.
Will you pray for us that we get approved to start a campus ministry? Will you pray the every student, before they graduate, hears about Jesus for who He truly is and not for what people view Him as? Pray for us as we go out the our mission feild and share the greatest ultimate love story ever known to man kind? The love of Christ for everyone. Pray, that I, as a leader of this awesome thing, doesn't loose her mind because she doesn't get support through her family, but that you will support her and tell her 'she's covered'? Pray for EVERY single Christian teenager on their campuses to effectivly share Jesus?! pray that we stay strong in Jesus and never lose heart. Just pray for me will ya? I didn't mention all of the prayer requests, but God knows them all.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
How do YOU spend your time?
How did it make you feel when it got to the average christian? No seriously, the God of the universe, from the average Christian, only gets LESS than ten minutes!? C'MON! If you truly did love Him, like you love your best friend, you're not going to want to spend less than ten minutes with them, are you? If you truly do desire to know God, the best proven way to get to know someone is when YOU spend TIME WITH THEM!! You're never gonna get to know someone if you don't. It's true. So, what's it gonna be? are you gonna sit here and read this blog or go read your bible? THE BIBLE IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!! I LOVE IT!
We spend SOOO much time doing crap that won't mean a thing at the end of the day, the week, the month, the year....why not spend time with God right now? No, seriously. My blog doesn't mean anything... I just want everyone to know God for who He is and not for what people assume He is.
GOD IS THE BESTEST!! (Not sure if 'bestest' is an "offical" word, but I used it. get over it!) You can't forget another important powerful thing, PRAYER! *love it!* :)
Now, why do I want you to read your Bible?
1. It's THE coolest book!
2. God IS epically awesome to THE extreme!
3. It's a book that I will still be reading by the time I die and see Jesus! *YAY!*
4. Grow in your relationship with JESUS!
5. Nice, peaceful time with the God who created everything
7. cus it's awesome!
(I'm well aware there is no number 6 up there. why? cus that number sucks!)
now, you can comment. but you've gotta read the Bible. and Pray. :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I Don't Understand.
God gets treated like crap day in and day out. He gets called some pretty horrible names. Some people don't believe he exists yet they accuse him of the choas in their life. I don't understand how God gets treated like this 24-7 365 can still have a crazy, radical, relentless love for us. I hate how we give the typical response. Go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss... it's annoying. This is God we're talking about here. and that's what we do?
God has a radical, crazy love for us and that's how we respond? If I were God, I'd feel taken for granted and hurt. Yet he chooses to show us some crazy love. He lets us wake up, live, breath, talk, sing, hear, speak, see, walk, etc. And that's how we respond?! C'MON! Get real. I'm quite irritated by this...
if we really, truly love Him our responce should be CRAZY!!
I'm sick 'n tired of fake people. espically when it comes to Christians... we are to share the love and the hope that we have in Christ with gentleness and respect. As I have said before, people who are stuck in lukewarm christianity aren't Christians and in fact, if they didn't believe in God, their life wouldn't look all that different.
I don't think I can stress it enough with you, that you have got to get real. There is no such thing as 'lukewarm christianity'. The Word of God won't allow there to be room for it. See what Jesus says in Revelation 3:15-16:
15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
See? I wasn't lying. It hurts me to know that there are people out there who say they are christians and yet deny Christ with their lives. Jesus clearly said that if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father in heaven. (John 10:32-33)
I'm irritated. hurt. and whatever else there is to feel. Irritated because they are claiming to be christians and not acting like the know Jesus personally. Hurt because of the same reason.
The same God who created us to be with Him, the same God who died for us so we can live life to the fullest. (john 10:10) the same God who loves us when we don't love back. This same God is treated like crap daily and would still die so you can live. This isn't how is supposed to be. God loves you and we know that... it just doesn't click with us just yet.
The whole concept of God loving me didn't click for me until October 16-17 2008 in Branson, Missouri at some youth convention. It was while Hillsong United was on stage. It was extremely amazing. That's why I still have my braclet on from then on my right arm. Its gray and says 'Extraordinary'.
Stop going through the motions of life and live for Jesus!
God has a radical, crazy love for us and that's how we respond? If I were God, I'd feel taken for granted and hurt. Yet he chooses to show us some crazy love. He lets us wake up, live, breath, talk, sing, hear, speak, see, walk, etc. And that's how we respond?! C'MON! Get real. I'm quite irritated by this...
if we really, truly love Him our responce should be CRAZY!!
I'm sick 'n tired of fake people. espically when it comes to Christians... we are to share the love and the hope that we have in Christ with gentleness and respect. As I have said before, people who are stuck in lukewarm christianity aren't Christians and in fact, if they didn't believe in God, their life wouldn't look all that different.
I don't think I can stress it enough with you, that you have got to get real. There is no such thing as 'lukewarm christianity'. The Word of God won't allow there to be room for it. See what Jesus says in Revelation 3:15-16:
15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
See? I wasn't lying. It hurts me to know that there are people out there who say they are christians and yet deny Christ with their lives. Jesus clearly said that if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father in heaven. (John 10:32-33)
I'm irritated. hurt. and whatever else there is to feel. Irritated because they are claiming to be christians and not acting like the know Jesus personally. Hurt because of the same reason.
The same God who created us to be with Him, the same God who died for us so we can live life to the fullest. (john 10:10) the same God who loves us when we don't love back. This same God is treated like crap daily and would still die so you can live. This isn't how is supposed to be. God loves you and we know that... it just doesn't click with us just yet.
The whole concept of God loving me didn't click for me until October 16-17 2008 in Branson, Missouri at some youth convention. It was while Hillsong United was on stage. It was extremely amazing. That's why I still have my braclet on from then on my right arm. Its gray and says 'Extraordinary'.
Stop going through the motions of life and live for Jesus!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Lukewarm Christianity
Alright, let me put it this way, I can't stand fake people. I get pretty frustrated with people who refuse to take the words of Jesus seriously and don't even act like they're christians. (all talk. no action) Well, when it comes down to it, they are not christians. In fact, their life wouldn't look too much different if they didn't believe in God.
In the bible, there is no room for lukewarm christianity...look at what Jesus says in Revelation 3:15-16
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
ouch.
Have you ever drank coffee or something that was intended to be hot and you foget you've placed it on the counter. You come back a few hours later to find your drink at room temperture.. You drink it and spit it out. it's nasty... I say that we need to have a passion for Jesus that refuses to go to room (a.k.a world) temperature.
When I said world, I ment that you conform to the patterns of this world when you basically "sit" there and do nothing for God and are in comfortable with it.
Jesus, in Romans 12:2 says;
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
****i will try and finish this tomorrow after school. I gotta go to bed.****
In the bible, there is no room for lukewarm christianity...look at what Jesus says in Revelation 3:15-16
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
ouch.
Have you ever drank coffee or something that was intended to be hot and you foget you've placed it on the counter. You come back a few hours later to find your drink at room temperture.. You drink it and spit it out. it's nasty... I say that we need to have a passion for Jesus that refuses to go to room (a.k.a world) temperature.
When I said world, I ment that you conform to the patterns of this world when you basically "sit" there and do nothing for God and are in comfortable with it.
Jesus, in Romans 12:2 says;
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
****i will try and finish this tomorrow after school. I gotta go to bed.****
Monday, November 2, 2009
What Do You Do When....
- Your best friend is pregnant and if her biological dad finds out, he'll kill her and you are scared of losing your best friend?
- Your parents are divorced and it hurts like heck and your mom is obviously missing the entire picture that you HATE it? (see thinks I'm perfectly fine with divorced parents. What?!)
- Your mom is of NOOO support? (spirtually, in school, etc)
- No one'll listen? Alright, so I know that answer. You go to Jesus.
- bordom seems like it'll kill you?
- You want so bad to tell your mom the truth and open her eyes to her teenage daughter but you know you'll go completely shut down the moment she opens her mouth about it and you leave and go to your room or go for a nice walk?
- You want someone to be 'the voice' for you? Someone who'll get behind that 'wall' and actually get somewhere, deeper?
- You close your eyes hoping reality will change and NOTHING happens?
I'm a teenager who has alot of questions. Not sure if that was all of them but it seems pretty close. This is driving me crazy!! )': it hurts sooo much.
- Your parents are divorced and it hurts like heck and your mom is obviously missing the entire picture that you HATE it? (see thinks I'm perfectly fine with divorced parents. What?!)
- Your mom is of NOOO support? (spirtually, in school, etc)
- No one'll listen? Alright, so I know that answer. You go to Jesus.
- bordom seems like it'll kill you?
- You want so bad to tell your mom the truth and open her eyes to her teenage daughter but you know you'll go completely shut down the moment she opens her mouth about it and you leave and go to your room or go for a nice walk?
- You want someone to be 'the voice' for you? Someone who'll get behind that 'wall' and actually get somewhere, deeper?
- You close your eyes hoping reality will change and NOTHING happens?
I'm a teenager who has alot of questions. Not sure if that was all of them but it seems pretty close. This is driving me crazy!! )': it hurts sooo much.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Who Even Reads These Anyways?
No, seriously, who reads any of my blogs? I mean, it's just some teenager venting practically her life out there. To who? I don't know. Why do I even bother? I feel like I'm wasting time. Why do I even do any of this? Is it because of my divorced parents? probably. Is it because of broken relationships with my parents/ practically entire family? probably. Either way, Why am I doing any of this?
I have had ENOUGH with life for awile. No, I'm not suicidil or however the heck ya spell it!! I have had enough with it already. I'm sick 'n tired of public high school. I hate having divorced parents. I'm starting to get bored with Kansas City. I'm scared for my best friend....she's prego and if her biological dad finds out, he will kill her. I hate homework. I want to be homeschooled (online). I want to start a campus ministry but I'm too worried about too much other crap to bother with getting one started. Oh and I'm a daddas' girl livin with mom in Kansas City...
To be honest, I don't even know if I want to even try to get a CM started at my high school... I just don't know anymore. when is enough finally enough? I just wish I could close my eyes and everything would be the way God wants it to be... )':
People (mainly mom) have been SOO oblivious to me that they don't even seem to care. That might have came across wrong... but, what I mean is, well, I don't really know..
Who is even going to read this? I don't think this'll matter to anyone.
I can't really concentrate on/at school because of the things I listed above. How am I supposed to concentrate when I get to school, I'm still the same person.... home situations effect school. I'd like to think teachers knew this and acknowledged it if they did.
I feel like I wasted my time typing that. I'm hurting. bad. Does anyone hear me? :'/ I don't know what to do/ who to go to...what to say....etc. I don't know. anymore. I'm tired and empty. This life is relentless..
Please, tell me why I even bother writing. anything.
online high school? what the heck am I thinking? Who am I fooling? oh yeah, me. great. another thing that'll get flushed down the toilet of 'things NEVER to happen that you always get your hopes up for.' I've been crushed before...
Why? just why?
I don't know...anymore. Why do believe EVERYTHING we read in the newspapers, the magazines, on the internet and yet we question the word of God? )': please pray for me. I don't know what I'm gonna do anymore...
for our "God is a consuming fire." -Hebrews 12:29
I can't quit.
I have had ENOUGH with life for awile. No, I'm not suicidil or however the heck ya spell it!! I have had enough with it already. I'm sick 'n tired of public high school. I hate having divorced parents. I'm starting to get bored with Kansas City. I'm scared for my best friend....she's prego and if her biological dad finds out, he will kill her. I hate homework. I want to be homeschooled (online). I want to start a campus ministry but I'm too worried about too much other crap to bother with getting one started. Oh and I'm a daddas' girl livin with mom in Kansas City...
To be honest, I don't even know if I want to even try to get a CM started at my high school... I just don't know anymore. when is enough finally enough? I just wish I could close my eyes and everything would be the way God wants it to be... )':
People (mainly mom) have been SOO oblivious to me that they don't even seem to care. That might have came across wrong... but, what I mean is, well, I don't really know..
Who is even going to read this? I don't think this'll matter to anyone.
I can't really concentrate on/at school because of the things I listed above. How am I supposed to concentrate when I get to school, I'm still the same person.... home situations effect school. I'd like to think teachers knew this and acknowledged it if they did.
I feel like I wasted my time typing that. I'm hurting. bad. Does anyone hear me? :'/ I don't know what to do/ who to go to...what to say....etc. I don't know. anymore. I'm tired and empty. This life is relentless..
Please, tell me why I even bother writing. anything.
online high school? what the heck am I thinking? Who am I fooling? oh yeah, me. great. another thing that'll get flushed down the toilet of 'things NEVER to happen that you always get your hopes up for.' I've been crushed before...
Why? just why?
I don't know...anymore. Why do believe EVERYTHING we read in the newspapers, the magazines, on the internet and yet we question the word of God? )': please pray for me. I don't know what I'm gonna do anymore...
for our "God is a consuming fire." -Hebrews 12:29
I can't quit.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Dadda's Girl? Still?
Alright, believe it or not, I am still a dadda's girl. Who said being a dadda's girl was easy when your dad isn't even really there?
I live my mom in Missouri... My dad lives in Kansas. (Yea, they're divorced.)
this post isn't really like the others. But, it is still me doing what I do when I don't have anyone to vent to. It helps me alot and has helped me for a long time. I love writing. It doesn't matter what you put, the piece of paper "listened" to me and didn't judge me... I don't really know.
What I do know is that I need my dad.... ): I could see my dad being more a support than ma is. No offence. but, seriously.
(go to youtube.com and search No One Else Knows - building429)
I live my mom in Missouri... My dad lives in Kansas. (Yea, they're divorced.)
this post isn't really like the others. But, it is still me doing what I do when I don't have anyone to vent to. It helps me alot and has helped me for a long time. I love writing. It doesn't matter what you put, the piece of paper "listened" to me and didn't judge me... I don't really know.
What I do know is that I need my dad.... ): I could see my dad being more a support than ma is. No offence. but, seriously.
(go to youtube.com and search No One Else Knows - building429)
Why Don't You Share Jesus?
I can't help but to remember the one time after bible study when we went out on an outreach thing. It was pretty cool. Conversations may not have lasted long. And, well, if they would have, I would have jumped on board and started really talking to these random people. I get irritated and I am also really hurt by the fact that some christians seem to be convinced that Jesus didn't really say to go into the world and preach the message of the gospel. But he did and I'll prove it.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15
Those are the only two that I could find. But, Jesus makes it pretty clear, doesn't he? It's the great commission not the good suggestion.
I remember on that friday night, I asked my mom a question that went something like this: "Aren't you gonna go and talk to anyone?" she said "no" so I asked "why?" she said "cus I don't like talking to people." alright, so I'm a tad irritated and yet hurt. Irritated because Jesus gave us THE Cause. "go and make disciples..." If Jesus gave us a choice, I don't if we'd really do it. We need to take Him and the Bible seriously.
The world needs Jesus. We know that. so why aren't we doing anything to advance THE Cause? Are you bringing Christ up in your day to day conversations? Are you showing the love of Christ that people are in desperate need of? Do you really love Jesus or just His stuff?
Let me ask you this - If you could have heaven, with no pain, no sickness, all the friends you've ever had, all the activities you've ever enjoyed, all the natural beatuies you've ever seen, all the physical pleasures you've ever tasted, and no human conflict, and no natural disasters, could you be trully satisfied with heaven, if Jesus was not there?
I sure couldn't! Jesus is everything to me. It's Christ plus NOTHING equals everything. (I hope you answered the above question with honesty.)
I was irritated with her because I was questioning wether she was taking the words of Jesus seriously. I was hurt because I don't think she has realized the reality of Hell and that the people she knows and loves can be going there if she doesn't get out there and SHRED THE GNAR for Jesus soon. The way she was acting, was like she has 'forever' to share the gospel. *COUGH* *COUGH* WAKE UP! We are not promised our next breath!
She's probably one of those people who are like "well, I don't want to offend them with the gospel." Give me a break! You can't be serious! If they were in the hospital dying of cancer and you had the cure, saying something like "well, I don't want to offend them. If they need help they'll come to me." C'mon! You have the cure, you're gonna tell them "take this so you can live." Why aren't you doing that with Jesus? People need Him so they can truly live. In John 10:10 Jesus says that he has come so we may have life to the fullest. So, give them Jesus and stop acting like that. Hell is real. You're friends aren't dying of cancer, they're dying the worst death ever. It's eternal. There's weeping (crying), wailing (screaming), and gnashing of teeth (grinding of teeth)... sound painful? Imagine listening to that, and you yourself making them, for all eternity?
I don't understand why a God of love would send people there. But, How could a just God not punish sin? He is a just God and a God of love.
---well,got to go. I'll try and finish this later---
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15
Those are the only two that I could find. But, Jesus makes it pretty clear, doesn't he? It's the great commission not the good suggestion.
I remember on that friday night, I asked my mom a question that went something like this: "Aren't you gonna go and talk to anyone?" she said "no" so I asked "why?" she said "cus I don't like talking to people." alright, so I'm a tad irritated and yet hurt. Irritated because Jesus gave us THE Cause. "go and make disciples..." If Jesus gave us a choice, I don't if we'd really do it. We need to take Him and the Bible seriously.
The world needs Jesus. We know that. so why aren't we doing anything to advance THE Cause? Are you bringing Christ up in your day to day conversations? Are you showing the love of Christ that people are in desperate need of? Do you really love Jesus or just His stuff?
Let me ask you this - If you could have heaven, with no pain, no sickness, all the friends you've ever had, all the activities you've ever enjoyed, all the natural beatuies you've ever seen, all the physical pleasures you've ever tasted, and no human conflict, and no natural disasters, could you be trully satisfied with heaven, if Jesus was not there?
I sure couldn't! Jesus is everything to me. It's Christ plus NOTHING equals everything. (I hope you answered the above question with honesty.)
I was irritated with her because I was questioning wether she was taking the words of Jesus seriously. I was hurt because I don't think she has realized the reality of Hell and that the people she knows and loves can be going there if she doesn't get out there and SHRED THE GNAR for Jesus soon. The way she was acting, was like she has 'forever' to share the gospel. *COUGH* *COUGH* WAKE UP! We are not promised our next breath!
She's probably one of those people who are like "well, I don't want to offend them with the gospel." Give me a break! You can't be serious! If they were in the hospital dying of cancer and you had the cure, saying something like "well, I don't want to offend them. If they need help they'll come to me." C'mon! You have the cure, you're gonna tell them "take this so you can live." Why aren't you doing that with Jesus? People need Him so they can truly live. In John 10:10 Jesus says that he has come so we may have life to the fullest. So, give them Jesus and stop acting like that. Hell is real. You're friends aren't dying of cancer, they're dying the worst death ever. It's eternal. There's weeping (crying), wailing (screaming), and gnashing of teeth (grinding of teeth)... sound painful? Imagine listening to that, and you yourself making them, for all eternity?
I don't understand why a God of love would send people there. But, How could a just God not punish sin? He is a just God and a God of love.
---well,got to go. I'll try and finish this later---
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Why Don't They See It?
Don't they see that I'm not happy? Don't they see the pain they have left me with? Isn't it obvious? Is it not in my eyes? Where am I placing this pain? It's all behind my smile. Just look into my eyes and maybe you'll see the pain they have left me with.
The pain of not knowing what to do because you have broken relationships with all of your family...well, it seems like that. I wish I could just close my eyes and the pain would be gone.... forever. Never ever to return.
It hurts. This can't be how it is supposed to be. A teenager who has no parent who seems to act like they REALLY care if you're sharing Jesus or whatever. Why isn't my mom being more a spirtual support for me at home?
Why does it feel like I'm left alone in this? I know that's not true, I know I'm not alone. Something has gotta change....mend this porcelain heart of mine.
Someone said that broken heart would sting at first then make you stronger. I wonder why this pain remains? Where hearts made whole just to brake?
I'm completely SHUT DOWN from my parent. Do they know when to back off?
I've cried while I was writing this... I can't describe the way I feel. I'm irritated yet hurt and confused. I don't know what to do. If I tell them they back off I'll get yelled at.... )':
I really don't know what to do anymore...or, who to go to. I know who I should, but, they've shut me down... alot. )': I feel like this pain is suffecating me. I can't stand it anymore! when will it end? I want to graduate High school and move out of Missouri. Maybe to Colorado? I don't know. But, even then, I'm not so sure if this pain will ever leave... /:
The pain of not knowing what to do because you have broken relationships with all of your family...well, it seems like that. I wish I could just close my eyes and the pain would be gone.... forever. Never ever to return.
It hurts. This can't be how it is supposed to be. A teenager who has no parent who seems to act like they REALLY care if you're sharing Jesus or whatever. Why isn't my mom being more a spirtual support for me at home?
Why does it feel like I'm left alone in this? I know that's not true, I know I'm not alone. Something has gotta change....mend this porcelain heart of mine.
Someone said that broken heart would sting at first then make you stronger. I wonder why this pain remains? Where hearts made whole just to brake?
I'm completely SHUT DOWN from my parent. Do they know when to back off?
I've cried while I was writing this... I can't describe the way I feel. I'm irritated yet hurt and confused. I don't know what to do. If I tell them they back off I'll get yelled at.... )':
I really don't know what to do anymore...or, who to go to. I know who I should, but, they've shut me down... alot. )': I feel like this pain is suffecating me. I can't stand it anymore! when will it end? I want to graduate High school and move out of Missouri. Maybe to Colorado? I don't know. But, even then, I'm not so sure if this pain will ever leave... /:
Thursday, October 22, 2009
God Loves You!
How much have you thought about that? No, seriously. GOD LOVES YOU!
----It's crazy if you think about it. The God of the unniverse-- the creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor-- loves us with a radical, unconditional, relentless, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss.
Whether you've verbalized it yet or not....we all know something is wrong.
Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungary for an authentic faith that adresses the problems of out world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you into a passionate relationship with Him. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same again.
Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.---
(From the back of the book 'Crazy Love; Overwhelmed by a relentless God' by Francis Chan) <--you really need to get his book. for real!
In Branson, Missouri in October 16th-17th of 2008 is when it actually finally clicked with me that the God of the universe LOVES ME! What did I do for Him to love me? Nothing! What does your child have to do for you to love them? When their born, you LOVE them. Why? Because they are YOURS! They shouldn't have to do anything for you to love them. You just love them.
I grew up in church and was told I was a Christian...so I didn't question if I truly was a Christian. I might have said 'I love Jesus' but that talk was really fake til the night of October 16th 2008. There and then while Hillsong United was on stage, I for the first time felt that being a Christian is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Doesn't matter how many times I was told it was a relationship.... I didn't feel that it really was til that one night.
If I told you that life can become more than you could ever imagine today, would you believe me? It's true. Life became REAL. that night in Branson. I felt ALIVE that night for the first time ever. When you truly have Jesus and are in a passionate relationship with Him, you feel alive... because after all, Jesus did come so that you may have life to the very fullest.
and people wonder why I love Hillsong United so much [:
----It's crazy if you think about it. The God of the unniverse-- the creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor-- loves us with a radical, unconditional, relentless, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss.
Whether you've verbalized it yet or not....we all know something is wrong.
Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungary for an authentic faith that adresses the problems of out world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you into a passionate relationship with Him. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same again.
Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.---
(From the back of the book 'Crazy Love; Overwhelmed by a relentless God' by Francis Chan) <--you really need to get his book. for real!
In Branson, Missouri in October 16th-17th of 2008 is when it actually finally clicked with me that the God of the universe LOVES ME! What did I do for Him to love me? Nothing! What does your child have to do for you to love them? When their born, you LOVE them. Why? Because they are YOURS! They shouldn't have to do anything for you to love them. You just love them.
I grew up in church and was told I was a Christian...so I didn't question if I truly was a Christian. I might have said 'I love Jesus' but that talk was really fake til the night of October 16th 2008. There and then while Hillsong United was on stage, I for the first time felt that being a Christian is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Doesn't matter how many times I was told it was a relationship.... I didn't feel that it really was til that one night.
If I told you that life can become more than you could ever imagine today, would you believe me? It's true. Life became REAL. that night in Branson. I felt ALIVE that night for the first time ever. When you truly have Jesus and are in a passionate relationship with Him, you feel alive... because after all, Jesus did come so that you may have life to the very fullest.
and people wonder why I love Hillsong United so much [:
Monday, October 12, 2009
"I Love You"
I can't tell you how many times those three words have been emptied of their meaning. Maybe for some people, they have heard it so many times from people who should be showing that they love them. But, all that those people do is just seem like a house guest instead of an active member of the family. This is not meant to bash or hurt anyone. I'm going to share with you something from my life. note: it's not intended to hurt anyone... I love you guys [:
See, my dad was there but he was never there like a daughter needs her dad to be there for her. I don't know what it's like to have a father in your life. Mine, never went to any of my school music performances when we had them. In elementary I always asked him to come. And? I always got the 'I have to work in the morning' or the 'I'm too tired' excuse. I asked til 5th grade and then I gave up. But, in 8th I asked. Well, no, I had my mom do it for me. Why? I've been rejected so many stinkin' times. I didn't want to look rejection straight in the face again. He was asked two weeks in advance. Guess what the excuse was? Yep. 'I have to work that night.' I think I found that out the night before the performance.
I know he wasn't doing this because he didn't want to go, he was doing it because his dad was never there for him... Let me say this, when he is at work, he is amazing at what he does. He works at Sams Club in the electronic area. His area is always clean and nice and put together.
I remember one (this was only once) time when he CLEANED the HOUSE. and dang, that guy can clean! it looked freakin good!! I remember when he cooked too, that was really good. I bet I can tell you why he's never done them again. He doesn't get the encouragement that he needs to build up that self-esteem. Don't get me wrong here, I do love him alot and he still needs to know and to feel the overwhelming love, joy, peace, hope that only comes through Christ Jesus.
I start to hurt when people talk about how awesome their dad is and how they spend so much time together or whatever. I wish me and my dad were like that. Will it ever change? Will I ever have the earthly father in my life that I need? I need answers! Now! I believe it can change, but, I have to work at building a relationship with my dad. fast.
I never have liked fathers day. I bet you can guess why too. Well, I'd like it alot better if me and my dad actually did father-daughter stuff. I guess it hurts me and I get upset and irritated with the ones that I love because I want things to be different. This isn't how it was meant to be. is it?
I can't recall how many times I have heard those words 'I Love You' and felt like they had no meaning. The only time I felt that those words had meaning was in Branson,Missouri at a youth convention and it finally clicked with me that the God that created everything has a relentless love for me. I often find myself wondering what do those words even mean anymore? What does it mean to truly love someone? Do you give your life for them so they can live? That's what Jesus did for us. I know he loves us because he proved to us what true love is on the cross.
Romans 5:8 says;
"God demonstrated His own LOVE for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
That is the greatest love story ever told. God loves us and proved that to us on the cross.
Often times I find myself placing the "love" I've felt or haven't felt, on God. Like the love I didn't get from my dad I'd place that on God and assume that's how He must feel too. I know that's not true. God's love is crazy, self-sacrificing, radical, and relentless.
If you're fatherless like me, you know how I feel. I know alot of teen girls, maybe guys i don't know, have felt so empty and haven't gotten the love they deserve from their dad at home have gone out and look for that love. They won't find it. It's a love that only a father can give their child. Kids need that love and structure and family time in their lives.
I didn't have that love, structure or family time. If it was there, it was obviously not very strong. I wasn't raised in a family that ate together, I wasn't taught to have table manners and my grandparents have yelled at me for not doing something right at the table. HELLO? I wasn't raised with any, out off all people they should know this.
I don't feel the pressure to date either. It never comes to mind. it's another distraction. I'm perfectly fine single. I'd rather improve my relationship with Jesus before I have a boyfriend. I have high expectations for them too. Which is good. I'm picky about who I'll allow myself to date. Sorry guys, this girl isn't dating any time soon!! I love my Jesus and my family and friends.
I'm awed by God's love for me.
PSALM 68:5
"....Father to the fatherless...."
Continued read: No One Else Knows (just scroll down and you'll find it. eventually)
See, my dad was there but he was never there like a daughter needs her dad to be there for her. I don't know what it's like to have a father in your life. Mine, never went to any of my school music performances when we had them. In elementary I always asked him to come. And? I always got the 'I have to work in the morning' or the 'I'm too tired' excuse. I asked til 5th grade and then I gave up. But, in 8th I asked. Well, no, I had my mom do it for me. Why? I've been rejected so many stinkin' times. I didn't want to look rejection straight in the face again. He was asked two weeks in advance. Guess what the excuse was? Yep. 'I have to work that night.' I think I found that out the night before the performance.
I know he wasn't doing this because he didn't want to go, he was doing it because his dad was never there for him... Let me say this, when he is at work, he is amazing at what he does. He works at Sams Club in the electronic area. His area is always clean and nice and put together.
I remember one (this was only once) time when he CLEANED the HOUSE. and dang, that guy can clean! it looked freakin good!! I remember when he cooked too, that was really good. I bet I can tell you why he's never done them again. He doesn't get the encouragement that he needs to build up that self-esteem. Don't get me wrong here, I do love him alot and he still needs to know and to feel the overwhelming love, joy, peace, hope that only comes through Christ Jesus.
I start to hurt when people talk about how awesome their dad is and how they spend so much time together or whatever. I wish me and my dad were like that. Will it ever change? Will I ever have the earthly father in my life that I need? I need answers! Now! I believe it can change, but, I have to work at building a relationship with my dad. fast.
I never have liked fathers day. I bet you can guess why too. Well, I'd like it alot better if me and my dad actually did father-daughter stuff. I guess it hurts me and I get upset and irritated with the ones that I love because I want things to be different. This isn't how it was meant to be. is it?
I can't recall how many times I have heard those words 'I Love You' and felt like they had no meaning. The only time I felt that those words had meaning was in Branson,Missouri at a youth convention and it finally clicked with me that the God that created everything has a relentless love for me. I often find myself wondering what do those words even mean anymore? What does it mean to truly love someone? Do you give your life for them so they can live? That's what Jesus did for us. I know he loves us because he proved to us what true love is on the cross.
Romans 5:8 says;
"God demonstrated His own LOVE for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
That is the greatest love story ever told. God loves us and proved that to us on the cross.
Often times I find myself placing the "love" I've felt or haven't felt, on God. Like the love I didn't get from my dad I'd place that on God and assume that's how He must feel too. I know that's not true. God's love is crazy, self-sacrificing, radical, and relentless.
If you're fatherless like me, you know how I feel. I know alot of teen girls, maybe guys i don't know, have felt so empty and haven't gotten the love they deserve from their dad at home have gone out and look for that love. They won't find it. It's a love that only a father can give their child. Kids need that love and structure and family time in their lives.
I didn't have that love, structure or family time. If it was there, it was obviously not very strong. I wasn't raised in a family that ate together, I wasn't taught to have table manners and my grandparents have yelled at me for not doing something right at the table. HELLO? I wasn't raised with any, out off all people they should know this.
I don't feel the pressure to date either. It never comes to mind. it's another distraction. I'm perfectly fine single. I'd rather improve my relationship with Jesus before I have a boyfriend. I have high expectations for them too. Which is good. I'm picky about who I'll allow myself to date. Sorry guys, this girl isn't dating any time soon!! I love my Jesus and my family and friends.
I'm awed by God's love for me.
PSALM 68:5
"....Father to the fatherless...."
Continued read: No One Else Knows (just scroll down and you'll find it. eventually)
Monday, October 5, 2009
My Jesus!
I get irritated with myself when I don't bring God up in the conversation with the person that I'm talking to. I have no idea why don't I just do it? I know that's the case. Just do it and let God handle the rest. I know these people need hope, love, joy, peace...etc that only comes from the gospel.
Today, earlier on the bus, I realized that I wasn't showing them the love of Christ the way that I should be doing. I know I hurt for them, but why am I not doing anything? Why am I acting like them?
It's cold outside
Or is that just the chill I feel inside from standing here
Steeping in my shame
I can't deny
I'm surrounded by the very thing You freed me from
That's why I can't come home
Chorus:
I don't know where I turned around
From chasing what I always found completed me
More than I could dream
I don't know why I can't remain
Safe here where I always came to meet with you
And You always met with me
And You're still here waiting
I fail to see
Why You'd still be waiting to forgive me
After all that I have done
But I cannot say
That one time I returned and You had turned away
Your love never fails
(My Jesus - Todd Agnew)
I read something in this book called 'Living For Jesus Beyond The Spiritual High' by Greg Speck. In one of the chapters, this is what it said: (It's quite convicting for me now)
----BOOK SOURCE: Living For Jesus: Beyond The Spiritual High by Greg Speck----
"11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
Not only does your friend's begin anew, but he or she also can look forward to eternal life in heaven.
Why don't you tell your friends about Jesus?
"I don't want to offend them. Who am I to shove the gospel down their throats? If they want answers they'll come to me. They know what they are doing."
Give me a break! If you're friends were dying of cancer and you had the cure, would you say, "I don't want to offend them. Who am I to push a cure down their throats? If they want answers, they'll come to me? They must like dying!" That would be stupid. You would say, "Do this, and you can live."
Actually your friends are dying a much worse death than cancer because it's a spiritual death. You have the cure, but you hide it because you think it's too offensive.
You need to love your friends enough to risk your relationship with them. Say to them, "Even though you hate me, make fun of me, or think I'm a loser, I love you too much to see you go to hell, so I'm going to tell you about Jesus Christ."
Do you love Jesus Christ? You can't love someone and be ashamed of Him at the same time.
Imagine being out with someone you love very much. They pick you up, and while you're in the car together, they tell you how much they love you. But you pull up to a stoplight, and they see some of their friends on the corner.
To you: Get down, quick. Get your head under the dash.
To friends: Hi. No one else in the car. Just me.
To you: Stay down. They might see you. No, don't look up.
To friends: What's that hair? Oh, Uh, it's my dog. (They pet the back of your head.) Yeah! It's my dog.
The light changes, they drive off, and then say to you, "I love you so much."
You would say, "You don't love me at all." Why not? Because you can't love someone and be ashamed of them at the same time. We'd be insulted if anyone treated us like that, but that's exactly how we treat God sometimes.
At church, retreats, camps and conferences we tell God how much we love Him, but when we get to school we want Him as far away as possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be honest, when I first read that, It was quite convicting. I don't about you, but I don't want to treat God like that anymore ever. If we'd feel insulted if someone did that to us, imagine how God must feel when we treat Him that way.
I'm even convicted of doing what I added at the end there. Jesus said in Matt 10:32-33 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. NKJV
wow. Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
The key is to publicly confess to others that “Jesus is my Lord and Savior,” and believe that God raised Him from the dead. The Bible says:
Rom 10:9-11: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. NKJV
John 12:42-43 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. NKJV
1 John 4:1-3; 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. NKJV
2 John 7-8; For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. NKJV
On the bus, I was getting frustrated because of these teenagers foul mouths. My facebook status read, "oh my goodness. these foul mouthed teens are driving me crazy. ugh :/ Jesus, help me reach them with the greatest news ever."
I do need help on showing them the love of Christ better than I am. I need the boldness to stand up for Christ and stand firm in my faith. Please, it's not too much to ask of you, please pray for me.
I'm trying to start Youth Alive at my high school and I'm kind of freaking out. Like what in the stinkin world am I getting myself into?! this is crazy. I need the mixture of a lion and a lamb when I share the greatest message ever with this lost world who needs Jesus. I need His help in making me more like Him.
Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand (Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns)
Being one of the new kids at my high school I have some what made "friends"... I need to share Jesus with these people. Like what Matt said to me the other day about we never know that this day could very well be our last day. Some one could die and go to hell because I didn't share Jesus with them. It's a scary thought, but, sadly true. I mean what if it really was my last shot to share Jesus with them...and what if that conversation changed their eternal destiny?
the school campus grounds is one heck of a mission field. But, I'm willing to SHRED THE GNAR and go all out for Jesus and stop at nothing.
Til the WHOLE world hears [: THE Cause is my goal!!
Today, earlier on the bus, I realized that I wasn't showing them the love of Christ the way that I should be doing. I know I hurt for them, but why am I not doing anything? Why am I acting like them?
It's cold outside
Or is that just the chill I feel inside from standing here
Steeping in my shame
I can't deny
I'm surrounded by the very thing You freed me from
That's why I can't come home
Chorus:
I don't know where I turned around
From chasing what I always found completed me
More than I could dream
I don't know why I can't remain
Safe here where I always came to meet with you
And You always met with me
And You're still here waiting
I fail to see
Why You'd still be waiting to forgive me
After all that I have done
But I cannot say
That one time I returned and You had turned away
Your love never fails
(My Jesus - Todd Agnew)
I read something in this book called 'Living For Jesus Beyond The Spiritual High' by Greg Speck. In one of the chapters, this is what it said: (It's quite convicting for me now)
----BOOK SOURCE: Living For Jesus: Beyond The Spiritual High by Greg Speck----
"11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
Not only does your friend's begin anew, but he or she also can look forward to eternal life in heaven.
Why don't you tell your friends about Jesus?
"I don't want to offend them. Who am I to shove the gospel down their throats? If they want answers they'll come to me. They know what they are doing."
Give me a break! If you're friends were dying of cancer and you had the cure, would you say, "I don't want to offend them. Who am I to push a cure down their throats? If they want answers, they'll come to me? They must like dying!" That would be stupid. You would say, "Do this, and you can live."
Actually your friends are dying a much worse death than cancer because it's a spiritual death. You have the cure, but you hide it because you think it's too offensive.
You need to love your friends enough to risk your relationship with them. Say to them, "Even though you hate me, make fun of me, or think I'm a loser, I love you too much to see you go to hell, so I'm going to tell you about Jesus Christ."
Do you love Jesus Christ? You can't love someone and be ashamed of Him at the same time.
Imagine being out with someone you love very much. They pick you up, and while you're in the car together, they tell you how much they love you. But you pull up to a stoplight, and they see some of their friends on the corner.
To you: Get down, quick. Get your head under the dash.
To friends: Hi. No one else in the car. Just me.
To you: Stay down. They might see you. No, don't look up.
To friends: What's that hair? Oh, Uh, it's my dog. (They pet the back of your head.) Yeah! It's my dog.
The light changes, they drive off, and then say to you, "I love you so much."
You would say, "You don't love me at all." Why not? Because you can't love someone and be ashamed of them at the same time. We'd be insulted if anyone treated us like that, but that's exactly how we treat God sometimes.
At church, retreats, camps and conferences we tell God how much we love Him, but when we get to school we want Him as far away as possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be honest, when I first read that, It was quite convicting. I don't about you, but I don't want to treat God like that anymore ever. If we'd feel insulted if someone did that to us, imagine how God must feel when we treat Him that way.
I'm even convicted of doing what I added at the end there. Jesus said in Matt 10:32-33 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. NKJV
wow. Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
The key is to publicly confess to others that “Jesus is my Lord and Savior,” and believe that God raised Him from the dead. The Bible says:
Rom 10:9-11: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. NKJV
John 12:42-43 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. NKJV
1 John 4:1-3; 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. NKJV
2 John 7-8; For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. NKJV
On the bus, I was getting frustrated because of these teenagers foul mouths. My facebook status read, "oh my goodness. these foul mouthed teens are driving me crazy. ugh :/ Jesus, help me reach them with the greatest news ever."
I do need help on showing them the love of Christ better than I am. I need the boldness to stand up for Christ and stand firm in my faith. Please, it's not too much to ask of you, please pray for me.
I'm trying to start Youth Alive at my high school and I'm kind of freaking out. Like what in the stinkin world am I getting myself into?! this is crazy. I need the mixture of a lion and a lamb when I share the greatest message ever with this lost world who needs Jesus. I need His help in making me more like Him.
Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand (Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns)
Being one of the new kids at my high school I have some what made "friends"... I need to share Jesus with these people. Like what Matt said to me the other day about we never know that this day could very well be our last day. Some one could die and go to hell because I didn't share Jesus with them. It's a scary thought, but, sadly true. I mean what if it really was my last shot to share Jesus with them...and what if that conversation changed their eternal destiny?
the school campus grounds is one heck of a mission field. But, I'm willing to SHRED THE GNAR and go all out for Jesus and stop at nothing.
Til the WHOLE world hears [: THE Cause is my goal!!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"It's Your Life" by Francesca Battistelli
I'd say that once you tell people that you're a Christian, they watch you like CRAZY. They know how a Christian is supposed to act... So, I'm sick 'n tired of phony Christians. They are conforming to the patterns of this world. And in Romans 12:2 it says:
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
At church on wednesday night, some of the 'christians' were cussing... not how a Christian should be acting at all. This world doesn't need cold-hearted Christians. The world needs warm-hearted Christians who will share the gospel with their friends, strangers, etc. and show them the love of Christ.
12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:12-13)
I don't know why no one's is correcting these people and getting them back on the right path.
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load. Galations 6
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Rebellious?
Why, when we hear the word 'rebellious' we think of someone whose doing drugs, drinking, rebelling against authority etc?
Here's my question, is that really rebellion? How's it rebellion if everyone seems to be doing it?
If you do do drugs, drink, disobey etc are you not a rebel but a conformist?
Doing those things that's called sin...
Ya know Jesus was a rebel. Christ rebelled by shunning the culture. He ate with sinners. Talked with a Samaritan woman (John 4)
I know in our day, rebel means sinner. But everyone is sinning so it's no longer rebellious to sin. Jesus was a rebel who was counter culture. So, if you're following what this world is doing, you're not a 'rebel' but instead you're a conformist.
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... (Romans 12:2)
What does that mean anyway?
It means stop doing what this world says what you 'should' be doing, because, supposedly, that's what 'everyone' is doing. Stop acting like the world and start acting Christ-like.
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
How exactly does doing drugs, drinking, disobeying etc make you not a rebel but a conformist? It makes you a conformist because those are sins...and everyone is carrying on Adam and Eve's sinful legacy...
The only thing that falls under the worlds deffinition of rebellion, is when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden... think about it.
If you want to be a rebel, read your bible. 'cause no one seems to be doing that.
Here's my question, is that really rebellion? How's it rebellion if everyone seems to be doing it?
If you do do drugs, drink, disobey etc are you not a rebel but a conformist?
Doing those things that's called sin...
Ya know Jesus was a rebel. Christ rebelled by shunning the culture. He ate with sinners. Talked with a Samaritan woman (John 4)
I know in our day, rebel means sinner. But everyone is sinning so it's no longer rebellious to sin. Jesus was a rebel who was counter culture. So, if you're following what this world is doing, you're not a 'rebel' but instead you're a conformist.
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... (Romans 12:2)
What does that mean anyway?
It means stop doing what this world says what you 'should' be doing, because, supposedly, that's what 'everyone' is doing. Stop acting like the world and start acting Christ-like.
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
How exactly does doing drugs, drinking, disobeying etc make you not a rebel but a conformist? It makes you a conformist because those are sins...and everyone is carrying on Adam and Eve's sinful legacy...
The only thing that falls under the worlds deffinition of rebellion, is when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden... think about it.
If you want to be a rebel, read your bible. 'cause no one seems to be doing that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)