Tuesday, December 6, 2011

No Longer a Slumdog -To have Compassion


Sorry I haven't posted in a while!

I have been reading the most amazing book. It's titled "No Longer a Slumdog" and it's by K.P. Yohannan. The title comes from a term used to describe those in the slums of the lowest caste in India. It has been so encouraging and challenging to me. 
If you know me, you will know that I want to be a missionary and do exactly what this book describes. I want to help people. I want to do as Jesus did and "touch the untouchable". I want His love to shine through me onto others. 
As I was reading this book, I just started weeping, it's that powerful. In fact, I'm crying again I as I write this post. "No Longer a Slumdog" is filled with stories of children whose lives have been drastically changed because of the gospel. It tells of these centers in India they created, called Bridge of Hope. These centers provide education and provisions for the poorest of poor. 
One of the things that struck me most is their complete poverty. Compared to most in the U.S. I have never had much, or so I thought. My family has always had extreme money problems. But as I read about these children, how most have no clothes only rags. I was struck by how much I truly have. How many clothes are in my closet? How much food do I have available to me ALL the time? While children in India barely eat one meal a day. I weep because I wish they did not have to go through such difficult circumstances. I wish America would not be so greedy but generous. If we could just give $5, $10 a month it would make such a huge difference. And what is $5? A meal at McDonalds? A piece of clothing we don't need? 
Anyways, this weekend I was at ABWE headquarters for a weekend Student Missions Forum. It was such an amazing experience. My eyes were truly opened. I wish I could just leave today to go the mission field! Yet, I am already in my mission field. Every born again Christian is, whether we like it or not. Jesus gave everyone the call to spread the gospel and His love. 
Another thing we focused on at the Forum was the fact that nothing is wasted with God. No experience, gift, or prayer is wasted by Him, nothing is an accident. That really stuck with me. Life has been hard at times and I have wondered why in the world God allowed things to come into my life. It is so reassuring to know that God will use everything if I let Him. 
Nothing is wasted with God

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Need and the Challenge


Today in my World Evangelism class  (basically a world religions class) we heard from a nun. She came to our class and told us about her life and her beliefs. I was so challenged by her. She was so incredibly dedicated, like the Muslim who prays five times a day. She did the same, she told us she was constantly studying the Scripture and spending time in prayer. I was embarrassed to be honest, even though she didn't know me, I was embarrassed because I felt like she was more to devoted to her religion than I can be at times. (Yes, I am calling Catholicism a different religion than Evangelical Christianity) I want my life to be completely sold out on God but how can I be if I only spend a limited amount of time praying and reading His Word? It really challenged me to realize how much time I waste. How instead of mindlessly searching the internet I could be searching His Word.
Not only did this sweet elderly nun challenge me she also got me stirred up about evangelism. For all her devotion and sincerity, she is not on the right path. She believes that her works are bringing her salvation. She does not believe that Jesus Christ paid it in full on the cross and with His resurrection. I left that room absolutely heart broken to tears because of her state. Every time I spend time with a Catholic I am reminded of how incredibly close it comes to true Christianity. Yet, it is a false religion. Like I said, it teaches that you receive heaven by your own works.
Yet the Bible contradicts that. It says in Ephesians 2:8,9-
8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.


Ultimately, it is not a question of the life we lived and what we did. It is a matter of Jesus' saving blood and salvation only comes through Christ alone. 
Jesus Christ is the only way to God and eternal life with Him in heaven. 
As Jesus Himself says in John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."


So today I was challenged very much. A lot of my relatives are "catholic" (mostly non-practicing). I was just insanely burdened for them and their spiritual state. I pray that God will use me to reach them in some way. I don't want to allow fear to overtake me so that I do not take advantage of the opportunities God gives me. Instead, I want to tell anyone and everyone God allows about Him and His salvation. I pray that for you as well, wherever you are. 

Saturday, October 8, 2011

My Little Faith

It's October, I can't believe it. I don't know where the time goes anymore. It's seems lately that I am being attacked in every area of my life.  It really was starting to get me down; worry was overtaking me and I hated that. I hate worrying because it shows that I am not depending on God and I want to depend on God alone. Yet, worry is one of the things I deal with the most. Another thing I've been struggling this week with is being joyful, even sincerely happy. It's so easy for me to fake a smile and say "I'm good", but I don't want to be an artificial person, I want to be genuine.
I know though, that only being in constant prayer and at peace with God will bring joy. Thus when I worry and do not pray, I take matters into my own hands which only leads to heart ache. I think of Matthew 6:25-34
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you,even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

This week I was blessed to attend Bible conference week here at BBC, one session our speaker gave a message on this very passage. It was exactly what I needed this week. I have been so worried about finances, my health, others' health, my grandfather, dramatic situations going on with friends, etc... It seemed that life was just too much and I didn't even have time to catch my breath. Yet, when I heard that message I was reminded that my worry does nothing to help these situations. It simply stresses me out, making them worse. I am the one Jesus is talking about, sometimes my faith seems so little. I forget what a VERY BIG GOD I serve. I forget that the same power He used to form the mountains and the stars lives within me as the Holy Spirit. I forget that He holds the world and my future in His hand. I forget that nothing happens that He does not allow first. 
So this week I have been praying that God would remind of what an awesome and all-powerful God He is. And you know what? My problems don't seem as big as they used to, because I know that they are out of my hand and in my Father's. 

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Little Things



Lately I am just amazed by the littlest things. It blows my mind that the all powerful God of the universe would care about the tiny details. This sort of goes along with what I'm talking about: In Theo II class we were talking about the credibility of the Bible and how we can know that it is true and without error. It just came to me one day in class, God is sovereign and He controls all. God knew who was going to write the Bible before even Adam was created. I don't think I can even wrap my mind around that fact. Truly though, if my God would put so much care into making sure His word is written by the right people He will make sure it is without error and maintained. Only divine intervention really explains the fact that the Bible has so many copies and is accurate. 
But there is tons of proof as well that the Bible is God's Word. 
In fact, some helpful verses are: 
2 Timothy 3:16,17 - 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.(ESV)
2 Peter 1:21- 21For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.(ESV) 


Anyways, to go back to my starting point, take time to enjoy the little things. Don't let life take a hold of you with its business so that you do not enjoy it. God has preordained what is to come and He holds the world in His palm. Rest in Him. 


We cannot know the future. But we can know this: No matter what comes, we are under the loving, caring, watchful eye of our great Shepherd, who also happens to be the Son of God!” - Our Daily Bread

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Great Commission

Recently I read this quote by John Stam, a missionary martyr to China. I was just floored and had to post it.
"Let us remind ourselves that the Great Commission was never qualified by clauses calling for advance only if funds were plentiful and no hardship or self-denial involved. On the contrary, we are told to expect tribulation and even persecution, but with it victory in Christ...It is ours to show, in the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in personal communion with Him, a joy unspeakable and full of glory that cannot be affected by outside circumstances." - John Stam

This is from a man who, with his wife, was martyred in China for sharing the gospel. I cannot even imagine being able to truthfully state this. I want my faith to be like this. I want to not be afraid of what will happen but to be willing to give my life for the sake of Christ. 

Friday, August 26, 2011

Mutterings of a new RA...

Well, I have officially finished my first week as a sophomore! It felt like the week would never end! It was good though, VERY interesting haha. I am now 19 years old, what a strange age. It's funny, I don't feel any different.
It was a birthday to remember though! I gave my first RA devo. But before hand I was almost late for curfew, because coming back from my house we hit 30 minutes of traffic! Talk about stressful. After dinner my mom and grandmother got sick. Oh and did I mention there was an EARTHQUAKE! What a ridiculous birthday! The last minute, no joking it was 11:59!, I slammed my finger in between my desk drawer. I swear it was like a spiritual battle or something!
Anyways, to switch topics, my Mom is getting testing done for Lupus. Not gonna lie, this scares the life out of me. But I am daily giving it over to God.
I read this amazing quote yesterday that totally applies to my life:
"Anything small enough to be a worry is big enough to be a prayer." 
I just think it fits me so well. :)
Well, let me just say I am sooooo excited for this and all that God will teach me. I have already dealt with disappointment and rejection (in this week alone!). So I am praying for strength and I know my God will give it to me moment by moment. 

Saturday, August 6, 2011

But God is STILL Good

Well, my Mom called me today to tell me that my grandfather is in the hospital once more. The cancer is back and he is not doing well. We don't know how much longer he has. My heart breaks but yet I have peace. Know why? Because I know God is control of this situation.

Isaiah 26:3,4
3 You keep him in perfect peace
   whose mind is stayed on you,
   because he trusts in you.
4Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.(ESV)



2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
17 For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
18 So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (NLT)



Please be in prayer for my family. I hope to go home tonight to see my grandfather tomorrow. It's going to be hard because I cannot go home for a month after this due to RA training and school starting.  We don't know how much longer he has but God does and all I can do right now is pray. 
Cherish the time you have to spend with family. You never know how much time you have. 

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Conversations


As an RA, one of my requirements is to read two books this summer. I want to talk a little bit about one in particular. The title is "Making Disciples:One Conversation at a Time" by D. Michael Henderson. It's been excellent and full of wisdom. Though to be perfectly honest, it is a hard book to read. It's taken me almost a month to read 100 pages! Still have 90 more to go even now. One part in particular has really convicted me. Here's what it says:
"Here's an experience I know you've had: you've just come through a painful experience and you want to tell somebody about it.You begin to share with your friend but before you get the whole story on the table, your friend says, "I know exactly how you feel. I've had the same problem..." He or she grabs the conversation and runs with it. Your eyes begin to glaze over and mentally you begin to check out. You didn't initiate this conversation to hear his or her story-you wanted to tell yours. So you say, "How nice!" and walk away with the pain throbbing in your heart" (82). 

Well, I was floored when I read this. I have never thought I was a "dominator" when it came to conversation. Usually I am the one listening, while the ones bolder than I are talking. Which I don't mind, I love to listen. Yet, I know I have done this before! To think that I ignored someone else's pain, when they came to me for help, breaks my heart. This book has really opened my eyes to not just "talk" but to communicate and disciple others with my conversations. An excellent book, you must read! 

The Camel, Book Review


So just before finishing classes this past semester, I ordered a book online. I ordered it from Mission Frontiers, a Christian magazine for free. The only catch was to write and post a book review on the book. Well, a couple weeks went by and I forgot I ordered the book until 2 weeks ago when I finally checked my school mailbox and noticed the book.
The book is called "The Camel: How Muslims are Coming to Faith in Christ!" by Kevin Greeson. It was an amazing book, I finished it quickly. It uses real occurrences as examples of how this method of reaching Muslims has worked. I was astounded by the number of Muslims that have been reached already. Being an American, Islamic people are seen as the enemy, terrorists, and people who will never accept the gospel. Yet, through taking the Muslims through the Quran and using the Bible with the Quran, they are being saved. I think American Christians have forgotten that those who believe in Islam can be saved. God can work in a Muslim's heart just as He can work in an American's heart. But only if they are willing.
Through the book, I discovered the great suffering that is going on in the Middle East to Christians. Yet, through the suffering and trials, more are coming to Christ. It was encouraging, yet heart breaking.
I strongly suggest you read this book if you want to understand the Muslim culture better and how you can reach Islamic people for Christ. 

Monday, August 1, 2011

Bucket List

Well, I don't plan on dying anytime soon (though who does?) Though of course, it's up to the Lord. :) But I felt like making a list of things that I would love to do on this earth. So here goes:
1. Go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower
2. Ride the Ferris Wheel in Paris
3. Visit London
4. Ride a moped in Rome
5. Get a book published
6. Get 5,000 views on this blog :)
7. Own a dog
8. Adopt a child
9. Adopt a baby from Africa
10. Start an orphanage
11. Live in Africa, or another country
12. Paint on canvas and post the painting in my room
13. Sell a piece of my artwork
14. Perform on Broadway
15. See Wicked on Broadway
16. Get Married to the one I love
17. Know my Savior more and more
18. Memorize a whole book of the Bible
19. Act in a movie
20. Work as a cashier
21. Travel on a train
22. See Swan Lake performed
23. Watch my brothers and sister grow up
24. Be an aunt
25. Go to Egypt to see the pyramids
26. Get a tulip from Holland
27. Meet a famous person
28. Sing a solo on Broadway
29. Sing a solo in front of over 1,000 people
30. Perform the part of Elphaba from Wicked
31. Have my own place
32. Go on a cruise
33. Get a credit card
34. Turn 21
35. Vote in a presidential election
36. Own a car
37. Have my own room
38. Work at a day care
39. Raise children and see them grow up
40. Become a grandmother
41. Grow old with my friends, rocking on the porch
42. Become a crazy old lady
43. Change the world
44. Impact others for life
45. Make the world a better place
FYI: If you have any questions, or want to know why I put something down...Feel free to ask!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Only One Life


The other day I was driving with the family I nanny for and we were very nearly hit head on by a truck at an intersection. It was coming straight towards us, if it had it us the mother and I who were sitting in the front seats would probably have died. Thankfully the Lord caused her to swerve to the side at just the right moment so that we were spared.
After this incident I started getting a lot of those thoughts about life and death. I thought "What if I had died? How would people remember me? What would they say in my eulogy?"
It's a very surreal thing, thinking about your own funeral. Everyone wants to be missed. To have made their mark on the world so much that when they're gone, people notice.
For me, I want people to look back and see a woman who lived her life fully for God. I want them to say I was filled with Him and His Spirit. I want them to say I helped everyone I could and showed Christ's love to all. My mom has a plaque on our kitchen wall that reads "Only one life twill soon be past only what's done for Christ will last!"
It's so true! You can have all the riches in the world during your life, everything you could every want, but if you have not lived for Christ it means nothing.
Instead of trying to better ourselves in the world's standards we should seek to further God's kingdom. A life lived for God will not be wasted or done in vain.
I'm reminded of those verses in James 4:
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” ESV 


Life is so incredibly short, make it count. Live for Christ. 

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Stylish Blog Award :)

So...This my first blog award! I received it a while ago actually. Unfortunately I forgot about it until now haha. Sorry I haven't written more! I have been busy working as a nanny. Anyways, here's my award!:
And now I have to tell you 8 things about myself: 

1. My favorite color is lime green. The reason behind that mainly is because when I was little my best friend gave me a porcelain plate/dish thingy with my birth stone on it. My birthstone is a peridot. The peridot is lime green. And that is where I get my love for the color. :) 


2. I love reading and watching crime shows and murder mysteries. Yet, I am terrible at figuring them out! I do however love writing mysteries though... If you want you can read one I just wrote here: http://dreamerfiction.blogspot.com/2011/06/secret-of-desert.html


3. Coffee= A-mazing! I'm not the type of person who "has to have coffee every morning". But I must say I love the taste of it. :d Yum!


4. I love college yet I am not a fan of homework...I do love being able to see friends everyday though :) 

5. I like to bake random things. Last night I made a jello cake! 

6. For devotions I read Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" and Joe Stowell's "Strength for the Journey". I just started doing this actually. It is really awesome, I do my devotions while the girls I nanny eat breakfast. It works out amazingly. I LOVE spending time with my Lord. <3

7.I love being random and doing crazy things with my friends and sister. 

8. I am such a comic book geek! I love super heroes. I have to admit, Batman is my absolute fave. ;) 

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Contentment



I think the issue behind our constant craving for more and more, for the latest and greatest, is contentment. It is easy to let our longings for possessions, relationships, and experiences shape our lives. The danger is, when we’re constantly on the hunt for the next thing, our life circumstances become pumped up with importance, while our Bibles collect dust on the shelf. - Joe Stowell

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Don't Give Up!


When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
-Harriet Beecher Stowe

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Beginning has Ended: Finishing my First Year of College

I have to say, this school year went super fast. It feels like just yesterday I was arriving at BBC; wondering why in the world I was there. Yet at the same time, it feels so long ago. I have seen myself grow in so many ways since then. As this summer flies me by I am trying to prepare myself for the year. I am going to be an RA, which to me is an amazing opportunity and a blessing :). Anyways, back to my freshman year, I never anticipated how much I would get out of my classes. I learned so much, especially in my Bible classes. And instead of listening mindlessly, I learned to think for myself and find out what I believed and how to have a Biblical basis for my life. There have been so many who have imputed into my life this year. My RA, RD, friends, my roommate, profs...etc. I am so grateful to them for the encouragement they brought me. 
It hasn't been an easy year for me. My grandfather is still dealing with stage four cancer. My parents have had a stressful year financially...etc. And I had all the ups and downs of just beginning college. 
Yet, this year has brought me so much closer to the Lord. I have learned that I absolutely cannot do this on my own. Instead I have to rely only on God. 

Isaiah 41:10 
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


Anyways, I am excited to see what God holds for me in the next year! 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Show me what it means- Meredith Andrews


You don't want my perfection
All You ask of me
Is that I show up broken at Your feet
You don't want my religion
You are looking for devotion
That is more than just routine

So show me what it means

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

Have I become like the Pharisee?
Passing by the needy
While I'm speaking Jesus on my lips
Will I walk with You on raging seas?
Or will I turn away
When You want more than what I want to give
To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

To love as You love
And live as You lived
To never give up
On giving You my life
To love as You love
And live as You lived
To find out what it means
To be alive

I am sitting here as I get ready to take my first final and I am just struck with these words. They are just so beautiful and meaningful. Think about them today :)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

What if?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear. We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near. We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love. As if every promise from Your Word is not enough. And all the while You hear each desperate plea, and long that we'd have faith to believe. ‎'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops what if Your healing comes through tears? And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Promises of God


"God's Presence - "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).


God's Protection - "Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward'" (Genesis 15:1).

God's Power - "I will strengthen you..." (Isaiah 41:10).

God's Provision - "I will...help you; I will uphold you..." (Isaiah 41:10).

God's Leading - "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them" (John 10:4).

God's Purposes - "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

God's Rest - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

God's Cleansing - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

God's Goodness - "No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).

God's Faithfulness - "The Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own" (1 Samuel 12:22).

God's Guidance - "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way" (Psalm 25:9).

God's Wise Plan - "All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28)."
 
My aunt sent me this list and I thought it was awesome. I hope it encourages you! :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

A life for Christ


I want to live for your pleasure


I want to run for your face

I want to dwell in your house forever

To seek your face, as you call my name, I want to hear you say

Well done ♥

Monday, March 28, 2011

Just like Jesus?

So it's my last week of my Breaking Free Bible study now, something that is bittersweet. I have enjoyed and been blessed by it so immensely. Praise the Lord for Godly women like Beth Moore. The other day I was going through and I came upon this part:
"The more we gaze on the beauty of the Lord as we seek Him in His temple, the more our lives absorb and radiate His splendor. [Like the husband showing the photo of his beautiful wife] God also wants to show off our pictures. His ultimate goal is to display our portrait and say, "Doesn't she [he] look so much like my Son? A remarkable likeness, wouldn't you say?" That's what it means to be a "display of his splendor." A living and visible portrait of the beauty of God."
What an awesome way to put it! I want God to be proud of me and my actions. I want Him to see His Son in my countenance.

Psalm 27:4- "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Zephaniah 3:17

17 The LORD your God is with you,


the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.”


I thought this verse was encouraging, so I decided to share with all of you! :)
Sorry it's been a while since I've posted, I've been super busy with my classes.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Even those you don't like...


Picture with me if you will, someone you really don't like. Got it? Now, why don't you like them? For me it's because the person is arrogant and selfish. I get so frustrated with them. Some people just don't seem to be very easy to love. Yet, God calls us to love one another! That means everyone, not just those who love you back or are nice to you.

1 John 3:16-18:
16By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

We only experience love because of Christ. In patterning our lives after Him we are called to love each other and to show that love in our actions.

A little farther and we read-
1 John 4:7-10:
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.



We can only show love because of what God has done. God is to be our example of unconditional love. He gave His only Son, which has to be the most amazing show of love. Not only did He give His Son to die, but for an incredibly wicked man-kind, the very ones who would crucify His beloved Son. If anything we owe it to God to share His love with everyone.

Let's Continue:
1 John 4:19-21

19 We love because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother

I take it that John is saying that if we hate someone we do not truly love God. We need to be free of our hatred or even "strong dislike" and, with God's help, learn how to have unconditional love for one another.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14:
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Serving Others



Each person you meet is Jesus in disguise. -Mother Teresa


Well...I disagree and agree with this statement....it reminds me of the verses in Matthew 25.

Matthew 25:35-40:
"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you

took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came

to Me. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or

thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or

when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? And the King will answer and say to them.

'Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."


When we help others and serve them, Jesus says we are serving Him. So I agree with her that in a sense every person who needs help can be seen as Jesus, that we are doing it for Him and to Him. I just don't want to get to carried away and say it IS Jesus Christ. Because I know that my Jesus is in Heaven with my Father. :)

"You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving." - Amy Carmichael

Sunday, February 27, 2011

How will You react?

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  ~Winston Churchill

Monday, February 21, 2011

Think of the Children...


So yesterday my Mom told me a story about me from when I was little. I was about 3 years old and one of those sad commercials about children in Africa came on. I went to my Mom and said: "Mom, mom! That boy has no shoes Mom! We HAVE to buy him some shoes Mom please!" or something to that effect ;)
I was thinking about that last night. When she first told me I thought: "Oh that's funny, I had a missionary heart even then!" But last night I thought about it more. In fact, I started crying because I realized. I never got him any shoes. I never gave anything to help those children from that commercial. I know, I know, I was 3 years old. What could I do? Sometimes I simply get so filled with compassion for others though, it overwhelms me. I want to help ever child I see, I look into their little faces and my heart just breaks for them. Whenever I see videos or commercials like Feed the Children or w/e, it brings me to tears. Here in America we have SOOOOO much. Even American Christians are not willing to sacrifice for those in need. I just wish that we would realize how rich we are in this country and be willing to give more freely.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

"I'm good"


Picture this with me if you will: You are walking down the sidewalk and then you see a friend walking towards you. As she passes you call out your greetings: "Hey, how are yah?" She says. "Hey, I'm good" you reply.
How many times has this scenario come true in your life? How many times do we simply reply "Oh I'm good" when inside we are falling apart?
As Christians we are called to share one another's burdens, as seen in Galations 6:2. How can we bear others' burdens if we never share our own? God wants us to go to Him with our troubles but I believe He also wants us to seek out help and advice. I know I used to not want to share so much with people b/c I didn't want to make them upset, but I realize now it was also a pride thing. I didn't want people to either think I wasn't as good as they thought and I didn't want to be pitied. I wish I would have been more open though and shared, it would have been great to have someone behind me who was praying.
I say go to someone you trust or that you can trust. Share what's troubling you, don't be prideful but form a group who can build you up.
True friends will be encouraging but will chide you if need be. But yet the same can be applied to yourself! Be the kind of friend you yourself want to have! You've heard the saying...to have a friend you have to be a friend. Romans 12:15 says: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
So laugh with your friends but be a shoulder to cry on if they need it.

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

-Prov 18:24

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

True Love

Isaiah 54:10: "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
So yesterday was Valentine's Day, a day completely centered around love. Though the world of course got it all wrong, as Christians we can still use the day as a reminder. A reminder of the unfathomable love of God and Jesus Christ. It reminded me of the song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" by Stuart Townend. It's a beautiful song, listen to it!

Here's the lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure


That He should give His only Son


To make a wretch His treasure






How great the pain of searing loss,


The Father turns His face away


As wounds which mar the chosen One,


Bring many sons to glory






Behold the Man upon a cross,


My sin upon His shoulders


Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,


Call out among the scoffers






It was my sin that helf Him there


Until it was accomplished


His dying breath has brought me life


I knoww that it is finished






I will not boast in anything


No gifts, no power, no wisdom


But I will boast inJesus Christ


His death and resurrection






Why should I gain from His reward?


I cannot give an answer


But this I know with all my heart


His wounds have paid my ransom

I can't even comprehend His love. I am such a lowly sinner who is constantly messing up and yet He wants to have a personal relationship with me. I am so in awe of God and I want to spend every moment of my life living for Him and His glory.
The day before Valentine's I was a little down, not much but enough for me to feel kinda crummy. I was dwelling on not having a significant other and everywhere I looked I saw happy couples. It was actually pretty hard to deal with before I got my priority and my perspective straight. I realize now that I already have a Valentine. One who gave His life for me on the cross, one who loves me with unending love.
John 15:13:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends
1 John 3:16:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

So if you were like me and saw Valentine's Day as Single Awareness Day, remember you are loved deeply by the One who made you.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ...

Friday, February 11, 2011

O Love Divine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GWq9G4P47w

Tonight with some ladies from choir and I watched the autobiography of Fanny Crosby. What an amazing testimony she had! God used her to do amazing things and write so much music!
If you don't really know anything about Fanny Crosby here's a great website that summarizes her life: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/131christians/poets/crosby.html She went through such difficulties! First she was blinded as an infant, so she went through life without eyesight. Her father died when she was young which brought tougher times for her mother. Then she went on to go to the New York Institute for the Blind where she recieved a great education. She later was married but lost her first and only child, a baby girl. It was amazing that even through very hard times, she still went on to write over 10,000 poems and hymns! It is such an encouragement to me and a conviction to do more!
The video above is one of lesser-known songs O Love Divine. I love the song so much! You have to listen!

O love divine amazing love
That brought to earth from heaven above
The Son of God for us to die
That we might dwell on high

He died for you
He died for me
And shed His blood to make us free
Upon the cross of calvary
The Savior died for me

Monday, February 7, 2011

Serving man or serving God?

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." ~James Wooden

Lately, I have been focusing on what my motives are. Why do I do what I do? Am I really doing all of this good stuff for God's glory or simply to make myself look good? I've spent a lot of time in prayer about this, asking God to help me to do all things for Him. I gotta say it's so hard. When people say you're doing a good job or compliment your gifts it's so easy to get all puffed up like you're something special. I struggle with it!
Today I auditioned for a group with my college. To get to the audition I had to walk around our beautiful pond here at college. Now I was a little nervous and on edge with excitement, but I prayed and I prayed as I walked. I got to thinking: What if I was completely sold out for God? What if I gave Him 1,000% of my life? How would my life look then? If I were completely humble and just offered my life up as a sacrifice to Him?
I'm sure He would use me, but how?
It was some great food for thought. I thought of the missionaries I have read about and their lives. I thought of how God can use one man, one woman, for incredibly amazing stuff. I want people to say that about me.
I want others to say: "She was completely sold out for God, She gave Him her all EVERYDAY"
So, recently in Bible Study I came across this verse. Man, it struck me to the core! You ever have that? Where you read the Bible and it's like MAN I struggle with that!
Galations 1:10- "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ."
Whoa, heavy stuff! If our goal is to please mankind and make ourselves popular than we are not serving Christ! It just doesn't work! You either serve man or Christ, not both!
I struggle with that! I want people to think I'm the right stuff. I want people to know I'm a "good girl" by what I do. But I do it for nothing if I'm not doing it for the glory of God!
I found another one which is kind of similar as well:
Ephesians 6:7-  "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,"
So think about your motivations...Pray about them. Why are you doing what your doing? Are you serving men or God?

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Give me Your eyes Lord...

For those of you who do not know, I plan on becoming a missionary over seas in the future. I'm sure by now if you have read my posts you know this already but still, just in case.
I don't know why but at times I forget that I am already in a mission field. I don't have to travel very far to find people who are in need, whether it be physically or spiritually.
Think about it for a second. How many people have you seen today? How many of those people are strangers to you, people who may not know the slightest thing about Jesus Christ?
I thought of that myself today, in fact it was extremely convicting to me. I know for a fact that I do not witness to unbelievers as much as I should. I am scared of how people will react or nervous because I don't know the Bible inside and out...and what if I can't answer one of their questions?!
Really when it comes down to things I am so selfish and prideful. I don't want to step out of my comfort zone and plant seeds in the lives of others. Lately I have been in deep prayer with God asking Him to help me overcome this. It is definitely a bondage of sin that with God's help I need to break down. I only wish I would have realized it sooner.
Please excuse my generalities, but as a whole the American church is not one that is evangelizing very well. Most figure they've paid their dues to God as long as they go to church on Sundays. The evangelizing and witnessing is the job of the pastor or missionaries. You have to have a Bible degree or degree in Theology to tell others about Christ right?
It's a totally wrong, self-centered, unbiblical attitude! The Great Commission command from Jesus Christ was not just for those who are called into ministry but TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES AND IS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST! Why do we have such a hard time remembering that?
It is almost painful for me to think of all the lost souls in this country, in my state, IN MY TOWN that believers are not reaching out to.
So why don't we witness?
I know for me that fear is a major factor. I'm afraid of what people will think. I don't want them to see me as stupid or weird. I am much more inclined to simply leave them be and go through the motions as a Christian.
Another factor would be that I am not living with my whole life centered around Christ.
I'm reminded of that song "Give me Your eyes" by Brandon Heath. It's such a powerful and awesome song, but yet so heavy and convicting.
Here's the lyrics, Think about them for a minute:

Looked down from a broken sky



Traced out by the city lights


My world from a mile high


Best seat in the house tonight




Touched down on the cold black tar


Hold on for the sudden stop


Breathe in the familiar shock


Of confusion and chaos




All those people going somewhere


Why have I never cared?




Give me your eyes for just one second


Give me your eyes so I can see


Everything that I keep missing


Give me your love for humanity




Give me your arms for the broken hearted


The ones that are far beyond my reach?


Give me your heart for the one's forgotten


Give me your eyes so I can see


Yeah yeah yeah yeah




Step out on a busy street


See a girl and our eyes meet


Does her best to smile at me


To hide what's underneath


There's a man just to her right



Black suit and a bright red tie


Too ashamed to tell his wife


He's out of work he's buying time




All those people going somewhere


Why have I never cared?




Give me your eyes for just one second


Give me your eyes so I can see


Everything that I keep missing


Give me your love for humanity




Give me your arms for the broken hearted


The ones that are far beyond my reach?


Give me your heart for the one's forgotten


Give me your eyes so I can see

 
Our problem is that we don't see the world as Jesus did. The people of this world are so lost with no way to find salvation on their own. It breaks my heart when I hear the percentages of the amount of people dying everyday. Did you know that there are over 150,000 deaths every day? I can't even wrap my mind around that.
I wish I could say that just because you get convicted means you're going to do something about it. That's one of my problems, I can feel so strongly and yet never be willing to do anything. I want to change that though. I want to be committed to sharing the gospel. Won't you? You don't know what the future holds, maybe you will be one of the 150,000. Won't you allow God to work through you and bring people to a saving knowledge of Christ?
 
Luke 10:2 "He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Galations 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Friday, February 4, 2011

Day 10: One person I can trust

Day 1: Ten random facts about yourself

Day 2: Nine things you do everyday
Day 3: Eight things that annoy you
Day 4: Seven fears/phobias
Day 5: Six songs that you’re addicted to
Day 6: Five things you can’t live without
Day 7: Four memories you won’t forget
Day 8: Three words you can’t go a day without using
Day 9: Two things you wish you could do
Day 10: One person you can trust

Well, there are many who I trust...but I am going to go for the one you probably think I'm going to do.
I would have to say the one person whom I can ALWAYS trust is God. I hope you don't think I am just writing this and don't believe it. I truly believe it with all my heart. God is the only one who never sins and will never let me down. He will never leave me but instead is contantly working on my behalf. It blows my mind just thinking about it, it's indescribable. I don't understand why He loves me but He does and is always there for me.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Day 9: Two Things I wish I could do

Day 1: Ten random facts about yourself
Day 2: Nine things you do everyday
Day 3: Eight things that annoy you
Day 4: Seven fears/phobias
Day 5: Six songs that you’re addicted to
Day 6: Five things you can’t live without
Day 7: Four memories you won’t forget
Day 8: Three words you can’t go a day without using
Day 9: Two things you wish you could do
Day 10: One person you can trust

Two things I wish I could do:
1. Heal the sick - Like really heal them, not just like a Doctor
It always amazes me when I read the Bible and it talks about those who can heal others.
2. Fly - I think that would be amazing and very functional! haha

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Day 8: Three words I can't go a day without using

Day 1: Ten random facts about yourself

Day 2: Nine things you do everyday
Day 3: Eight things that annoy you
Day 4: Seven fears/phobias
Day 5: Six songs that you’re addicted to
Day 6: Five things you can’t live without
Day 7: Four memories you won’t forget
Day 8: Three words you can’t go a day without using
Day 9: Two things you wish you could do
Day 10: One person you can trust

Wow...this is kind of hard...I use plenty of words every day...

1. Love
2. God
3. Pray

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Day 7: 4 memories I won't forget

Day 1: Ten random facts about yourself

Day 2: Nine things you do everyday
Day 3: Eight things that annoy you
Day 4: Seven fears/phobias
Day 5: Six songs that you’re addicted to
Day 6: Five things you can’t live without
Day 7: Four memories you won’t forget
Day 8: Three words you can’t go a day without using
Day 9: Two things you wish you could do
Day 10: One person you can trust

Well, let's just say I HOPE I won't forget these but only God knows.

1. The night I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to save me.
The story goes like this:
I was about 5 or 6 years old. It was Sunday night and that day at Sunday School my teacher Mrs.Bacon told us about what Jesus did for us on the cross. Not only did she tell us what He did but why He did it. She told us that we were sinners and had done many bad things. Because we had done bad things we couldn't go to heaven because God cannot allow sin in heaven. Jesus came to pay the price for the sins of the whole world including mine. All I had to do was confess my sins to God and ask Him to forgive me, accepting Him into my heart.
That night I thought a lot about what my teacher said. I distinctly remember crying over the bad things I had done I felt so guilty. I remembered that I needed a Savior and that only Jesus can save. That night I prayed a simple prayer in my little bunk bed. After I recovered a little I went and told my parents what I had done smiling really broadly. :) They were happy for me and called my grandparents. My Grandpa is a pastor and prayed with me that night, thanking God.

2. I'd have to say another would be going to Mexico for the first time.
I was 14 years old, full of excitement and boldness. I was on a missions trip with my youth group (though most were in college). The plane ride to Texas was terrible, with lots of turbulance. It was my first airplane ride so I was scared out of my mind. I literally thought I was going to die. But I got past that and pushed it out of my mind when I reached the airport. We stayed at a missionary's house where they also had a printing press that we helped in. During the day we helped make Bibles and literature. Afternoons we would go into Mexico and have puppet/ evangelistic shows. I will never forget the first time I crossed into Juarez, Mexico from El Paso, TX. I remember seeing the Rio Grande River (which was really high from a lot of rain). I remember being a little scared as we went through border patrol. Then we came into the city, there were soooo many people. They all looked sad to me. Their eyes held no joy. I saw a man with no legs on the shoulder of another man. They were asking for money for a wheelchair. I cryed. I had never seen such poverty before in my life and we didn't even go to the bad parts of town. I saw quite a few things that frightened me; stray dogs, guard dogs both were scary and dirty. I saw bars and barbed wire on every house to keep out intruders. It was like I had stepped into another world. It was like in the movies where the land is taken over by bad guys and the people grow mean and suffer.
It wasn't all bad in fact I saw many things that were amazing too but it definitely served as a wake up call. From then on I knew I had to help people, no matter what happened in my life one day I would become a missionary.
During my week, that wednesday was my birthday. It was a very nice day though I got homesick as I had never before spent my birthday away from home. That night we had our usual puppet show and evangelistic chalk talk. Now, the girls from the trip would go around and help with the children, holding babies etc... so the parents could listen.
I was kind of shy but went up to this one woman and asked to hold her little girl. She handed her right off to me. That night I saw something amazing. After the man gave the chalk talk (using pictures to tell the gospel) he gave an altar call of sorts. Asking people to pray with him and talk to him about how to find salvation in Jesus Christ. That night the woman who's baby I was holding went up and I believe accepted Christ as her Savior. It was the best birthday present I could ever ask for. It was so beautiful. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to let God use me to lead others to Christ.
There's a lot more to the story of my missions trips to Mexico. You should ask me about more if you want. After my first trip I went to Mexico City when I was 16. It was also an amazing trip.

3. Alright, here's a funny one. My sister and I would get into a lot of trouble when we were little. Most stuff my mom probably does not know about...My sister is three years younger than me so you can guess who's ideas we were always following...haha
I love this memory:
Danielle (my sister) and I were having some fun outside. I was probably in third grade or so. I must have been learning about the Ancient Egyptians because I decided it was a great idea to make our own mummy. We took one of our Ken dolls and found some toilet paper. We wrapped the doll in toilet paper and then found a shoe box. We placed poor Ken in the shoe box and then raided our bathroom for some perfume. We found my mom's perfume and poured it heavily on Ken. It smelled terrible so we gagged as we placed the top of the shoe box over him. We went outside and dug a hole under our porch. Then we grabbed the shoe box and placed it the hole. We covered up the hole and it is probably still there today. (We have since moved to another house). But who knows, maybe the new owners decided to dig under the porch and found a delightful "Egyptian Mummy".

4. This is hard! I can't think of just one!
I think I like this one though:
If you know me, you will know that I LOVE to sing. Besides Missions, singing is my passion. One year for our spring concert I was asked to sing a solo. I was able to sing a song in Latin all by myself. It was so much fun. I can remember being slightly nervous before hand. But every time before I sing, whether it's for church or anything, I ask God to help me. I ask Him to give me peace and calm my nerves. Last but not least I ask that He help me to keep my motives right, that I always sing for His glory and not my own.