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iheart
Nov. 24, 2009
GREAT DEALS!!!...um...for a few
I read this today on the Daily Bide website. I thought it was a great reminder of the kind of sacrifice Jesus made for us!
Take time today to thank God for making the ultimate sacrifice.
GREAT DEALS!!!...um...for a few
Today's Story
Black Friday 2009 Doorbuster Deals: The Dirty Secrets
Black Friday 2009 will be tougher than ever on both retailers and shoppers. The retailers need to make certain that they get the shoppers in their stores. Those great deals that we talk about are called doorbuster deals, and are not what they seem.
CNN Money has been looking into this and thought they would offer us an insight. We have to make certain that we read the small print on these doorbuster deals; this will normally be at the bottom of the circular. These products are usually limited to just two per store, so the odds of you getting that so called bargain are not in your favor.
CNN Money has been looking at a recent Black Friday circular, and some of their HDTVs were limited to just five per store. It is deals like this that causes chaos, as shoppers feel like they have been cheated. Some retailer experts agree with the shoppers and say that they have every right to feel cheated.
Customer Growth Partners retail expert, Craig Johnson has said, “It’s a sleazy practice.” He feels that an advertiser should not advertise something if they know they cannot fulfill the needs of the customers. He said it is stupid to hype a product on what is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
We know that this upsets shoppers and this is the sole cause of many arguments in stores on Black Friday, as they fight to be able to get that elusive deal before anyone else.
(To read this story by Peter Chubb, go to www.product-reviews.net/2009/11/20)
God's Story
Hebrews 10:8-13
When Jesus said, "You don't want sacrifices and offerings," He was referring to practices according to the old plan. When He added, "I'm here to do it your (God's) way," he set aside the first in order to enact the new plan — God's way — by which we are made fit for God by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.
Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.
What does God's Story teach us about the best "deal" of all times?
There I was...4:30am the day after Thanksgiving last year...freezing in the cold while standing in line...why? Because I could get a portable basketball hoop for nearly a third of its normal price!
Normally I would have been sound asleep. I had always laughed about people who were crazy enough to actually go shopping at such an insane time of day. But this deal made it worth it to venture out for my first time ever braving the early morning crowds.
When the doors opened there was a mad rush. People knew exactly what they were looking for and dashed straight for their respective treasures. I, on the other hand, casually walked to where the basketball hoops were and began inspecting each box to make sure I had the right model. As I did this, I noticed people placing a hand on certain boxes as they staked their claim to the one they were touching. In a split second I realized that I, in my hesitation, could possibly miss out on what I came for...I could have gotten up super early, stood in a long line and frozen half to death...all for nothing!
Quickly I searched for and found one of the 7 basketball hoops they had available as advertised. I placed my hand on it and, with great relief, claimed it for my own. Those who came after me were simply out of luck. The deal was limited. Only a few got to benefit. Just a small number of us received the gift that we really wanted.
Today's scripture teaches us that this is not the case with the best "deal" ever offered to man. Complete forgiveness for all of our sins...completely free...sounds like a deal that is just too good to be true. The truth is, however, that it is true...and not only that, it is an offer that never runs out! It is good to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.
My Story
Connecting today's story and God's Story with my story
- What is the best deal you have ever gotten? Maybe it was a sale item or perhaps it was a used car that you picked up for way below what it was worth. Sometimes we are just fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time and land a great deal. Still...no matter how good a deal may be...nothing compares to what Jesus offered us when He laid down His life for our sins. Talk to Him about how you feel about what He did for you.
- Scripture teaches us that, unlike Black Friday deals, there is no fine print on Jesus' offer. It is free. It is once-for-all. It is offered to everyone who will believe in Him. Not only that...Jesus won't "run out" of forgiveness. We all mess up and it is important to know that His offer is still good...4am, 4pm, any part of the day, every day.
Their Story
Connecting today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story
- Ask a friend about the best deal they have ever gotten. Perhaps it will start a discussion that will lead you to have the opportunity to share about the best offer you have ever received...a relationship with Christ!
- If you venture out early this Friday, you may have the chance to spend a long time next to a perfect stranger while waiting in line. Ask them what they are "looking for" and see where the Holy Spirit takes that conversation!
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Nov. 23, 2009
Mature and complete...well...maybe
James 1:2-4
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Everyone endures trials in life. Whether they are big or small. But how do you handle them? God says that we should consider it pure joy to face a trial. How do you react to a hardship in life? You can wallow in self-pity, and think that everything is just horrible for you. You can become bitter, and harden your heart. OR, you can become stronger. Now wait.. how do you become stronger through something bad? how do you have joy when things totally aren't working out? Satan will test you, to see how strong your faith is. He wants to see how far he can push you before you give up on God, before you give up on your faith. It's going to happen. But through these trials, God can bring good.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Trials make you rely on God, to really trust Him that is it going to be okay. Sometimes God allows trials because you are falling away from Him. You should come out of it a better person, a more mature Christian. But honestly, most Christians do exactly what Satan wants them to. They buckle under the pressure. You know how I know this? Because our world would be a much different place if everyone who claims that they are a Christian, would mature and grow in their relationship with Jesus when trials come along. You have to be in God's word! It will grow you up in Christ, and it will make you strong against those little trials. Every time you are in God's word, you should come away a different person. You should have become a little more like Jesus. If you aren't seeing fruit from your relationship with God, then you need to examine yourself. Make sure you are striving to do honor and obey God with everything to you do!
1 Corinthians 3:10b-15
But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Build up upon your foundation. Become more like Jesus, live out your faith. Those are the things that will stand up against those flames. When trials come about, don't give up! Become "mature and complete" and "not lacking anything."
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥ |
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Nov. 23, 2009
"Regrets"
Nov. 19, 2009
God's Love
Have you ever thought about how much God loves us?
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:38-39
There are 4 different types of meaning for the word love in the Bible. The word that talks about God's love is agape. God has an agape love for us. But what exactly is that? The definition of agape love is this: divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful; selfless love of one person for another.
God's love is unconditional. As a believer, once we have been saved, nothing we can do can take our salvation from us! If you aren't saved, Jesus still has a agape love for you! However, you don't have the eternal life that comes with that love. If you have questions about how to become a Christian please feel free to email us!
You have heard that it was said, 'Love (agape) your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love (agape) your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? —Matthew 5:42-44
God tells us that we need to love others with an unconditional love too! That is so difficult. But we have to best example of how we are to love others! Jesus shows us that love by dieing on the cross for us. Take time today to thank God for His self-sacrificing love for you. And work on having a self-sacrificing love for others. It's not going to come automatically, it won't be easy (trust me) but in the end, it will most definitely be worthwhile.
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥ |
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Nov. 18, 2009
The future is brighter... uh yeah.
Personally, I love Christmas music... as long as it is after Thanksgiving! Seriously, though, now is way to early; and then what happens the day after Christmas? Christmas music stops! Why are we all so eager to move on and get to the future? When we're in middle school we want to be in high school, when you get your learner's permit you want your driver's license, the list goes on. Contentment isn't a word in most people's dictionary's today (including me!).
~Philippians 4:11-12
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Paul was in prison when he wrote this! Wow! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to say that! Many people are content with what they have, but not where they are. Change, move, grow, improve; they're goals for a lot of people, but what if God has you right where he wants you? (He does!) However, we should look ahead to the kingdom of God. In fact, more than that. It should be all we think about! The basis for all that we do!
~Philippians 3:13-16; 20-21
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Let go of the past. Leave it behind. Life in Christ is something new and completely different, the Lord will supply what you need for it! Don't turn around and backtrack in your relationship with Him. Live up to what you have and build on it.
One thing my pastor loves to do on Sunday mornings is give us something to say and/or do during the week to remind us of the sermon. So here ya go:
Put your right hand in the air, snap and point to the right. Say, "Move ON!" :)
Love in Christ,
Becky :) |
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Nov. 18, 2009
How would YOU like it?
How would you like to be the God of you? Would you think, Yeah, I'm proud of her? Or would you be like, I watched my Son get tortured and slaughter for her? Would you think, She's not even trying. She's wasting my time! Or would you be so proud because of all the time you spent hanging out together? Would you, as God, look down at you and think, She gets it. My Son died for her, and it was worth it. What would it be like if you were the God of you?
(quote from Susie Magazine written by Justin Lookadoo)
I see so many people that just waste their life. They totally and completely miss it, they treat God like He's a nobody, like He didn't DIE for them. They don't even care! We have this amazing opportunity as a young adult to focus completely on God.
1 Corinthians 7:34b says this: An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.
As unmarried (of course :]) girls we can completely focus on God. We don't have a husband, children, or many responsibilities. Right now is your time to do something for God. To make a difference.
Will you be the girl that wastes her time valuing the fleeting and trivial things of this world? Or will you be different and set apart. As a child of God, doing the right thing will be difficult. God doesn't promise us an easy life. You are going to be persecuted to some extent for your faith. Whether it be getting made fun of, or being a martyr for Christ. Can you withstand the temptation to crumble? You have to make a decision right now to stand up for God no matter what the circumstances. Jesus gave His life for you, He loves you SO much. Beyond anything any of us can understand.
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥ |
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Nov. 17, 2009
Where is your heart?
~Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 As a dream comes when there are many cares,
so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
Have you ever thought of guarding your steps when you go to the house of God? Usually we don't, but that is so important. God doesn't want us to just come to meet with Him, wherever that may be, and be there half-way. You know what else happens when we don't truly focus on God? It leads to more sin...
~James 4:17
17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
When we read our Bibles or do Bible study because it is a duty, we hear the word, so then (obviously) we know what it says; but when we are halfhearted and not focused, we forget to do it. So we... 1. know the word and good; 2. don't do it!
Look back at verse 2 of Ecclesiastes 5.
Sometimes I think I can say whatever I want to God because He already knows what I am thinking. However, we need to remember who we are (no one) and who God is (GOD!) Sure, God knows what is in your heart, but watch what you consciously say to him.
I pray today that you would really make time for the Lord to come into your heart and speak to you, instead of just going through the motions.
In Christ Alone,
Becky :)
P.S.- I can't speak for Madison or Jessica, but I would like some feedback on my writing... constructive criticism. Tell me what you think about my writing- not posts in general (save that for comments.) Please say whatever you want, with two guidelines: 1. Make it private (a PM or email) and 2. Make it constructive, meaning you say what is good as well as bad, but also how to improve. Thanks!
Hey, Jessica here! I agree with Becky, I would love some feedback as well. :) |
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Nov. 16, 2009
On the inside
Galatians 6:3,4 (NIV)
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
I have a hard time comparing myself with others. You always see someone that is prettier, more popular, more confident...the list goes on. But the thing is, God doesn't look at things the same way we do. We take value in things that God doesn't care about at all. Why do we do it? Why does it matter so much. Honestly, I really don't know. I don't know why our world puts all these expectations on us, and we aren't worth anything if you don't live up to them. I mean, yes I know that we are sinful and we desire things of the flesh. But why it is of such great importance, I don't really understand. But I do know that God takes great worth in what is inside. He wants you to care about it too. Man looks at the body, but God looks at the heart.
I encourage you girls to look deep inside your heart. Figure out where you are in your spiritual walk. Set high goals so that you can grow in Christ. Maybe you will never be the prettiest girl out there, but you sure will be a beautiful sight to Jesus!
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥
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Nov. 14, 2009
Seeking God
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
What does it mean to actually seek God. I was thinking about that today and so I decided I would look up the definition for the word seek.
Seek-
- To try to locate or discover; search for.
- To endeavor to obtain or reach
- To go to or toward
- To inquire for; request
- To try; endeavor
Do we really seek God. I mean yeah, you can say that you love God and want to do the right thing, but do you seek Him?
I find it very hard to look to God for everything, to let him into every area of my life, to let Him be in charge. But it's something we have to do. You have to decide to let Him be Lord of your life. By seeking Him, you are seeking His will, God's will is "pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
He knows exactly how you are going to live your life, what you are going to do, who you will meet. Let God be completely in control, because He knows what is best.(Jeremiah 29:11)
I encourage all of you to be reading your Bibles, to be seeking God! Tell us where you are in your spiritual life. If you have questions on a certain topic or need some encouragement, feel free to email us. :) It really encourages us to see you girls grow in the Lord and to glean something from our posts. I pray that God will touch your heart and that your relationship will God will flourish because of this blog.
" ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' -Numbers 6:24-26
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥ |
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Nov. 12, 2009
How often do you really get quiet and listen to God? (More than once)before I have been on the internet or phone or watching TV or something, really just wasting my time, not talking to anyone and feeling like I have no friends. Of course, I know this isn't true. I have friends, they just aren't available to talk the same time I am. Once in awhile during these times I will think, "Maybe I should go read my Bible..." but then I think no... I just really want to do something; and then I get so mad at myself! I should long to spend time with God. All relationships are kind of tough, because you have to start putting work into them to get to where you want to be, and even more so with God, because with Him you can always go farther. However, when you think you've got this "Christian thing" down good the devil really attacks you. It is now when you have to focus even more on Christ and spending time with Him. Remember that either we move nearer to Him or farther away- He never moves. ( James 4:8 )
In Christ Alone,
Becky :) |
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Nov. 12, 2009
Light
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We have our treasure, our light- the Holy Spirit- in our jars of clay (our bodies). We can understand the Bible. We need to be little lights out in the darkness. But does it ever get frustrating to you that people just blatantly refuse God?It's hard to believe that they would do that, because there is so much evidence that He is true, that His word is true. So why do they do that?
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The god of this age, which is Satan, has blinded people minds so that they cannot see the truth. So how can you get saved if you are blinded?
FAITH.
You won't be able to understand God's Word unless you have faith. That's why you have to put your faith in Christ to be saved. Then you can understand and acknowledge all the "awesomeness" of God. :)
It may get frustrating, if you are praying for someone to get saved, and they just aren't there yet. Sometimes you just want to give up. I have felt that way before, but that's not what we need to be doing. We need to keep praying for then and continue to show the love of Christ. As believers, we have a special treasure inside of us. Don't let is go to waste. The Holy Spirit can use you as a tool to bring someone closer to God. You can't save someone on your own, but you can show then that there is hope, and that life is different with Jesus! Be a little light out there in the darkness. Stay connected with other believers, and with the guy that gives you your light- God.
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥ |
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Nov. 11, 2009
~Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I read this last night and I noticed that it says the peace will guard your hearts. Have you ever thought that peace would be a guard? The Bible actually has a lot to say about peace...
~Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
~Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
~Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
~John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
~1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
As in all the congregations of the saints,
~Ephesians 2:14-18
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
~Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
~2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
This may be a little redundant, but Christ grants us peace. This peace guards our hearts, as well as transcending all human understanding. Through the peace given us we can stand firm through all trials and temptations. What do you have to do to get the peace? Spend time with Christ, make it a daily habit, even if you only read a verse or two. The peace Jesus gives you will be astounding!
In Christ Alone,
Becky :)
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Nov. 10, 2009
The grass looks greener... over there?
"It's okay if you go bankrupt, it gives you a brand new start!" That's what I heard on the radio today. What? I mean seriously, come on, total oxymoron! How can going bankrupt be good for you. It can't. But the world will try to make anything look good. The grass always looks greener on the other side- the worldly side. The world makes sex before marriage look okay, because then you know if they are really a "suitable" partner. It makes alcohol look good, I mean come on why not have a little fun every once and awhile? Have a couple drinks, kill a few thousand brain cells, no worries. What does it all add up to? Does it really make you feel better?
Of course not!
God's way is always the best way. I know you girls probably hear that all the time, but think about it. We have many different decisions we can make. You just have to decide which one is the right one. You can choose to dress modestly, and keep your temple holy. Or you can choose to dress immodestly and attract the wrong kind of guy who doesn't really love you for who you are.
You can think about which way is easier...but it that really right?
It is always going to be easier to dress immodestly, it will always be easier to listen to the wrong kind of music, it will always be easier to fit in and gossip with all the other girls. Ok, yeah so that's probably not the way to go. Because God never tells us that life as a believer will be easy. In fact, He says that we will endure persecution as a believer.
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
We have to "walk according to the law of the Lord." (Psalm 119:1)
How do we keep oursleves pure? How to do withstand all the dirty stuff in the world? God has the answer, it's right inside His word. It's like He new that we would need help with this. Psalm 119:9-11 says:
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
So do just what those verses say. Seek God with all of your heart. Live according to the word! I can promise you, the grass is always greener on God's side. :)
In His Love,
Jessica ♫♥ |
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Nov. 9, 2009
Proof
Nov. 7, 2009
~Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
People always say, "What goes up, must come down." It's the same with your mind. "What goes in, must come out." That's why Paul says...
~Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Nikki (Comatose) gave me permission to share some things from a post on her blog:
I really feel convicted about my standards when it comes to books, movies, TV, and music. Whenever there's something, even a little thing, in a book or whatever that I know is NOT something God would like it sticks out painfully and that's the only thing I remember when I think of it. And I know that once I let myself like a certain book or movie I REALLY like it. So should I read this series, or not?
I know you're probably thinking, "Duh! Not!" Well actually you're probably not thinking that; forgive me if that's the case. :P But that's what I'm thinking. I remember my youth pastor saying, "Don't settle for anything but God's best." I really want to do that, but it's so hard in this world where almost everything I like has things in it that I KNOW God frowns out. Princess Leia's practically naked in Episode 6 of Star Wars. But the movies are still a good example of good and evil, right? Star Trek is fun... Except for all this cursing, misusing God's name, murdering, fornication, and sometimes partial nudity.
How can I like something so much when it has so many bad things in it? It's like every book, every movie, every TV show has just the one little thing... I try to ignore them, I really can't. All those little things pile up until the bad, worldly, ungodly, and sometimes demonic things completely outweigh the "good." Which still isn't good, because only GOD is good, and there's none of God in THERE.
Ugh. Living on this grimy filthy world is hard. It seems like to draw the line and cut out all these things that contain just the "harmless" evil aspects God hates would leave me with Veggie Tales and LotR. But I don't thing that's REALLY the thing that bugs me. I don't mind not allowing myself access to these things even though it's sad. It's the fact that all these movies with little bad things in it are the things we watch as a family every night.
Wait a minuet. Did I hear that right? Because something totally just clicked. All these "little" bad things in these movies we love; we watch these almost EVERY NIGHT. We're just LETTING Satan come into our lives without a second thought. Maybe that's why I haven't been wanting to read my Bible. Maybe that's why my siblings constantly fight like cats and dogs without end (or at least part of the reason). And thinking about that makes me mad. How much you wanna bet that Satan and his evil little demon minions are just so pleased with themselves that we're allowing all that evil in our lives? They're probably thrilled that these things that we hold so dear to our hearts are leaving less and less room for God. And God will not be second in our lives.
Well I've made up my mind. I'm raising the bar when it comes to the standard on entertainment I choose. I want to honestly think, "Is this something Jesus would watch?" Would he rather watch Star Trek, or Veggie Tales? I can see it now: "So Lord, do you want to watch Search for Spock, or Little Joe?" I think he'd go with #2. In fact I wish I could go through and just GET RID OF all these movie/TV JUNK that's in our house. No wonder I'm not crazy passionate for God anymore. I'm just sitting here munching away on worldly trash instead of being hungry for God. And I want that to change. I don't want to be lukewarm. And, even though this will be hard, I think I'm going to take a break from the TV. Nothing I watch is really any good anyway. When my family is watching stuff I don't want to see, I'm going to go to my room, put some worship music on, read my Bible and spend time with God. At the very least go somewhere were I can't hear it. So I'm writing this so that whoever reads this can hold me accountable for it.
Thanks so much Nik! That was just what I wanted to get across.
I don't know about you, but one thing that I struggle with is the radio. Sometimes I just want some more upbeat music like Relient K or Switchfoot, but they aren't on the Christian radio here and I get tired of listening to the same CDs... So there is an amazing radio station that totally fixes this problem! I'm not sure you've heard about it before, but it's Air 1. Check it out!
In Christ Alone,
Becky :) |
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Nov. 7, 2009
Tim Hawkins
Nov. 5, 2009
Do you ever "dust yourself off" right before you go to church? During the week you let all that sin, all that dust, build up and then when Sunday rolls around you have to be good. So many times I hear people say something and then be like, "oh wait, I'm at church, I can't say that." Or something like that. Obviously if it's "not ok" to do or say at church, it is wrong to do anywhere else! Sometimes when I am dusting something I can wipe it off over and over again and I will get most of the dust off, but not all of it. It's the same way with sin. You can try to wipe it off, but some of it will remain. Whatever is in your heart, deep down, you can't hide it. It will be apart of what you are. Don't dabble in sin at all! Fill your heart with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. (Philippians 4:8) Hide God's word in your heart. What is inside, will come out.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
I have a friend that went to homecoming this year and the next day she came to church and everyone was asking her why she didn't wear her dress to church. Her response was that she did not think it was "appropriate." When I saw pictures of her dress later I knew why. It was a really low v-neck dress. She thought it was okay to wear to homecoming but not okay to wear at church. Well the truth of the matter is it wasn't appropriate to wear at all! You can't be this halfway christian, like Becky was talking about in her last post. You have to be consistent with everything. With your speech, your actions, your modesty, it all matters. So I challenge you to look at your life, and see how consistent you are. If you are consistent with reading your Bible, that's a good thing! But if you are consistent about gossiping, try to fix that, and be more consistent about not gossiping. Have a great day!
In Christ,
Jessica ♫♥
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Nov. 5, 2009
"Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything." --Alexandar Hamilton
We live in the world of "half-way" and "I'll do it later". Often we try to put things off till the last minute, and when we finally get around to them we give less than our full effort. Please, please, do NOT be a half-way Christian or put off accepting Christ till it is "convenient" for you. I struggle with this too. We are so selfish and don't want to give God our best.
~Revelation 3:15-16
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm -neither cold nor hot- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
He would rather us be cold than lukewarm? Why? Because being lukewarm takes nothing. You just coast along in life doing the easy things, but you waiver in times of trial.
~Isaiah 7:9b
If you do not stand firm in your faith you will not stand at all.
~Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Without faith you can do nothing. Those that believe in something false strongly enough to turn from God are in some ways closer to Him than those who are lukewarm, because they have faith. Stand strong in your faith and live like it!
In Christ Alone,
Becky :) |
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Nov. 5, 2009
Abortion
Hello Friends, please take the time to watch this video on the issue of abortion. Little innocent babies are dying everyday, and it is not legal in God's book.
Thanks,
♥♫•Madison
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Nov. 3, 2009
Friends
Hey Everyone!
Today I'm going to talk about friends. Why?
Well, I had my best friend(I have five best friends btw) move away today. It was sad-really sad. I was heartbroken. I almost started blaming God that he would take her away from me.
Well, I've come to realize things aren't always going to come out the way you want them.
Even though saying goodbye to Megan was hard, I can get past that and look to the bright side(she is moving back).
This leads me to my topic:
Friends.
Friends are really awesome. I have had so much fun with my friends from making a dance to febreez and listening to each other tell some crazy story. Friends are a big part of most every girl's teen life. Whether your friends are "cyber" or your friend is simply your sister you definitely care about them.
Friends aren't going to be perfect. We all mess up. Don't let this get in the way of your friendship. Learn with eachother. Teach eachother new things, give an example of when you went through something they are going through too. :)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (New International Version)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=cc8db977a306fc2bbcea
Anyways, just wanted to pretty much wrap up why we love our friends!
Yours sister in Christ,
♥♫•Madison
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