The Fragrance of the Messiah

        “For we are the fragrance of Messiah to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;” 2 Corinthians 2:15 (Emphasis Mine)

          If we are the fragrance of Messiah what do we smell like? Are we a stinky smell with our attitudes and petty arguments? Are we a burning smell, destroying everyone and everything in our path? Are we a sweet smell, like the smell of pure and fragrant incense burning before the LORD in the temple?

          What was the fragrance of the Messiah? Since we follow in His footsteps, we should smell like Him.  He left a sweet lingering aroma. An aroma that was out of the ordinary, while at the same time, one that made them feel welcome in His presence. The essence of His aroma was the love and character of His Father. What do you think? What is/was the fragrance of the Messiah?

          Whatever you do today, make sure you are rightly representing the Father, our King!  People are watching you! They want to see if you’re any different. Are you? Spread the love of Messiah today. Be the sweet aroma of God to those around you. We are the fragrance of the Messiah!

Kneeling At His Feet,

Maiden Princess 

"Love is the cologne of Christ. You can't get close to Him without catching its overwhelming fragrance. Love is the scent of Christ's followers, too. And it's the fragrance of love that we, as Christ's followers, are personally responsible to drench ourselves in. Take off the cologne cap and just dump it. The heavier the aroma, the more of Jesus this world will understand and know." ~Eric Ludy   (A quote from the book “When God Writes Your Love Story” by Eric and Leslie Ludy)

·         Quote used by permission from Mardi’s blog (www.iamadaughteroftheking.blogspot.com )

Battle-Weary Soldiers

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9

        I look around at most of the teenagers and young adults I know and they seem weary, dry, and defeated.  So many I know have walked away from their faith or are struggling in it!  Why does the world have such a pull? Why can we not seem to be victorious? We were meant to be victorious in Jesus Christ.  Through Him we have been given power to defeat the enemy, so why do we constantly find ourselves in retreat? “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 We were never meant to fear evil, but to overcome it!  Why are we struggling so?

          Part of the reason I think we, a body of young believers, are being beaten down so easily is because we don’t go to each other, openly and honestly, and ask for prayer and encouragement. We are so prideful and we don’t want others to think we struggle.  Pride is from Satan and can easily destroy us. We have to guard our hearts against pride and arrogance because it builds up barriers that are not easily taken down. It will easily destroy your relationships with people and, if allowed to continue, possibly your relationship with God. We must be willing to be honest with one another and support one another in these trying times.  We need to become true brothers and sisters, but we can’t be there, if you won’t let us.

          Secondly, I think the other reason for so much defeat in  our spiritual lives lately is the fact that we allow ourselves to be defeated.  Listen to this for a minute. Sin has NO POWER OVER YOU, YOU ARE FREE.  Yet when you are free, you are free to choose whether or not to be a slave to righteousness or to your sinful nature. (“But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin  you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching  to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. So now, present your members as salves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.” Romans 6:17-18&19b)  Sin only has the power over you that you allow it have! People! We have the victory, we just have to claim it and walk in it!  We have to lay everything at His feet and walk by faith, knowing that HE is faithful and trustworthy. We ARE fighting a battle, but we do not need to retreat! The battle is the LORD’s!!! When we follow in His steps, His instructions, and follow Him into battle, we will NOT BE DEFEATED! 

          I was laying bed last night thinking these things over in my mind, I was thinking about the lack of Spiritual victory in my own life.  I decided that I was tired of being less than I could be, I was tired of my own apathy and fear in battle, I was tired of losing and being defeated!  I am tired of living a second-rate life for God. What kind of example am I if I say that I am free from sin and yet, in my life, I am entangled and shot down, daily? This battle is not for the faint-hearted or half-hearted. It is for those who will courageously go out and fight with all the strength they possess. And the reason we can have courage is because we know that though they press us on every side, we will stand firm; though they advance, we advance as well; though they may have the upper hand for a moment, we will have the victory! Hallelujah!!! Take heart my fellow warriors, we were not destined for defeat, but for power in the name of the LORD! Not because of our own power, but because of He is with us. “Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain. Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who treads down our adversaries.” Psalm 108:12-13 

When we seek Him, we shall find Him.  When we obey Him, we shall be blessed. When we love Him we realize how much He loves us.  When we rest in Him, He will renew us.  When we serve Him, we will find freedom.  When we offer our lives to Him, He makes us into new creations.  When we abide in Him, we shall have fruit.  When we stand for Him, together, as one body, we shall fight for Him and shall be victorious in Him! 

This month I am praying that we, as teenagers and young adults, would come together like never before. That our fire would be kindled in a new way and that we would fight together, side by side. Giving our all for Him, and reaching out to strengthen and encourage each other in the midst of the battle.

All who follow Him and fight for Him can be victorious!   Don’t lose heart, the battle has just begun!  Stand with me Brothers and Sisters. Together we will serve the LORD and He shall strengthen us, so that we can strengthen others. Fight the fight, run the race, finish well. Live in VICTORY through the blood of Jesus Christ!

Kneeling At His Feet,

Maiden Princess

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31

“Through You we will push back our adversaries; through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries, and You have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted all day long, and will give thanks to Your name forever.” Psalm 44:5-8

“Then I said to you, ‘Do not be shocked, nor fear them. The LORD your God who goes before You will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.’” Deuteronomy 1:29-31      

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of live and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”Philippians 4:13

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13

Retraction: United We Kneel-October

            Dear Readers,

I humble myself before you and admit that I wrote something I now see that I don’t agree with.  Because of the comment from my dear friend, Lana, I see that I was wrong in saying that it was “preposterous” for the Islamic people to have a prayer day on Capitol Hill.  I also see that what I said goes against what America stands for, Religious freedom, and liberty and justice for all. I apologize for my attitude.  While I agree that it is sad that they are misguided in their devotion to a false god, as far as I know, this is the only fault.  As I said, I agree that all religions should be treated as equal, although no false god is equal to the One True God!  I apologize for my discriminatory attitude! 

I also agree that at the end of the day, it will not be America’s claim to Christianity that will keep us in right standing with God.  It does not matter even so much if America is a Christian nation, because the mandate from our LORD was to go and make disciples all over the world!  (This was at a time where America didn’t even exist yet!) How arrogant of me to think that if America is Christian the rest of the world will be ok too.  That is not true!  Not only should we be praying for our country but for the whole world. Not only should we be trying to reach our fellow Americans but anyone we come in contact with who needs to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ, no matter race, religion, or nationality.  At the end of the day whether our nation proclaims to be Christian or not, does not determine our productivity in the spreading of the gospel. That depends on the condition of our hearts, not our nation.  While I would like to know that America is a Christian nation with a common goal (to serve God) that should not hinder me in living the life for God that I should.  I just wanted to clear that up and apologize to you all for my lack of knowing where I truly stand on these issues.

Thank you Lana for sharpening me, “as iron sharpens iron”, and for doing so in a loving manner.  While I do not agree with everything you mentioned, I can see a few points in which I was having a non-Christlike attitude.  Thank you for challenging me in that!

Tomorrow is the day!

Kneeling At His Feet,

Maiden Princess

My goodness!  The 3rd of the month always sneaks up on me.  I can hardly believe that it's time for another prayer day already!  We had decided that this month we will pray about abortion.  Now, I have never investigated much into abortion statistics and procedures but I know that it is wrong and it is murder.  The Bible says, "You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 Plain and simple, in black and white.

The Bible also says, "For You formed my inward parts; you wove me in my Mother's womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14  God doesn't create junk! Each little life, which begins at conception, is carefully woven together by the skillful hands of the Master Creator. Each life, is destined to bring glory and honor to Him.  Who are we to play God and think we can decide the fate of little lives?  It is utter moral decay in America.  We have no more respect or fear of God. We are in desperate need of prayer and change in America.  Not the change of President Barack Obama but the change of hearts only God can bring. 

If you would like to investigate further you can go to: http://www.abort73.com/end_abortion/a_biblical_mandate_to_do_something_about_abortion  Abort 73 is a Christian-run website giving the cold hard truth about abortion.  I would recommend that you get your parents consent first before taking any further steps though.  While the information is good and true and based on Biblical principles I have not read the whole article through, just skimmed it.  IT IS VERY LONG! 

Another issue I would like to add to our prayer list for Saturday is the fact that on September 25th, 2009 there was a prayer day for Islam at Capitol Hill.  (Go to: www.islamoncapitalhill.com ) I found this information preposterous and I could hardly believe it!  We need to seriously be praying for the direction this nation is going and for us to turn to God. Are we really a Christian nation anymore? I believe soon it will be very evident!

Stay Strong in the LORD; Be Humbled At His Feet,

Kneeling At His Feet

Winning The Lost

            When has this subtle philosophy crept into our thinking?  When has becoming like the lost given us an advantage to reach them.  If we become like a dying world, how can we show them the life that Jesus/Yeshua offers?  If we become like the world, how can we show them we’re different? If we blend in, how can we stand out?  It is easy to take on the form of this world in the way we dress, what music we listen too, the language we use, and so on.  If the world looks at us expecting to find something different and we are doing everything (with the exception of our faith) just like them, how can they see that Jesus/Yeshua makes a difference in our lives? In fact, if we say we have Jesus/Yeshua as our Savior and Lord of our lives, then why doesn’t He make a difference in our lives?  If we truly are saved and submitting to the LORD, then it will show in our lives and we will no longer want to conform to the image of this world but the image of our LORD. If you love this world, then you’re in big trouble. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 

            My opinion on how to win the lost is the same as is portrayed in Scripture. Jesus/Yeshua did not conform himself to this world to “make the lost feel more at ease around Him”, He was the perfect image of God; exactly what we should all be striving for.  He did not have to change who He was, what He wore, or what He did to bring in the lost.  He just preached the truth, the sometimes painful truth, in love. He was different, He wasn’t just like everyone else.  When we truly know Jesus/Yeshua it changes us, or at least it should.  We should be offering light and hope, not confusing people by blurring the lines of distinction. We should be telling truth out of love, not discussing meaningless topics of futility.  The time is short people!  The harvest if ready to be gathered, not by friendship with the world, but a relationship with the LORD!  Offer the hope to the dying by showing that you have everlasting life!

Standing up for Him,

Kneeling At His Feet

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Footprints to Follow

Maiden Princess

            “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself and example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12

            We are, all of us as believers, to be an example to one another.  Especially, though, us young adults; we need to be the example for the younger generation coming up.  We need to make sure that our footprints, (meaning our lifestyles, our speech, our attitudes, and our faith) are leading to God and Him only.  We need to leave footprints behind us that those who are following us can step in and go in the right direction.  We need to leave footprints that we don’t have to be ashamed of, footprints that lead to the LORD. We have a huge responsibility to set the standard for the next generation.  Will they remember us as complacent, and seeking after only what our desires were, or will they remember that we were focused on the LORD and seeking Him with our whole hearts?  They will follow in our footprints, the question is, where will they lead?

Trusting In His Faithfulness,

Maiden Princess

"God who gave us life gave us liberty.  And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God?  That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?  Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."  1781, Query XVIII of his Notes on that State of Virginia.  ~ George Washington

"Posterity (to all future generations) you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." ~ John Quincy Adams

Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.~ Patrick Henry

"I am only one, but I am one, I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and with the help of God, I will do." ^{~ Everett Hale (1822-1909) Teacher, Author, & Minister}

"Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon and the supreme call for all Christians today, I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. ... Let us pray for our nation. Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ and redeeming love, for moral forces everywhere, for our national leaders. Let prayer be our passion. Let prayer be our practice." ^{~ Robert E. Lee General of the Confederate Army (1807-1870)}

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand, which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness." ^{~ Abraham Linclon 16th President of the United States}

^{"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34}

^{Kneeling At His Feet Right Beside You}

^{Maiden Princess}

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Do we firmly believe that God governs in the affairs of men?  If an empire cannot rise without His aid than I do believe that it cannot fall without His consent.  Now is the time to pray like never before.  Join us on July 3rd 2009. 

Kneeling At His Feet

Maiden Princess