"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things."
- I John 2:20
[unc-tion n., 4. "utterance that is fervent and earnest."
(Webster's New World Dictionary)
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
thoughts
I am currently dealing with a very painful two day old neck ache. I am unsure of what caused it, but if you think of if, I would appreciate your prayers. A recent outbreak of hives has also been added to the lot. I've been drinking much hot tea on this chilly winter day, which is very soothing, laying on a neck role (trying to fix whatever is wrong) and itching. All the while I've been thinking some thoughts I thought I'd share with you....
After reading Wrestling Prayer, Set-Apart Femininity and being in the midst of Tortured For Christ, God has been impressing some points upon my heart, which I have been praying about and pondering. I have realized the oh-so-important necessity and power of prayer! I feel like I've just begun to live - that is, just begun to know my Savior (who is my life). Also, the importance of praying specifically and tenaciously. "Boldly we approach the throne of God." I've been praying earnestly for the Lord to give me His love for others and to burden my heart for the unbeliever. It broke my heart, after examining myself, to read what Richard Wurmbrand says in his book, Tortured For Christ,
"A Flower, if you bruise it under you feet, rewards you by giving you its perfume. Likewise
Christians, tortured by the communists, rewarded their torturers by love. We brought many of our
jailors to Christ. And we are dominated by one desire: to give communists who have made us
suffer the best we have, the salvation which comes from our Lord Jesus Christ."
How can someone who has been brutally beaten, mocked, threatened, stripped of dignity and at times even sanity, who is tortured day after day after day for years, still love those who inflict this misery? I thought about this phenomenon for days, weeks even. And so has begun my quest for this unshakable, all consuming love. One that is patient and kind, doesn't envy nor boast and is not proud. It is not rude, self-seeking, easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. One that does not take delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. A love that protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. A love that will never fail. (I Cor. 13:4-8a paraphrased)
I desire a set-apart life. A life that is completely poured out for the Kingdom of God. I desire to serve and invest all my time and energy in ministry and meaningful relationships with those around me. I desire to be a prayer-warrior and live a selfless life. I desire for my life and my relationships to be glorifying to Him. I desire to serve my Lord in any and every opportunity He calls me to.
Just thought I'd share with you what the Lord has been laying upon my heart. I would strongly encourage you to read all three of these books I have mentioned if you have not already. They are life-changing!
I desire a set-apart life. A life that is completely poured out for the Kingdom of God. I desire to serve and invest all my time and energy in ministry and meaningful relationships with those around me. I desire to be a prayer-warrior and live a selfless life. I desire for my life and my relationships to be glorifying to Him. I desire to serve my Lord in any and every opportunity He calls me to.
Just thought I'd share with you what the Lord has been laying upon my heart. I would strongly encourage you to read all three of these books I have mentioned if you have not already. They are life-changing!
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." ~ John 17:25-26
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
devotion from Oswald Chambers
"Whatever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do."
John 14:13
"Am I fulfilling this ministry of the interior? There is no snare or any danger of infatuation or pride in intercession, it is a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit whereby the Father is glorified. Am I allowing my spiritual life to be frittered away, or am I bringing it all to one center - the Atonement of my Lord? Is Jesus Christ more and more dominating every interest in my life? If the one central point, the great exerting influence in my life is the Atonement of the Lord, then every phase of my life will bear fruit for Him.
I must take time to realize what is the central point of power. Do I give one minute out of sixty to concentrate upon it? 'If ye abide in Me' - continue to act and think and work from that center - 'ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.' Am I abiding? Am I taking time to abide? What is the greatest factor of power in my life? Is it work, service, sacrifice for others, or trying to work for God? The thing that ought to exert the greatest power in my life is the Atonement of the Lord. It is not the thing we spend the most time on that molds us most; the greatest element is the thing that exerts most power. We must determine to be limited and concentrate our affinities......."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Psalm 110:2-3
"The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion;
you will rule in the midst of your enemies.
Your troops will be willing
on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy majesty,
from the womb of the dawn
you will receive the dew of your youth."
Thursday, September 8, 2011
What every set apart girl should strive to become :
The Proverbs 31 Woman:
(Paraphrased)
(Paraphrased)
Rare, uncommon, unusually excellent, unique, precious, matchless, honorable, chaste, praised, faithful, proactive, blessed, inspires confidence, loyal, willing to do repetitive work, honest, , enduring, diligent, unchanging, Trustworthy, industrious, patient, frugal, fears the Lord, not wasteful, wise shopper, motivated, self-starter, wise, strong, energetic, enterprising, kind, active in business, compassionate, resourceful, physically fit, laborer, virtuous, consistent, considers value, dependable, merciful, generous, prepared, hospitable, hardworking, actively seeking those in need.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
We're Planning My Eldest Brother's Wedding
"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 in the truth. It always protects. always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ~ I Corinthians 13:4-8a
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
beautiful scripture
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold; they are sweeter than honey, honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
~ Pslams 19:7-11
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
AMERICA TODAY
The Nineteenth Century was one of profound influence upon America's culture, with many challenges that manifested themselves into the U.S's heritage. However, leading up to this time, Christian's believed the Bible to define and cover every aspect of our lives. They knew true Christian's did not segregate Church life from work life, the spiritual life from reality, and so forth. Christians, dating back to our Founding Fathers, knew that morality and virtue affects everything we do - legislated morality, national day of prayer, opening the Supreme Court with prayer, the Declaration of Independence acknowledging a "Creator," who designed persons to live in freedom, etc... are a few examples of how Christianity/morality have shaped our Nation and political system.
The Church, through the Holy Scriptures, defined the role of civil government, taught about man's sinful nature and therefore the special requirements needed in governments and also citizenry responsibilities. The Church also followed the example of Christ by caring for the poor and needy and holding leaders and elected officials to a higher moral standard.
Charles Darwin and Carl Marx soon began to challenge the Church's theology as well as the Bible's inerrancy through their secular humanist thinking in regard to Origins, Government, Education and Economics. The Church believed their claims of scientific reasoning over the Bible's claims of validity.
Because the Church was unprepared for the scientific claims presented by Darwin and Marx, many bought into the lies and left the Church and Christianity. The Church was completely void of answers to refute, and so began to draw into themselves - like a clique, being comfortable only in their group and excluding everyone outside. It was because of this view that the "Pietism" movement came into existence.
As a consequence of Pietism, the Church was no longer active in government and viewed everything outside the Church to be worldly - they did not bother themselves with society's issues. The empty spaces left, gave government ample room to step in where the Church wasn't. This gave way to the Progressive Era.
This era was furthered by Progressive Presidents who favored governmental control, such as Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover. Labor unions were created, the Federal Reserve Bank came into existence, the 16th Amendment passed giving Congress power to tax, government spending increased, income tax was doubled, etc... During the depression of the 1930's, the Church accepted handouts from the government. Whereas before, government was viewed as an easily corruptible power that needed to be checked, it now became a savior for those in need by doing the Church's job of helping those in need - or the common word used today, "welfare."
There are grave consequences of pietism. I am continually frustrated with the majority of America's belief - that it's government's job to take care of society, and issue welfare for them. I don't like handouts, but many Americans are apathetic and more than willing to accept something unearned and at times, unnecessary. It's one things to receive help from a Christian brother, but another to be beholden to the government (which is their purpose). Where does government get their money anyway, since they can't create wealth? They get it from the tax payers and re-distribute it. Soon, those who work will have no incentive, because 1. they are barely able to keep their paycheck due to excessive taxation and 2. those who aren't working are receiving more benefits than the workers themselves - the workers are paying so those who don't work can sit contentedly at home and eat groceries bought on food stamps. After incentive is lost and men refuse to work, the government doesn't have anyone to tax to pay for all it's welfare patients. What they all need is a good dose of common sense. Our Country, currently caught in this vicious cycle, will eventually crash because government struck their dirty fingers into a thriving nation built on Christian values and a free market economy.
America's morals have been flushed down the drain; we've lost our Christian heritage; the Church is being controlled by the government; and Church and all Christian symbols are being segregated from society, thus losing our chance to be Christ's witnesses in a world of darkness.
I'm praying that God will use me, and other freedom-loving Christians, as His instrument - to be the one who will stand up in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) - in helping to wake the Church and Christians up to the harsh reality that our religious freedoms are being stripped away from us and that we must do something.
I know some people don't see the correlation between Christianity and politics, but it's huge! If we choose to stay out of the political process and let our freedoms and precious liberty slip away, our religious liberty goes with it. Ever since the pietism movement, Christian's haven't had answers to the tough questions facing society. We are apathetic and okay with it. A friend of mine, many years ago, personally went around to Churches in America to warn them of the dangerous path America is being driven down. They responded by stating that the political realm is dirty and they didn't want to get involved. Excuse me!? See anything wrong with this? The Church should be reaching out and influencing every aspect of society.
Because of the Church's withdrawal during the 19th Century, the voids left were filled. Filled by Atheists, Humanists and Marxists. And we wonder why America is sinking under the weight of sin and moral decay?
Our precious Country is being driven down the path it's on. There are weapons of cultural destruction that are and have been silently disintegrating our Christian foundation. These include: Radical feminism, Evolution, Moral Relativism, "New Morality" (an every day television sitcom basically defines this), The Environmental Agenda, Sociology, Multiculturalism, Political Correctness, Postmodernism, Socialism and Illegal Immigration.
Why aren't Christians standing up against this wicked and perverse generation with the TRUTH and giving our very lives to preserve liberty? Perhaps it's a lack of passion, zeal, vision or understanding. Perhaps fear is holding us back from boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives and confronting the sin and apathy we see in our societies today. However, I have resolved to speak boldly of my God; to be against what He's against and for what He's for. I want to be a threat to those working to bring Christianity and America down.
It's time. Time for America, the Church, Christians and Citizens to WAKE UP. As Christians, people look at us to see how we respond to controversial events and topics and are often guided by our example. With all that is happening in America today, our Christian response is crucial!
Christian's should not be driven into action through fear, but by the knowledge that God can use each of us, and He is far greater than he who is in the world. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
However, in going about our Christian response, we need to be humble and completely surrendered to God, praying for His will to be done, not our own. We need to be broken and weak - "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" - II Corinthians 12:9.
We should know our Christian heritage, where we've come from and where we are going, so that we may praise God for His merciful providence in the founding of this Nation. We are commanded to remember what the Lord has done. However, when we forget, there are consequences. We need to be leaders with a dedication to our God stronger than any other tie. "God send me anywhere, only go with me.Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours." ~ David Livingston
We are responsible for the state of our society today. The Christians are not being the light on a hill and the salt of the earth. We are in grave need of revival in America today. In order for this to happen, we need to spend much time and meditation in God's Word, in prayer to Him and repenting for the sins of our Nation, as well as our own. My heart is broken as I think about all that America has defiled itself with. But God is looking for a man to stand up in the gap - someone emptied of self that He can mightily use. There is still a remnant of hope in looking at where the U.S. has come from and whence our heritage has come. We need to kindle that dim fire until it burns bright for HIM.
So what are you going to do? If not YOU, then WHO?
The Church, through the Holy Scriptures, defined the role of civil government, taught about man's sinful nature and therefore the special requirements needed in governments and also citizenry responsibilities. The Church also followed the example of Christ by caring for the poor and needy and holding leaders and elected officials to a higher moral standard.
Charles Darwin and Carl Marx soon began to challenge the Church's theology as well as the Bible's inerrancy through their secular humanist thinking in regard to Origins, Government, Education and Economics. The Church believed their claims of scientific reasoning over the Bible's claims of validity.
Because the Church was unprepared for the scientific claims presented by Darwin and Marx, many bought into the lies and left the Church and Christianity. The Church was completely void of answers to refute, and so began to draw into themselves - like a clique, being comfortable only in their group and excluding everyone outside. It was because of this view that the "Pietism" movement came into existence.
As a consequence of Pietism, the Church was no longer active in government and viewed everything outside the Church to be worldly - they did not bother themselves with society's issues. The empty spaces left, gave government ample room to step in where the Church wasn't. This gave way to the Progressive Era.
This era was furthered by Progressive Presidents who favored governmental control, such as Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover. Labor unions were created, the Federal Reserve Bank came into existence, the 16th Amendment passed giving Congress power to tax, government spending increased, income tax was doubled, etc... During the depression of the 1930's, the Church accepted handouts from the government. Whereas before, government was viewed as an easily corruptible power that needed to be checked, it now became a savior for those in need by doing the Church's job of helping those in need - or the common word used today, "welfare."
There are grave consequences of pietism. I am continually frustrated with the majority of America's belief - that it's government's job to take care of society, and issue welfare for them. I don't like handouts, but many Americans are apathetic and more than willing to accept something unearned and at times, unnecessary. It's one things to receive help from a Christian brother, but another to be beholden to the government (which is their purpose). Where does government get their money anyway, since they can't create wealth? They get it from the tax payers and re-distribute it. Soon, those who work will have no incentive, because 1. they are barely able to keep their paycheck due to excessive taxation and 2. those who aren't working are receiving more benefits than the workers themselves - the workers are paying so those who don't work can sit contentedly at home and eat groceries bought on food stamps. After incentive is lost and men refuse to work, the government doesn't have anyone to tax to pay for all it's welfare patients. What they all need is a good dose of common sense. Our Country, currently caught in this vicious cycle, will eventually crash because government struck their dirty fingers into a thriving nation built on Christian values and a free market economy.
America's morals have been flushed down the drain; we've lost our Christian heritage; the Church is being controlled by the government; and Church and all Christian symbols are being segregated from society, thus losing our chance to be Christ's witnesses in a world of darkness.
I'm praying that God will use me, and other freedom-loving Christians, as His instrument - to be the one who will stand up in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) - in helping to wake the Church and Christians up to the harsh reality that our religious freedoms are being stripped away from us and that we must do something.
I know some people don't see the correlation between Christianity and politics, but it's huge! If we choose to stay out of the political process and let our freedoms and precious liberty slip away, our religious liberty goes with it. Ever since the pietism movement, Christian's haven't had answers to the tough questions facing society. We are apathetic and okay with it. A friend of mine, many years ago, personally went around to Churches in America to warn them of the dangerous path America is being driven down. They responded by stating that the political realm is dirty and they didn't want to get involved. Excuse me!? See anything wrong with this? The Church should be reaching out and influencing every aspect of society.
Because of the Church's withdrawal during the 19th Century, the voids left were filled. Filled by Atheists, Humanists and Marxists. And we wonder why America is sinking under the weight of sin and moral decay?
Our precious Country is being driven down the path it's on. There are weapons of cultural destruction that are and have been silently disintegrating our Christian foundation. These include: Radical feminism, Evolution, Moral Relativism, "New Morality" (an every day television sitcom basically defines this), The Environmental Agenda, Sociology, Multiculturalism, Political Correctness, Postmodernism, Socialism and Illegal Immigration.
Why aren't Christians standing up against this wicked and perverse generation with the TRUTH and giving our very lives to preserve liberty? Perhaps it's a lack of passion, zeal, vision or understanding. Perhaps fear is holding us back from boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives and confronting the sin and apathy we see in our societies today. However, I have resolved to speak boldly of my God; to be against what He's against and for what He's for. I want to be a threat to those working to bring Christianity and America down.
It's time. Time for America, the Church, Christians and Citizens to WAKE UP. As Christians, people look at us to see how we respond to controversial events and topics and are often guided by our example. With all that is happening in America today, our Christian response is crucial!
Christian's should not be driven into action through fear, but by the knowledge that God can use each of us, and He is far greater than he who is in the world. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
However, in going about our Christian response, we need to be humble and completely surrendered to God, praying for His will to be done, not our own. We need to be broken and weak - "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" - II Corinthians 12:9.
We should know our Christian heritage, where we've come from and where we are going, so that we may praise God for His merciful providence in the founding of this Nation. We are commanded to remember what the Lord has done. However, when we forget, there are consequences. We need to be leaders with a dedication to our God stronger than any other tie. "God send me anywhere, only go with me.Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours." ~ David Livingston
We are responsible for the state of our society today. The Christians are not being the light on a hill and the salt of the earth. We are in grave need of revival in America today. In order for this to happen, we need to spend much time and meditation in God's Word, in prayer to Him and repenting for the sins of our Nation, as well as our own. My heart is broken as I think about all that America has defiled itself with. But God is looking for a man to stand up in the gap - someone emptied of self that He can mightily use. There is still a remnant of hope in looking at where the U.S. has come from and whence our heritage has come. We need to kindle that dim fire until it burns bright for HIM.
So what are you going to do? If not YOU, then WHO?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
* Praise * Thankfulness * Gratitude * Joy *
PSALM 34:
"I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us ezalt His name together."
PSALM 89:1-2
"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever: with my mouth I will make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, mercy shall be built up forever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens."
PSALM 92:
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To delcare Your loving kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, on an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonies sounds. For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this, When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. But You, LORD, are on high forever more. For behold, Your enemies, O LORD, for behold Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered, but my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked who rise up against me.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a ceder in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
PSALM "Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He will choose out inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding . God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne."
PSALM 99:5
"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool - He is holy."
PSALM 103:1-5
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."
"I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us ezalt His name together."
PSALM 89:1-2
"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever: with my mouth I will make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, mercy shall be built up forever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens."
PSALM 92:
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To delcare Your loving kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, on an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonies sounds. For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this, When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. But You, LORD, are on high forever more. For behold, Your enemies, O LORD, for behold Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered, but my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked who rise up against me.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a ceder in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
PSALM "Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He will choose out inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding . God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne."
PSALM 99:5
"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool - He is holy."
PSALM 103:1-5
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."
Monday, April 11, 2011
"I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." ~Author Unknown
future >noun 1 (the future) time that is still to come. 2 events or conditions occurring or existing in that time. 3 a prospect of success or happiness
.................................................................................................................. Thinking of my future is exciting! I do not know what lies there waiting, however, as a Christian, I know God has my future planned. My job is to keep my eyes focused on Him and follow His leading.
We all know the Bible verse in Psalm 119, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Isn't it interesting that God doesn't give us a torch light to see the way; He gives us a lamp, by which we can see our feet, but not beyond. My mother has always said she wishes she could have a barge light! ;) Then we can see whats coming up, prepare for it, change course, etc... But that's not God's will for us. He strengthens our faith by only allowing us to see what's directly in front of us. We feel like blindfolded fools stumbling around in the dark, till He comes along, holds our hand, guides us and promises never to leave us (..."As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5b) We can choose to stumble in the dark, or we can take every step with confidence, with the assurance that our Father is safely leading us.
Proverbs 4:11-12 says, "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble."
I'm eagerly awaiting what the Lord has in store for my life, but in the meantime, I'm patiently and contently waiting.....
Saturday, January 1, 2011
two thousand and eleven *2011*
I thought the years were supposed to fly by when you are older, not seventeen. Nevertheless, it flew. 2010 was here and gone. But it's remnants have manifested themselves in my life.
2010 was a year of struggles and triumphs -- for myself and my family. The Lord was faithful and saw us through the trials that last year brought, but He also caused our faith to grow tremendously in Him. James 1:2-4 has been my favorite verse the last few years. He talks about how we should consider trials to be pure joy. This verse has helped me keep an eternal focus on my life, rather than carnal.
A definite highlight of 2010 was attending Worldview Academy! That week (the best week of my life) really caused my to grow in my walk with the Lord.
Yes, I had a big, long '10 reading list (non-fiction)....how far I got on it? Well, lets just say I have a lot to make up for this year. ;-)
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I've many goals for 2011 and it sounds like a promising year. I'll be graduating; starting an online business; teaching; working; following Christ and being a light on a hill; hopefully attending TeenPact and Worldview Academy again; becoming a "legal" adult ;-); getting my drivers license; reading like crazy; and.... who knows what else the year will bring?I'm excited to see/experience what God has in store for my life in 2011.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
my paper......
This is a paper I had to write for one of my classes this week on the evidence for Christ and His resurrection.
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The Christian religion is not a “blind un-reasoning faith,” it is supported by unbiased evidence, as well as history, science and archeology. According to the handout on the “Historical Christ,” the self-professed heathen, Johann Goethe said, “If ever the Divine appeared on earth, it was the person of Christ... The human mind, no matter how far it may advance in every other department, will never transcend the height and moral culture of Christianity as it shines and glows in the Gospels.” This man attested to this, even though he does not believe in God. There are many more quotes from other antagonistic, agnostic unbelievers. The Bible
contains much scientific significance, such as, the earth is round. In fact, Nothing in the Bible has
been proven to be incorrect, even in regard to archeological findings in the past 500 years.
Now there are many incorrect theories about Jesus. Some say He was a legend, some say He was real but purely a human person, another says He was a real person of supernatural origin or possession. As to the first theory, He cannot be a legend because the Jewish officials testified to His power and authority, as well as His being a real person who did perform miraculous signs. The Jews hated Jesus and would not have testified about Him if He had only been a legend. If the second theory, being purely human, Jesus could not have done the miracles that he did without supernatural power from God or Satan. However, we know that He did not possess power from Satan because He cast demons out in God’s name. Jesus mentions this in Mark
3:23b-24 saying, “How can Satan cast out Satan. And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”
The last option is that He was, in fact, who He said He was. He was sent from God, His Father, to do His perfect will. This is the only “theory” with valid evidence. There are also many theories about His resurrection. Such as, the swoon theory, the hallucination theory, the wrong tomb theory and the theft theory. The swoon theory is very unlikely and impractical. The Roman soldiers would not have removed Him from the cross if
they were not completely satisfied that He were dead. The separation of Jesus’ blood from the water when they pierced His side on the cross, signified to them that He was dead (John 19:34-35). In fact, the soldiers were so satisfied of Jesus’ death, that they did not break His legs (which quickened death), and by not doing so, fulfilled a prophesy. Even if He had not died on the cross, I believe that most doctors and nurses would agree that a man with that much beating and pain inflicted upon him would not survive without any provisions or medical care within those three days. He would have bled to death. And how could a man who was so weak that He was pronounced dead, not only survive, but also roll away the large stone in front of the tomb that required many strong men to move and was guarded by Roman soldiers who would not sleep less
they themselves be put to death, which none were as they had been faithful in their duties. And yet, He was out of the tomb and appeared to more than 500 people.
The Hallucination theory disproves itself. This theory states that Jesus died, but did not resurrect; the disciples and all the many people He “appeared to” were simply hallucinating. Well, it is proven that multiple people (around 500) do not ever hallucinate the same thing. 500 people is more than enough to convince a court of law. Besides, all the officials had to do to disprove the resurrection was to produce Jesus’s body. However, this theory has no evidence, because the body was gone.
The last of these theories is one of theft. Since the tomb was empty, Jesus’ disciples must’ve stole it. You must ask yourself: What motive would they have in stealing His body so that it appeared He had risen? Perhaps they didn’t want others to think that they were wrong in believing He was the Messiah, so in order to protect their image, they stole Jesus’ body. But how would they be able to get past the Roman guards and roll away the stone? And why would they be so impassioned and willing to die for their beliefs? Because Jesus did die and did rise from the dead and then appeared to them giving them the great commission of Matthew 28:19! They were martyred for their belief in Him - you don’t just give your life for something you don’t believe in.
As well as all of these facts portraying to the truth that Jesus Christ was a real person with supernatural power to perform miracles, given by His Father, God, and that He did die on the cross and raise from the dead three days later, there are also Bible prophesies. Jesus fulfilled all of the many various prophesies written about Him. The chances of Him even fulfilling eight the 48 prophesies is mathematically impossible. It would be like covering the whole state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep having marked just one of them, stirring them all together and then picking up the one silver dollar with the mark on it while being blindfolded. Sounds pretty impossible to me!
The evidence for Jesus Christ is so overwhelming the only way you could not believe is if you chose not to educate yourself to the facts. Jesus did not have a selfish agenda while He was on earth, but came because of His Heavenly Father’s will - that all men may be saved through the atonement of Jesus blood for them. Jesus forgave these men who persecuted them and even loved them, despite their hatred for Him. Jesus Christ was the greatest man to ever walk the earth. He rose from the dead, like He said and how the prophesies predicted and became our High Priest - our intercessor. John 14:6, “No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Christian religion is not a “blind un-reasoning faith,” it is supported by unbiased evidence, as well as history, science and archeology. According to the handout on the “Historical Christ,” the self-professed heathen, Johann Goethe said, “If ever the Divine appeared on earth, it was the person of Christ... The human mind, no matter how far it may advance in every other department, will never transcend the height and moral culture of Christianity as it shines and glows in the Gospels.” This man attested to this, even though he does not believe in God. There are many more quotes from other antagonistic, agnostic unbelievers. The Bible
contains much scientific significance, such as, the earth is round. In fact, Nothing in the Bible has
been proven to be incorrect, even in regard to archeological findings in the past 500 years.
Now there are many incorrect theories about Jesus. Some say He was a legend, some say He was real but purely a human person, another says He was a real person of supernatural origin or possession. As to the first theory, He cannot be a legend because the Jewish officials testified to His power and authority, as well as His being a real person who did perform miraculous signs. The Jews hated Jesus and would not have testified about Him if He had only been a legend. If the second theory, being purely human, Jesus could not have done the miracles that he did without supernatural power from God or Satan. However, we know that He did not possess power from Satan because He cast demons out in God’s name. Jesus mentions this in Mark
3:23b-24 saying, “How can Satan cast out Satan. And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”
The last option is that He was, in fact, who He said He was. He was sent from God, His Father, to do His perfect will. This is the only “theory” with valid evidence. There are also many theories about His resurrection. Such as, the swoon theory, the hallucination theory, the wrong tomb theory and the theft theory. The swoon theory is very unlikely and impractical. The Roman soldiers would not have removed Him from the cross if
they were not completely satisfied that He were dead. The separation of Jesus’ blood from the water when they pierced His side on the cross, signified to them that He was dead (John 19:34-35). In fact, the soldiers were so satisfied of Jesus’ death, that they did not break His legs (which quickened death), and by not doing so, fulfilled a prophesy. Even if He had not died on the cross, I believe that most doctors and nurses would agree that a man with that much beating and pain inflicted upon him would not survive without any provisions or medical care within those three days. He would have bled to death. And how could a man who was so weak that He was pronounced dead, not only survive, but also roll away the large stone in front of the tomb that required many strong men to move and was guarded by Roman soldiers who would not sleep less
they themselves be put to death, which none were as they had been faithful in their duties. And yet, He was out of the tomb and appeared to more than 500 people.
The Hallucination theory disproves itself. This theory states that Jesus died, but did not resurrect; the disciples and all the many people He “appeared to” were simply hallucinating. Well, it is proven that multiple people (around 500) do not ever hallucinate the same thing. 500 people is more than enough to convince a court of law. Besides, all the officials had to do to disprove the resurrection was to produce Jesus’s body. However, this theory has no evidence, because the body was gone.
The last of these theories is one of theft. Since the tomb was empty, Jesus’ disciples must’ve stole it. You must ask yourself: What motive would they have in stealing His body so that it appeared He had risen? Perhaps they didn’t want others to think that they were wrong in believing He was the Messiah, so in order to protect their image, they stole Jesus’ body. But how would they be able to get past the Roman guards and roll away the stone? And why would they be so impassioned and willing to die for their beliefs? Because Jesus did die and did rise from the dead and then appeared to them giving them the great commission of Matthew 28:19! They were martyred for their belief in Him - you don’t just give your life for something you don’t believe in.
As well as all of these facts portraying to the truth that Jesus Christ was a real person with supernatural power to perform miracles, given by His Father, God, and that He did die on the cross and raise from the dead three days later, there are also Bible prophesies. Jesus fulfilled all of the many various prophesies written about Him. The chances of Him even fulfilling eight the 48 prophesies is mathematically impossible. It would be like covering the whole state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep having marked just one of them, stirring them all together and then picking up the one silver dollar with the mark on it while being blindfolded. Sounds pretty impossible to me!
The evidence for Jesus Christ is so overwhelming the only way you could not believe is if you chose not to educate yourself to the facts. Jesus did not have a selfish agenda while He was on earth, but came because of His Heavenly Father’s will - that all men may be saved through the atonement of Jesus blood for them. Jesus forgave these men who persecuted them and even loved them, despite their hatred for Him. Jesus Christ was the greatest man to ever walk the earth. He rose from the dead, like He said and how the prophesies predicted and became our High Priest - our intercessor. John 14:6, “No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Ever wondered what the Founding Fathers would think if they came back today?
.....I've thought about it. I know they would be appalled by what is happening in our society. What happened to absolute truth? Well that "Truth" comes from God and everything is becoming more and more relative because that Truth has been taken out of our society. They would be shocked about how we have allowed the liberty that they fought so hard for (to the point of giving their lives and all possessions), to slip away. Liberty comes at great costs and it is maintained at great costs. We have failed by not upholding this freedom. Galations 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - God intends for us to be free!
What do you think our Founding Fathers would think if they attended our Churches in America today? They would be horrified at the apathy they would see. As well as not hearing a word about what is happening right here, right now in our society and how we need to stop it! In the 1700's, Pastors would openly preach against certain political views that were not consistent with the Scriptures. They would be very active in politics and society. However, the Church has now separated itself from the things outside it, and view it all as secular. The Church actually has the nerve to say "we're not interested in politics." Some pastors will not even disclose what their political views are! If they can't admit that, it's a wonder they are strong enough to admit they are Christians??
What do you think our Founding Fathers would think if they attended our Churches in America today? They would be horrified at the apathy they would see. As well as not hearing a word about what is happening right here, right now in our society and how we need to stop it! In the 1700's, Pastors would openly preach against certain political views that were not consistent with the Scriptures. They would be very active in politics and society. However, the Church has now separated itself from the things outside it, and view it all as secular. The Church actually has the nerve to say "we're not interested in politics." Some pastors will not even disclose what their political views are! If they can't admit that, it's a wonder they are strong enough to admit they are Christians??
"When the Spirit of the Lord comes into the heart of a man, that man is liberated. Likewise when the Spirit of the Lord comes into a nation, that nation is liberated.... Spiritual freedom ultimately produces political freedom. External political slavery reflects internal spiritual bondage." - Bellies & Josh McDowell
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Psalm 94
1 O LORD, the God who avenges,
O God who avenges, shine forth.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long will the wicked, O LORD,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
all the evildoers are full of boasting.
5 They crush your people, O LORD;
they oppress your inheritance.
they oppress your inheritance.
6 They slay the widow and the alien;
they murder the fatherless.
they murder the fatherless.
7 They say, "The LORD does not see;
the God of Jacob pays no heed."
the God of Jacob pays no heed."
8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?
you fools, when will you become wise?
9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.
he knows that they are futile.
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
the man you teach from your law;
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
he will never forsake his inheritance.
15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.
your love, O LORD, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.
your consolation brought joy to my soul.
20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
one that brings on misery by its decrees?
one that brings on misery by its decrees?
21 They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will destroy them.
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will destroy them.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
I will sing of salvation from home and abroad, till many shall hear the truth and trust in God
Standing for Christ. I don't do it because I'm forced by my parents, because I've been raised that way, because I don't know about any other religions, because I am uneducated. No, I know all about each religion. I stand for Christ because I know that He is the one and only true God. He is real, He is the Truth, He is love, He is grace and mercy. Christianity is the only religion that is supported by science, history, archeology and (might I add?) common sense. I'm not a Christian because I am an ignorant girl who just spits back what I've been told at Church and by my parents - I think for myself. Some people believe that we should be tolerant of other people and their religions, but true Christians know that God didn't tell us to be good little "church-goer's" on Sunday and then abandon our faith for the rest of the week. No, He told us in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that He has commanded. None of us get a pass on the great commission. What we believe should effect everything we do - it should be intertwined with our social, home and work lives. It effects every decision you make - what you'll say when you're impatient or annoyed, what tv shows you watch, what you do when you're alone, how you'll vote, etc... II Corinthians 13:5 says "Examine yourselves as to whether you're in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?" God created us all - even the atheist. We were created for the sole purpose of glorifying God. However, He does give us a choice as to whether or not to follow Him. The atheist uses the mind God gave him to argue that there is no God. How ironic. Some also say that there are no absolutes - everything is relative. So, I would ask "are you absolutely sure that there are no absolutes?" You see how ridiculous this is? I can't force you to follow God, however, I will say that He is the one true God, my life is abandoned to Him and I've never been happier. What will you decide?
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