To even glance at these footsteps causes a lump to swell in my throat. Footsteps that had
faithfully followed Christ along the road, from town to town stopped following today.
They turned and walked away to betray Christ.
1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2and the
chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus,
for they were afraid of the people. 3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the
Twelve. 4And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and
discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5They were delighted and agreed to give
him money. 6He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them
when no crowd was present. (Luke 22:16)
Jesus knew one day Judas would betray him. As Judas walked beside Christ all those
years, He knew the day of betrayal would come. Their footsteps had traveled many roads
together, but the day of betrayal had finally come. And sadly, it was money that led Judas
to the decision of betrayal. He agreed to hand over his innocent friend for his own gain,
wealth.
My throat swells, tears fill my eyes; my mind tries to comprehend how anyone who knew
Christ and His love would betray Him for financial gain. But, as I sit and read this story, I
feel sick to my stomach. Not because of what Judas did, but because of what I did.
I have known and followed Christ for 27 years. Time and time again I experience Christ's
love and forgiveness. I already know that Christ died for me. Yet, like Judas, my
footsteps have walked away and betrayed Jesus for my own selfish gain. Oh Lord,
forgive me. The lure of success, money, and pleasures of the world has led my footsteps
away from my friend, my teacher, my Savior.
How about you? Have you betrayed, walked away from Christ for your own selfish gain?
Write a prayer confessing and seeking forgiveness.
But, I am thankful that I, like Judas, realize what I have done. But, praise God that I,
unlike Judas, do not give up. I can come before my Father and be saved by His grace.
Alleluia!!! My footsteps can find their way back to Christ!!
Now Praise God for His forgiveness and His grace. Praise Him for His footsteps that run
to meet yours when you return home to Him.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Footsteps of a Teacher
The footsteps led to the temple courts. Jesus steps would stop to teach again. Knowing some were trying to trap him and others would betray him, Jesus kept teaching.
The chief priest, the Pharisees, the elders were there at Christ Footsteps. They were questioning and trying to trap Christ. When Christ stepped on their toes through his teaching…the Chief Priest and Pharisees felt the twinge. But they did not repent; they grew angry and looked for a way to arrest Jesus.
Matthew 21:45-46 45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.
As I sit here today at the footsteps of Christ and read the teachings of His last day, I wonder how I will respond when Christ words step on my toes a little bit. How have I responded to Christ when His words speak directly to me? Am I like the Pharisees and get mad? Do I resist the truth Christ is teaching?
How about you? When you hear Christ teaching how do you respond? Do you accept it as truth? If His words step on your toes a little bit, how do you respond?
My dear friend, may you and I, humble ourselves as we sit and the footsteps of Christ. May you and I listen to His every word and be willing not only to learn but apply Christ every word to our lives. The truth of Christ words may be difficult and hard to swallow, but may you and I trust in Christ and obey.
Today, sit at the footsteps of Christ. Read the words of Christ that He taught in his last days before death. My friend, some words may step on your toes. But I pray, you will listen as Christ speaks to you.
Read Matthew 21:28-25:46 . (You can read one Prable at a time if you need)
As you read each teaching, ask God to open your ears, eyes, mind and heart to his teaching. Read each word as if it is the first time you read it. May God give you wisdom and discernment over each lesson. Listen to the words of Christ. What is He asking you to bring before the cross so you can truly experience your new life in Christ?
The chief priest, the Pharisees, the elders were there at Christ Footsteps. They were questioning and trying to trap Christ. When Christ stepped on their toes through his teaching…the Chief Priest and Pharisees felt the twinge. But they did not repent; they grew angry and looked for a way to arrest Jesus.
Matthew 21:45-46 45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.
As I sit here today at the footsteps of Christ and read the teachings of His last day, I wonder how I will respond when Christ words step on my toes a little bit. How have I responded to Christ when His words speak directly to me? Am I like the Pharisees and get mad? Do I resist the truth Christ is teaching?
How about you? When you hear Christ teaching how do you respond? Do you accept it as truth? If His words step on your toes a little bit, how do you respond?
My dear friend, may you and I, humble ourselves as we sit and the footsteps of Christ. May you and I listen to His every word and be willing not only to learn but apply Christ every word to our lives. The truth of Christ words may be difficult and hard to swallow, but may you and I trust in Christ and obey.
Today, sit at the footsteps of Christ. Read the words of Christ that He taught in his last days before death. My friend, some words may step on your toes. But I pray, you will listen as Christ speaks to you.
Read Matthew 21:28-25:46 . (You can read one Prable at a time if you need)
As you read each teaching, ask God to open your ears, eyes, mind and heart to his teaching. Read each word as if it is the first time you read it. May God give you wisdom and discernment over each lesson. Listen to the words of Christ. What is He asking you to bring before the cross so you can truly experience your new life in Christ?
Monday, March 29, 2010
Footsteps That Lead to Amazement and Understanding
The footsteps led to Bethany for rest and early in the morning would start back to Jerusalem. Just like you and I, Christ was hungry.
18Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)
Now those who had followed his steps and seen his miraculous healing of the sick and dead again would find themselves in awe of what he had done.
20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked (Matthew 21:20)
I found myself chuckling at the disciples. They had seen him turn water to wine, heal so many even with just His touch. These are the men who had sat at Christ feet and heard His teaching. But they still were amazed at another miracle. Did His power amaze them or did they just not comprehend that Jesus was the Son of God?
On my journey with Christ, as I follow Him, do I truly understand who Christ is? Am I amazed at everything He does? If the disciples did not comprehend it all being by Jesus’ side, can my few minutes a day with Christ be enough to know Christ?
When was the last time you were amazed at what God was doing and what was it?
Now stop and really think about this weekend or last week, what did God do that you missed or did not stop and see God working?
The disciples walked with Christ for a few years and still did not understand some of the thing Christ taught them. What do you not understand?
What changes in your walk with Christ do you need to make to know Him more, to understand who God is?
Oh how I want to be amazed by the blooming flower God created to the healing of my friend with cancer. How I want to know Christ that I understand him when He speaks to me. May I see and hear Christ in everything I do as my footsteps follow his.
My friend, what is you prayer as you follow Christ footsteps?
18Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)
Now those who had followed his steps and seen his miraculous healing of the sick and dead again would find themselves in awe of what he had done.
20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked (Matthew 21:20)
I found myself chuckling at the disciples. They had seen him turn water to wine, heal so many even with just His touch. These are the men who had sat at Christ feet and heard His teaching. But they still were amazed at another miracle. Did His power amaze them or did they just not comprehend that Jesus was the Son of God?
On my journey with Christ, as I follow Him, do I truly understand who Christ is? Am I amazed at everything He does? If the disciples did not comprehend it all being by Jesus’ side, can my few minutes a day with Christ be enough to know Christ?
When was the last time you were amazed at what God was doing and what was it?
Now stop and really think about this weekend or last week, what did God do that you missed or did not stop and see God working?
The disciples walked with Christ for a few years and still did not understand some of the thing Christ taught them. What do you not understand?
What changes in your walk with Christ do you need to make to know Him more, to understand who God is?
Oh how I want to be amazed by the blooming flower God created to the healing of my friend with cancer. How I want to know Christ that I understand him when He speaks to me. May I see and hear Christ in everything I do as my footsteps follow his.
My friend, what is you prayer as you follow Christ footsteps?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Easter Week: Footprints of Praise
You could not see the footprints on the road. Today it was covered in palm branches and cloaks. His footprints you would not see because today he entered the Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Today he entered the town where he would soon face death.
But today, footprints covered the side of the road and from those footprints came shouts of praise.
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"
There was so much excitement and energy that day. Even the city of Jerusalem noticed. People stopped to ask,
"Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Imagine following the footsteps of Christ that day. Yelling and shouting praises to Him. Even more exciting watching Jesus heal the lame and blind. But when the day was done, the footsteps of the people led home. Would they remember what they had seen?
Maybe I should ask, would I remember? Would the excitement wear off? Would I forget Jesus?
What about you? Are you like the crowd? Do you shout and praise Christ when things are going great?
How about when things are calm? No miracles, no trials, do you still shout praises?
Now the difficult question, do you shout praises when you face trials and struggles? When your loved lays fighting for their life? When the child you long is not part of His plan? When your teenager rebels?
Like the crowd, I follow Christ and shout about His goodness. But how quick I let life get so busy and forget about the footprints that walked to Jerusalem for me. I forget about the miracles God has done.
May I, may you, remember who Christ is everyday. May circumstances not dictate my praise of the Father. May I follow the footsteps of Christ at the beginning of everyday, shouting
"Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c]
"Hosanna[d] in the highest!"
May you and I start today. See Christ footprint, are you ready to follow? May our footprints be near Christ as we shout His praises.
But today, footprints covered the side of the road and from those footprints came shouts of praise.
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"
There was so much excitement and energy that day. Even the city of Jerusalem noticed. People stopped to ask,
"Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Imagine following the footsteps of Christ that day. Yelling and shouting praises to Him. Even more exciting watching Jesus heal the lame and blind. But when the day was done, the footsteps of the people led home. Would they remember what they had seen?
Maybe I should ask, would I remember? Would the excitement wear off? Would I forget Jesus?
What about you? Are you like the crowd? Do you shout and praise Christ when things are going great?
How about when things are calm? No miracles, no trials, do you still shout praises?
Now the difficult question, do you shout praises when you face trials and struggles? When your loved lays fighting for their life? When the child you long is not part of His plan? When your teenager rebels?
Like the crowd, I follow Christ and shout about His goodness. But how quick I let life get so busy and forget about the footprints that walked to Jerusalem for me. I forget about the miracles God has done.
May I, may you, remember who Christ is everyday. May circumstances not dictate my praise of the Father. May I follow the footsteps of Christ at the beginning of everyday, shouting
"Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c]
"Hosanna[d] in the highest!"
May you and I start today. See Christ footprint, are you ready to follow? May our footprints be near Christ as we shout His praises.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Start of Easter: Choose to focus on the footprint
(We are going to take time off our normal study to focus to focus on the Easter study. Please try to read it everyday. It will be a journey with Christ you will want to walk.)
It feels as if we just celebrated the birth of Christ. And now it is time to draw near to the cross and the empty tomb. Oh my spirit leaps, my heart pounds, my eyes fill up with tears as I come near the cross and the empty tomb.
Next week, we will be take the time to study the week between the triumphal entry and Resurrection. So, I ask you to start preparing yourself, your heart and your mind. Be ready to focus on our Savior and even ourselves as we come near to our Savior.
Let's start our focus on Christ predicting his death.
Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Wow! Read it again and remember Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen and is sharing this information with the disciples.
Personally, I do not even know if I would willing go somewhere just to be mocked. You may hate going to school because you may be mocked. But Christ went to Jerusalem knowing He would be mocked, flogged and crucified. Do you truly understand that part? Christ knew his fate before he even started on the journey to Jerusalem.
Why? Why would Christ travel by foot to face mocking, flogging and death?
As a parent, I would run anywhere, face anything to protect my child. Even if I knew, I might face injury myself. Love for her children will make a mama do crazy things. So, is love what drove Christ to start that long walk to Jerusalem? Did Christ see my face, your face as he walked that road? Did Christ know my stupidity would need saving?
Oh, my dear friend, Christ walked the rode to Jerusalem knowing His fate. But, Christ made that journey for you, for me, for our friends, for our loved ones, for our neighbors because He loves us. Every step on that dusty road was made to save us.
Stop and focus on the footprints on that dusty road and remember, they were made for you.
John 10:10-11
10"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Print the footprint or save it as your wallpaper and focus on the journey Christ made for you. And my friend, who do you know that needs to hear about the footprints made for them.
It feels as if we just celebrated the birth of Christ. And now it is time to draw near to the cross and the empty tomb. Oh my spirit leaps, my heart pounds, my eyes fill up with tears as I come near the cross and the empty tomb.
Next week, we will be take the time to study the week between the triumphal entry and Resurrection. So, I ask you to start preparing yourself, your heart and your mind. Be ready to focus on our Savior and even ourselves as we come near to our Savior.
Let's start our focus on Christ predicting his death.
Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Wow! Read it again and remember Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen and is sharing this information with the disciples.
Personally, I do not even know if I would willing go somewhere just to be mocked. You may hate going to school because you may be mocked. But Christ went to Jerusalem knowing He would be mocked, flogged and crucified. Do you truly understand that part? Christ knew his fate before he even started on the journey to Jerusalem.
Why? Why would Christ travel by foot to face mocking, flogging and death?
As a parent, I would run anywhere, face anything to protect my child. Even if I knew, I might face injury myself. Love for her children will make a mama do crazy things. So, is love what drove Christ to start that long walk to Jerusalem? Did Christ see my face, your face as he walked that road? Did Christ know my stupidity would need saving?
Oh, my dear friend, Christ walked the rode to Jerusalem knowing His fate. But, Christ made that journey for you, for me, for our friends, for our loved ones, for our neighbors because He loves us. Every step on that dusty road was made to save us.
Stop and focus on the footprints on that dusty road and remember, they were made for you.
John 10:10-11
10"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Print the footprint or save it as your wallpaper and focus on the journey Christ made for you. And my friend, who do you know that needs to hear about the footprints made for them.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Week 8 Day 4: Choose To Know The Truth: Some People Do Care
Today is going to be pretty short and sweet. You are not alone.
What? You are disagreeing with me. You may feel alone sometimes or a lot of the times. But I promise you are not.
Some of you are blessed with caring and involved parents. Unfortunately, most of you only have one parent or parents who work all the time. Finding a caring, loving teacher sadly is becoming more rare. (They are still out there.) Most teens, especially girls, have the type of friend that acts more like an enemy. You know the 'who needs enemies with friends like these' type. These are all reasons you feel so alone at times. But you are not.
I see you rolling your eyes at me over this one. You have already stopped focusing because you think I am going to say, you are not alone because God is always there. While that fact may be true, it is not what I am going to say :p
If you feel alone or have no parents or teachers to talk to about life, then you need a person. Not just any old person, but an awesome, caring, understanding, hold you accountable mature (sorry do not want to call myself old or big) person. And trust me, they are out there.
Hopefully you have a youth worker, maybe a former fabulous children's minister ;), a college student in your church or in your life with whom you can share and discuss the difficult choices of life. If you do not have one then you need to find one.
As I have said, you are always welcomed at my house and I am here for you. Ask your youth pastor or pastor to help you find an adult who will take the time to be there for you. If they are not at your church, let me know.
Remember there are people who care. Not all adults hate teens. You will find there are some who dislike the world you have to live in and want to help you. I know I do. We do not want you to be in this world alone. So please choose to let us be your friend :)
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for my sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see someone who can be my friend, my mentor..
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share my struggles with those who can share their wisdom.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
What? You are disagreeing with me. You may feel alone sometimes or a lot of the times. But I promise you are not.
Some of you are blessed with caring and involved parents. Unfortunately, most of you only have one parent or parents who work all the time. Finding a caring, loving teacher sadly is becoming more rare. (They are still out there.) Most teens, especially girls, have the type of friend that acts more like an enemy. You know the 'who needs enemies with friends like these' type. These are all reasons you feel so alone at times. But you are not.
I see you rolling your eyes at me over this one. You have already stopped focusing because you think I am going to say, you are not alone because God is always there. While that fact may be true, it is not what I am going to say :p
If you feel alone or have no parents or teachers to talk to about life, then you need a person. Not just any old person, but an awesome, caring, understanding, hold you accountable mature (sorry do not want to call myself old or big) person. And trust me, they are out there.
Hopefully you have a youth worker, maybe a former fabulous children's minister ;), a college student in your church or in your life with whom you can share and discuss the difficult choices of life. If you do not have one then you need to find one.
As I have said, you are always welcomed at my house and I am here for you. Ask your youth pastor or pastor to help you find an adult who will take the time to be there for you. If they are not at your church, let me know.
Remember there are people who care. Not all adults hate teens. You will find there are some who dislike the world you have to live in and want to help you. I know I do. We do not want you to be in this world alone. So please choose to let us be your friend :)
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for my sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see someone who can be my friend, my mentor..
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share my struggles with those who can share their wisdom.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Week 8 Day 3: Choose Carefully Where You Find the Truth
Your generation does not know life without Internet access. Whether you are researching for a school paper or googling Justin Beiber, it is all right there at your fingertips in a matter of seconds. You want to find it, you can find it online.
Now, please listen carefully, not everything online is truth. Duh, right? But you also have to be very careful that not every "christian" (I use that term loosely), is truth based on God's word.
Before I started writing, I googled some religious topics that are controversial today. It only took one click for my jaw to drop on the content of certain websites. And what was even scarier is that they used scripture (out of context) to back up their beliefs. Today I saw the danger of the Internet and its intent to lure young people like yourself.
How do you know which website is complete truth on certain subjects? Can you tell which websites are just trying to persuade you in their own belief? You probably cannot know the truth from lies. These sites are set up to be very persuasive and manipulate God's word for their benefit.
(Parental Advisory on Subject Below: But parents this is to protect your kids. Please Discuss)
For those of you who know me, you know I love you and my heart's desire is to see you grow close to Christ and do great things for Him. Please promise me you will not look up these subjects out of curiosity. It is very dangerous. These sites are like the stranger with candy or a lost puppy. They are luring you in just so they can destroy your life and take you away from your Father (God).
I need, beg, plead, pretty much would like to demand, you choose not to look up any of these subjects online. If you have questions about any of these, you need to talk to your youth pastor, pastor, a trusted adult Christian friend. And as I always say, you can talk to me. I am here to help not judge.
Choose to avoid these subjects online:
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for any sites I have viewed that do not honor Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see the truth and avoid viewing these sites.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak to an adult if I am struggling with one f these issues.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Now, please listen carefully, not everything online is truth. Duh, right? But you also have to be very careful that not every "christian" (I use that term loosely), is truth based on God's word.
Before I started writing, I googled some religious topics that are controversial today. It only took one click for my jaw to drop on the content of certain websites. And what was even scarier is that they used scripture (out of context) to back up their beliefs. Today I saw the danger of the Internet and its intent to lure young people like yourself.
How do you know which website is complete truth on certain subjects? Can you tell which websites are just trying to persuade you in their own belief? You probably cannot know the truth from lies. These sites are set up to be very persuasive and manipulate God's word for their benefit.
(Parental Advisory on Subject Below: But parents this is to protect your kids. Please Discuss)
For those of you who know me, you know I love you and my heart's desire is to see you grow close to Christ and do great things for Him. Please promise me you will not look up these subjects out of curiosity. It is very dangerous. These sites are like the stranger with candy or a lost puppy. They are luring you in just so they can destroy your life and take you away from your Father (God).
I need, beg, plead, pretty much would like to demand, you choose not to look up any of these subjects online. If you have questions about any of these, you need to talk to your youth pastor, pastor, a trusted adult Christian friend. And as I always say, you can talk to me. I am here to help not judge.
Choose to avoid these subjects online:
- Homosexuality
- Sex (of any kind or level)
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Other religions like Wiccan, Scientology, etc
- Pornography
I know the temptation is there, but please remember "Stranger Danger." Choose to seek answers from a trusted adult Christian friend or pastor.
I love you guys very much and my heart cares for those who are reading this blog that I do not even know. Please listen to my instruction today. God is telling me that one or more of you are facing this challenge right now. Email me or facebook me and I will send you my phone number or you can send me yours.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for any sites I have viewed that do not honor Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see the truth and avoid viewing these sites.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak to an adult if I am struggling with one f these issues.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Week 8 Day 2: Choose To Speak The Truth
Take a moment to review the truths from yesterday.
1. You were created by God and in His image. And as the old saying goes,"God don't make no junk."
Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"
2. You are a child of God.
John 1:12-13
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
3. You were worth saving, the ultimate sacrifice was made for you.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. God loves you.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
5. God has a plan for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"
2. You are a child of God.
John 1:12-13
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
3. You were worth saving, the ultimate sacrifice was made for you.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. God loves you.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
5. God has a plan for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
My prayer is that you believe each of those truths. But I have one more question. Do the words you speak about others reflect those truths or do they cause hurt?
Whether you are mad, hurt or going along with the crowd, we have to be careful how we speak of others. Even those who have been hurt by words of others tend to speak hurtful words. Knowing the pain they are causing does not stop them from speaking those hurtful words.
Please be truthful, are you one who hurts others with words instead of building up? Even if it is not intentional, does it still happen?
The good news is God will forgive you for the hurtful words you have spoken. And today you can choose to speak truth that builds up not tears down.
Will you choose not to speak hurtful words? Will you choose not to join the crowd who is mocking another?
Remember the hurt you are causing if you speak words of hate, but also remember the love you are spreading when you speak the truth of God.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : Write one of the verses above.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for the hurtful words I spoken to and about others.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see those who are hurting because of words.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His truth only and no words of hate or hurt.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Week 8 Day 1: Choose the Truth
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
LIE!!! Words hurt. Unfortunately it is a hurt that stays with you and can tear you apart. And you, my poor, sweet friend, are surrounded by peers who know how much words hurt but don't hesitate to blurt them out. Sadly, some of you face those hurtful words in your own home. (I am so sorry and know I love you.) How can you choose to avoid those words? Is it possible?
Unfortunately, you cannot avoid people. Even if you locked yourself in your house, words could still attack through text, MySpace, facebook, etc. You cannot avoid those hurtful words completely, but you can choose to fill your mind and heart with the truth. The truth can defeat the hurtful lies.
What is the truth?
1. You were created by God and in His image. And as the old saying goes,"God don't make no junk."
Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"
2. You are a child of God.
John 1:12-13
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
3. You were worth saving, the ultimate sacrifice was made for you.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. God loves you.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
5. God has a plan for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
These are just a tiny bit of the truths from God's Word. But everyone one of them are important just like you.
You are the daughter of the King of kings. He loves you so much he took your punishment and hung on a cross. Your Father took the time to knit every piece of you together in your mother's womb.
My friend, others may tell you all your faults. Some may say you are unworthy of love. You may be called stupid, ugly, worthless or names much worse. Some of you may have been told that you deserve whatever happens to you. A few of you may even face verbal attacks on a daily basis from those in your home or a bully at school. I am here to tell you that those are all lies. The truth is in the verses above and all throughout God's Word.
Will you choose to believe the lies, or the words of your Heavenly Father? My prayer is that you choose to believe your Heavenly Father.
*If you are facing verbal abuse in your home or at school, please talk to your youth pastor, pastor, christian counselor or me. Please seek adult help. There are adults to help you and they will not judge or condemn you. They will love you and help you.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Pick one of the verses above to write on your mirror.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive for not knowing His Word and truth.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see who I am in Christ not to see who I am according to the world.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak the truth of who I am when verbal attacks come my way.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
LIE!!! Words hurt. Unfortunately it is a hurt that stays with you and can tear you apart. And you, my poor, sweet friend, are surrounded by peers who know how much words hurt but don't hesitate to blurt them out. Sadly, some of you face those hurtful words in your own home. (I am so sorry and know I love you.) How can you choose to avoid those words? Is it possible?
Unfortunately, you cannot avoid people. Even if you locked yourself in your house, words could still attack through text, MySpace, facebook, etc. You cannot avoid those hurtful words completely, but you can choose to fill your mind and heart with the truth. The truth can defeat the hurtful lies.
What is the truth?
1. You were created by God and in His image. And as the old saying goes,"God don't make no junk."
Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"
2. You are a child of God.
John 1:12-13
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
3. You were worth saving, the ultimate sacrifice was made for you.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. God loves you.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
5. God has a plan for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
These are just a tiny bit of the truths from God's Word. But everyone one of them are important just like you.
You are the daughter of the King of kings. He loves you so much he took your punishment and hung on a cross. Your Father took the time to knit every piece of you together in your mother's womb.
My friend, others may tell you all your faults. Some may say you are unworthy of love. You may be called stupid, ugly, worthless or names much worse. Some of you may have been told that you deserve whatever happens to you. A few of you may even face verbal attacks on a daily basis from those in your home or a bully at school. I am here to tell you that those are all lies. The truth is in the verses above and all throughout God's Word.
Will you choose to believe the lies, or the words of your Heavenly Father? My prayer is that you choose to believe your Heavenly Father.
*If you are facing verbal abuse in your home or at school, please talk to your youth pastor, pastor, christian counselor or me. Please seek adult help. There are adults to help you and they will not judge or condemn you. They will love you and help you.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Pick one of the verses above to write on your mirror.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive for not knowing His Word and truth.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see who I am in Christ not to see who I am according to the world.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak the truth of who I am when verbal attacks come my way.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Week 7 Day 5
Most of you will be enjoying Spring Break next week. I will be taking the week off from writing but I do not want you to take the week off from God. Write your favorite bible verse on your mirror. As you get ready, continue to pray and talk to God. And even though you will be chilling, take time to read God's Word.
To close this week, I wanted to give you a song to help you remember all we have learned this week. Cage and I kept thinking of kid songs. So I guess we will have a sing along.
And even though they are not a hit song, they will stick in your head. Let's grab our swords and sing!! (Yes they may be silly, but they speak the truth.)
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E yeah that's the book for me (repeat 4 times)
I have a book it teaches me everything that I know
And in this book it shows me how I need to grow
In my life, I read it every single day
It is the truth, it is my life, and it's my way
It is how God speaks to me
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E yeah that's the book for me (repeat 3 times)
Sometimes my friends they sing a different song
And I'm not sure if they're right or if they're wrong
So I go and get this book off of the shelf
And learn from God the Creator of Life Himself
It is his letter to me
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
How did life being? it's in there
How will the world end? Guess what? That's in there too
Any burning questions rolling around in your mind
It's all here to find
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E yeah that's the book for me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Maf3WnQvXHo
On The March (I know some of you remember this one)
I straighten up, I stand my ground
I'm in the army of God now
I'm not alone there's many more
We're gonna change the world.
I'm not afraid, How can I be?
My God is here, He's with me
I shine a light a light for you
In everything I do.
We're gonna change the world, We're gonna change the world
The army of God is on the march again
Hey, Hey
We're on the march again.
Have you got your belt of truth?(I've got that)
The breastplate of righteousness?(I've got that)
On your feet put the gospel of peace(I've got that)
Hold up the shield of faith(I've got that)
Put on the helmet of salvation(I've got that)
Lift high the sword of the spirit(I've got that)
Now you're wearing the Armour of God
'Cause we're a part of the army now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkfd7FRJjo
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive for specific sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and be prepared.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His Word to fight temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
To close this week, I wanted to give you a song to help you remember all we have learned this week. Cage and I kept thinking of kid songs. So I guess we will have a sing along.
And even though they are not a hit song, they will stick in your head. Let's grab our swords and sing!! (Yes they may be silly, but they speak the truth.)
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E yeah that's the book for me (repeat 4 times)
I have a book it teaches me everything that I know
And in this book it shows me how I need to grow
In my life, I read it every single day
It is the truth, it is my life, and it's my way
It is how God speaks to me
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E yeah that's the book for me (repeat 3 times)
Sometimes my friends they sing a different song
And I'm not sure if they're right or if they're wrong
So I go and get this book off of the shelf
And learn from God the Creator of Life Himself
It is his letter to me
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
How did life being? it's in there
How will the world end? Guess what? That's in there too
Any burning questions rolling around in your mind
It's all here to find
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E, yeah that's the book for me
I stand alone on the word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E yeah that's the book for me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Maf3WnQvXHo
On The March (I know some of you remember this one)
I straighten up, I stand my ground
I'm in the army of God now
I'm not alone there's many more
We're gonna change the world.
I'm not afraid, How can I be?
My God is here, He's with me
I shine a light a light for you
In everything I do.
We're gonna change the world, We're gonna change the world
The army of God is on the march again
Hey, Hey
We're on the march again.
Have you got your belt of truth?(I've got that)
The breastplate of righteousness?(I've got that)
On your feet put the gospel of peace(I've got that)
Hold up the shield of faith(I've got that)
Put on the helmet of salvation(I've got that)
Lift high the sword of the spirit(I've got that)
Now you're wearing the Armour of God
'Cause we're a part of the army now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkfd7FRJjo
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive for specific sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and be prepared.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His Word to fight temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Week 7 Day 4: Choose To Share
All week we have been talking about fleeing and resisting temptation. Today, I come to you asking how I can specifically pray for you.
My heart brakes for the temptations and trials you are facing. I feel that one or several of you need me to pray for you. So please email or message me on facebook. Both links are on the side. I promise not to share it with anyone else.
And whether you share with me or not, please go before the Lord and share your struggles. Do not face the battles alone.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
To spend time just talking to God today.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive for specific sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and be prepared.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His Word to fight temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
My heart brakes for the temptations and trials you are facing. I feel that one or several of you need me to pray for you. So please email or message me on facebook. Both links are on the side. I promise not to share it with anyone else.
And whether you share with me or not, please go before the Lord and share your struggles. Do not face the battles alone.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
To spend time just talking to God today.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive for specific sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and be prepared.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His Word to fight temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Week 7 Day 3: Choose Your Sword
Battles, not if you will have them but when will you have them. How will you be able to resist or flee from temptation battles?
Read the story below:
Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[b]"
7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[c]"
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'[d]"
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
How did Jesus withstand temptation?
Jesus used the sword of the spirit for his battle. If you remember from our first week, the sword of the spirit is the word of God.
If you have grown up in church, adults have been trying to persuade you to memorize bible verses since you could talk. And it is for this reason alone. Each one of them have loved you enough to prepare you for battles by helping you memorize God's Word. It was not just an assignment, it is a preparation for battle.
My question to you, are you prepared for battle? Do you have your sword?
If your answer is no or maybe, what changes can you make to start learning God's Word?
You would not go to a dance without preparing yourself. Hopefully, you do not take a semester exam without preparing yourself. A solider does not go to battle without his weapon. So why would you choose to continue to fight the battle of temptation with no sword?
I plead one more time with you to memorize God's Word and to spend time reading it. Please choose to be prepared for all the teenage battles that lie ahead.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for not knowing and using His Word.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and be prepared
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His Word to fight temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Read the story below:
Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[b]"
7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[c]"
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'[d]"
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
How did Jesus withstand temptation?
Jesus used the sword of the spirit for his battle. If you remember from our first week, the sword of the spirit is the word of God.
If you have grown up in church, adults have been trying to persuade you to memorize bible verses since you could talk. And it is for this reason alone. Each one of them have loved you enough to prepare you for battles by helping you memorize God's Word. It was not just an assignment, it is a preparation for battle.
My question to you, are you prepared for battle? Do you have your sword?
If your answer is no or maybe, what changes can you make to start learning God's Word?
You would not go to a dance without preparing yourself. Hopefully, you do not take a semester exam without preparing yourself. A solider does not go to battle without his weapon. So why would you choose to continue to fight the battle of temptation with no sword?
I plead one more time with you to memorize God's Word and to spend time reading it. Please choose to be prepared for all the teenage battles that lie ahead.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for not knowing and using His Word.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and be prepared
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His Word to fight temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Week 7 Day 2: Choose To Flee
Resist the devil and flee!!! It was so much easier to flee from temptation when you had to leave your home to find temptation. But if you have a cell phone, computer or TV, temptation is one click away or the add on the screen.
How do you flee when it is in your back pocket, your purse or on your desk? How do you avoid images, videos and music that are a sin in themselves? Can you choose to flee?
I have couple of suggestions that I would highly recommend you follow.
1. Keep the computer in a main room. If any one could catch you in a second, you usually resist the urge of temptation.
2. Put an accountability software on your computer. It will send info to a friend or parent’s email about any sites you visit. If you know someone is going to know what you are doing and you will get caught, you usually choose to avoid temptation.
3. If you have Internet on your phone, you should ask your parents to make sure your provider knows it is a teen’s phone and will not allow you on inappropriate sites.
4. If students at your school are known to send inappropriate pics to embarrass other students, you might ask your parents to have your provider block you from receiving pics by text. You can still Bluetooth pics and music, but you are protected from receiving things you do not want.
5. If you have a TV in your room, set the Chip so adult only material does not come up when you flip channels. Protect yourself and your mind.
Now that you have read my suggestions and finished rolling your eyes at them, please listen to me. Choosing to flee by protecting yourself from temptation is very important. Those images or words you can hear will mess with your mind and stay with you. The devil will mess with your head once they are in there.
Another reason to have your computer and phone set to protect you is it also keeps other people from using them inappropriately. You do not want to end up grounded or in trouble at school because one of your friends used your stuff.
Choose to flee from temptation. Why choose to fight a battle if you can avoid it altogether...right? Life is hard enough without falling into traps of temtpation online. You can choose to be smart and protect yourself before it even happens. And imagine how proud your parents will be and how much more they will trust if you ask them to put things on your phone and computer to protect you.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for falling into the temptation of gossip, anger and lies.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and to fight the battle for me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out and flee from temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
How do you flee when it is in your back pocket, your purse or on your desk? How do you avoid images, videos and music that are a sin in themselves? Can you choose to flee?
I have couple of suggestions that I would highly recommend you follow.
1. Keep the computer in a main room. If any one could catch you in a second, you usually resist the urge of temptation.
2. Put an accountability software on your computer. It will send info to a friend or parent’s email about any sites you visit. If you know someone is going to know what you are doing and you will get caught, you usually choose to avoid temptation.
3. If you have Internet on your phone, you should ask your parents to make sure your provider knows it is a teen’s phone and will not allow you on inappropriate sites.
4. If students at your school are known to send inappropriate pics to embarrass other students, you might ask your parents to have your provider block you from receiving pics by text. You can still Bluetooth pics and music, but you are protected from receiving things you do not want.
5. If you have a TV in your room, set the Chip so adult only material does not come up when you flip channels. Protect yourself and your mind.
Now that you have read my suggestions and finished rolling your eyes at them, please listen to me. Choosing to flee by protecting yourself from temptation is very important. Those images or words you can hear will mess with your mind and stay with you. The devil will mess with your head once they are in there.
Another reason to have your computer and phone set to protect you is it also keeps other people from using them inappropriately. You do not want to end up grounded or in trouble at school because one of your friends used your stuff.
Choose to flee from temptation. Why choose to fight a battle if you can avoid it altogether...right? Life is hard enough without falling into traps of temtpation online. You can choose to be smart and protect yourself before it even happens. And imagine how proud your parents will be and how much more they will trust if you ask them to put things on your phone and computer to protect you.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for falling into the temptation of gossip, anger and lies.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and to fight the battle for me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out and flee from temptation.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Monday, March 8, 2010
Week 7 Day 1: Choose to Resist Temptation
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
Leaving childhood behind and becoming a teenager seems so thrilling and exciting. You look forward to all the privileges like make up, dating, going out with friends and no parents, cell phone, etc. As you start your teen years, you think it is going to be the greatest thrill of your life. So much hope for junior high and high school until...
Reality hits you in the face. The teen years bring broken hearts, betrayed friendships, and temptation at every corner. Some days you think, "how will I ever survive?" Other days it seems easier to give into the temptation than to fight it. You can't avoid any of it, so what are you going to do?
Jesus's words to his disciples in his last hours with them before his death can help us today. Read the verse at the top of the blog. It has a few key points.
1. Watch
Jesus was telling them to be alert and be on the look out for temptation. It is going to be there. Of course, you know the big temptations like drugs, alcohol, sex. But what about those little temptations that sneak in on you. The temptation to wear a shirt that is too low or the temptation to tell the little lie. And what about the temptation to argue with your parents or to send the text that is gossip. Are you watching for those or are you letting them slip by you?
2. Pray
I have said this before and I will say it again. Choose God first thing in the morning. Put on your alarm to shout at you to choose God first thing in the morning. Pray, pray, pray!!! Put on your armor of God. And pray throughout the day. Pray before you speak. Pray before you type that text. Pray before you walk in the house or school. You cannot fight the temptation battle on your own. You need God.
3. The body is weak.
Admit you are weak when it comes to temptation. Do not lie to yourself that you can avoid it and fight it alone. You need friends to hold you accountable and you need a relationship with God that can guide and help you through these years of such temptation.
Just because you will never have the desire to drink, do drugs or even have sex, you still are facing all those little temptations. So will you choose to watch and pray and be prepared to resist temptation?
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for falling into the temptation of gossip, anger and lies.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me watch for temptation and to fight the battle for me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me pray all day and everyday about every temptation,no matter how small.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Friday, March 5, 2010
Week 6 Day 5
It is Friday!!! Yippee!!! I hope you have time for some fun. So I want to end this week by looking at your scripture of God's love for you. Remember, God will always be your first love.
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:5
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever
1 Chronicles 16:34
17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them.
Nehemiah 9:17
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation
Psalm 13:5
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies
Psalm 57:10
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you
Psalm 63:3
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:5
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever
1 Chronicles 16:34
17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them.
Nehemiah 9:17
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation
Psalm 13:5
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies
Psalm 57:10
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you
Psalm 63:3
No matter how many boys break your heart, God will always love you. You cannot run or hide from it. Even when you mess up, God loves you. If you have a broken heart or have been wishing so bad for someone to love you, you need to look no further than God.
It is my life, I choose...to enjoy the love of God.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Week 6 Day 4: Your Choice Now Will Stay With You
One day you will get married. You will fall in love and find the mate God has chosen for you. As you dream about that day and that guy, you probably are hoping for a few things. Of course you want him to be cute and probably hope he is rich. Some of you probably even have a certain eye and hair color for your guy. (Mine was blond hair, blue eye. Mr. Sam is neither. But he was a Texas boy.)
Now I want to ask you about other things you may want from your future spouse. Do you want him to save himself until he marries you? Do you want him to do anything more than kiss and hold hands with other girls before he meets you? Do you want him to have a long list of ex girlfriends before he meets you? Do you want him to love the Lord with everything he has so he will be able to love you better?
You may or may not be able to answer those questions easily, but I want you to really think about it. This is the guy you will be with forever. Do you really want some guy who has been involved with a lot of girls? Who may just see you as another girl? Who does not truly love the Lord? No, you don't.
You do not want those qualities in your future spouse and your future spouse does not want them in you. As you date you want to make sure you are not making mistakes with these guys that you will have to tell your future spouse. Would you rather tell him one day that you saved yourself for him or all the different physical activities you had with other guys?
Dating is fun, but just keep it at fun. Don't let it get serious and do not ever let it go too far. Have your first kiss (when you are old enough) and hold hands as you walk together. But that is about as far as the physical side should go. And if you are tempted to do more, just think about that future spouse. If you do not want him doing certain things with another girl then you should not do it either.
Choose to prepare yourself for the guy God has made just for you. Do not waste too much time trying to please some random guy you will never see after high school. Choose to be who God created you to be not what some selfish guy wants you to be.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for anything I may have already done with a guy that is more than just a kiss.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see who I am in Christ not who I have to be for a random guy.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out about waiting until I am married to any guy who ask.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Now I want to ask you about other things you may want from your future spouse. Do you want him to save himself until he marries you? Do you want him to do anything more than kiss and hold hands with other girls before he meets you? Do you want him to have a long list of ex girlfriends before he meets you? Do you want him to love the Lord with everything he has so he will be able to love you better?
You may or may not be able to answer those questions easily, but I want you to really think about it. This is the guy you will be with forever. Do you really want some guy who has been involved with a lot of girls? Who may just see you as another girl? Who does not truly love the Lord? No, you don't.
You do not want those qualities in your future spouse and your future spouse does not want them in you. As you date you want to make sure you are not making mistakes with these guys that you will have to tell your future spouse. Would you rather tell him one day that you saved yourself for him or all the different physical activities you had with other guys?
Dating is fun, but just keep it at fun. Don't let it get serious and do not ever let it go too far. Have your first kiss (when you are old enough) and hold hands as you walk together. But that is about as far as the physical side should go. And if you are tempted to do more, just think about that future spouse. If you do not want him doing certain things with another girl then you should not do it either.
Choose to prepare yourself for the guy God has made just for you. Do not waste too much time trying to please some random guy you will never see after high school. Choose to be who God created you to be not what some selfish guy wants you to be.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for anything I may have already done with a guy that is more than just a kiss.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see who I am in Christ not who I have to be for a random guy.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out about waiting until I am married to any guy who ask.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Week 6 Day 3: Choosing Who to Date
I really hope you decide just to focus on falling in love with God first. But I want to go ahead and cover boyfriends.
A lot of this is black and white. So I am just going to say it like it is. Do not choose to date:
Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers
"14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[a]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? "
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for wanting to date guys that hinder my realtionship with Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see if and who He may have for me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out about waiting until I am married to any guy who ask.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
A lot of this is black and white. So I am just going to say it like it is. Do not choose to date:
- A non-christian: He will have different morals. He cannot love you properly because he has not experienced the love and forgiveness of Christ.
- A christian who is only a christian when they step inside the church. If he is not living his life for Christ and has no desire to be obedient to Christ, your morals will be different. He too will pull you away from Christ not to Christ. And cannot love you like you deserve.
- Any guy you have to change. If you think you can date him and lead him to Christ...not so much. Be his friend. Share Christ with him. Bring him to church. But do not date him.
- Any guy you would not want your sister or best friend to date.
- Any guy trying to be the bad boy. If he wants to have a bad boy image, he will do what it takes to be a bad boy including pressuring you to do things.
- Any guy who does not respect your decision to wait until you are married.
- Any guy that has a reputation of having sex with other girls. No matter what he says, he wants you to be the next girl. Plus who knows what gross disease he might have.
- Any guy that is disrespectful to you, parents and/or teachers especially female.
- Any guy involved in illegal activity. It will get you in trouble.
- Any guy that you would not want your parents, youth leader, or me to meet. If you know I would have a talk with you than no.
Now you can roll your eyes at me or listen. I will share my personal story of dating the not so bad guy. I can even tell you about being careful with the church going boy. I have dated all kinds of guys. I will sit down with you and tell you the truth. Maybe you have a mom or sister who will share honestly about dating certain types of guys. I know the results and even the worst result back then does not compare to some of the consequences of today.
You have to choose to be careful. You have to choose to listen to your gut (which is actually God trying to get your attention.) One wrong choice could have lasting consequences for the rest of your life. And even if you think you are strong and can stand your ground, it get hard when you are in the fire.
Today, I wish I had made better choices. My choices in dating were stupid. (not all but most) My niece made much better choices then me. I admire her for being patience and dating good guys. She does not have the regret. I can name many friends who have many regrets and a few who do not. So, because I love you so much and want you to experience a wonderful life in Christ not hindered by stupidity, please choose carefully who you date (after you fall in love with God.) And when you are not sure on a guy, give me a call. We will discuss it.
Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers
"14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[a]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? "
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for wanting to date guys that hinder my realtionship with Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see if and who He may have for me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out about waiting until I am married to any guy who ask.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Monday, March 1, 2010
Week 6 Day 2: Choose to Fall in Love
I pray that you spent time thinking about falling in love with God first. And I am not just talking about loving God but to be in love with Him.
Think about it, you have a chance to be part of the greatest love story. A love story that is bigger than any fairytale. The Prince of Peace will not only rescue you but give his life for you. He will fight your battles. He will heal your hurts. He will comfort you. He will be your refuge. He will answer when you call (every time). He will forgive time and time again. He will provide all your needs. He cares so much he even knows the number of hairs on your head. And one day He will ride his white horse and take you to a new heaven and a new earth where there is no more pain or suffering. This is your love story. If you are a child of God, this is your story and it does have a happy ending.
So for now will you choose to spend time with God and fall in love with Him? As I said yesterday, God will provide a wonderful guy for you when it is time. But for now, God wants you to fall in love with Him.
Click on the link and follow the words below. I think this song really captures how much God loves you and cares for you. I also like Psalm 91.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpY6L0G3JdE
Go Fish - You're My Little Girl
VERSE(1):
The ones you love they let you down
And I want you to know that I'm sorry
The choices that they made were wrong
You were caught in the middle and I'm sorry
So when the anger and the pain
Get the best of you
I know it seems like you're all alone
But I am feeling it too
CHORUS:
'Cuz you're my little girl
You're the one that I created
No one in this world could ever be like you
When you're cryin' in the night
All you need to do is call me
I'll be there for you
'Cuz you're my little girl
VERSE(2):
When you're lookin in the mirror
I hope you're likin' what you see
Because no matter what you're feelin'
You're perfect to me
Because I see you as a child
Blameless in my sight
Just spend some time with me
And I'll make everything alright
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
I know you don't deserve what you've been through
I know it doesn't seem fair
I know that there are times you think you're alone
But you've got to know that I will be there, be there
CHORUS
___________________
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for filling my life with other things beside Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how He loves me everyday.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share this love story with others.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Think about it, you have a chance to be part of the greatest love story. A love story that is bigger than any fairytale. The Prince of Peace will not only rescue you but give his life for you. He will fight your battles. He will heal your hurts. He will comfort you. He will be your refuge. He will answer when you call (every time). He will forgive time and time again. He will provide all your needs. He cares so much he even knows the number of hairs on your head. And one day He will ride his white horse and take you to a new heaven and a new earth where there is no more pain or suffering. This is your love story. If you are a child of God, this is your story and it does have a happy ending.
So for now will you choose to spend time with God and fall in love with Him? As I said yesterday, God will provide a wonderful guy for you when it is time. But for now, God wants you to fall in love with Him.
Click on the link and follow the words below. I think this song really captures how much God loves you and cares for you. I also like Psalm 91.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpY6L0G3JdE
Go Fish - You're My Little Girl
VERSE(1):
The ones you love they let you down
And I want you to know that I'm sorry
The choices that they made were wrong
You were caught in the middle and I'm sorry
So when the anger and the pain
Get the best of you
I know it seems like you're all alone
But I am feeling it too
CHORUS:
'Cuz you're my little girl
You're the one that I created
No one in this world could ever be like you
When you're cryin' in the night
All you need to do is call me
I'll be there for you
'Cuz you're my little girl
VERSE(2):
When you're lookin in the mirror
I hope you're likin' what you see
Because no matter what you're feelin'
You're perfect to me
Because I see you as a child
Blameless in my sight
Just spend some time with me
And I'll make everything alright
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
I know you don't deserve what you've been through
I know it doesn't seem fair
I know that there are times you think you're alone
But you've got to know that I will be there, be there
CHORUS
___________________
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for filling my life with other things beside Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how He loves me everyday.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share this love story with others.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
Week 6 Day 1: Choosing to Fall in Love
(I am sorry I did not post as much last week but my little one was sick. But I am back and I missed you.)
True love, Mr. Right, Prince Charming, Romeo...
As a young lady, you hope to find him. Every cute boy that passes and smiles, you think if that could be him. You click on his facebook page again and again hoping he realizes you are meant to be together. You doodle his name. You daydream about the two of you together forever. The sound of his name makes you smile. I would even say right now, you are barely paying attention to what you are reading because you are thinking of him. HELLO!!! BACK OVER HERE IN REALITY! Focus please :)
Taylor Swift's song, "Fifteen," is so accurate. You think that guy is going to be the one. You think you have found true love. But she is right as you get older, you realize you were wrong. And you may have boys sweep you off your feet. You may use the word, "love." But you have your whole life ahead of you to discover who you are and why you are here. There are a couple of other things to love first.
This next few statements are not just church answers. They are the truth. They are the truth I am still trying to learn myself. So please really think about it.
Before you can fall in love with a guy and have a wonderful, happy relationship, you have to fall in love with God and who you are in Christ.
Let me clarify, accepting Christ into your life is just the first step. You need to be falling in love with Him. God needs to be in your thoughts. You should be doodling your favorite verse. As you fall in love with Him, you want to be with God. You want to read His Word and talk to Him. Your biggest desire is to be with Him. The thought of God makes you smile.
So you ask why does falling in love with God have to come before you fall in love with a guy? You were designed that way. There is a part of you that needs to be loved unconditionally. A part of you desires that intimacy. And if you do not let God fill that desire, that need, you will spend the rest of your life looking for someone to fill it. But no human can fill it. We are human. We are selfish and we will hurt one another. No boy will love you like God. Even your future spouse will hurt you. The emptiness inside can only be filled with God, no one else.
Fall in love with God. Let God fulfill that need that only He can. And after you fall in love with God, you will be much happier with the man He has for you. And you will save yourself a lot of heartache of all the boys who will hurt you. You will be secure and safe in God's love.
Think about it. Talk to a parent, myself or someone if you have more questions or need more help understanding. I do not want you spending the rest of your life going from guy to guy looking to be loved. I want you to fall in love with God and experience His unconditional love. And do not worry, God will bring your dream guy at just the right time.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for not letting Him truly love me and spending time with Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how much He loves me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me talk to Him throughout the day.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
True love, Mr. Right, Prince Charming, Romeo...
As a young lady, you hope to find him. Every cute boy that passes and smiles, you think if that could be him. You click on his facebook page again and again hoping he realizes you are meant to be together. You doodle his name. You daydream about the two of you together forever. The sound of his name makes you smile. I would even say right now, you are barely paying attention to what you are reading because you are thinking of him. HELLO!!! BACK OVER HERE IN REALITY! Focus please :)
Taylor Swift's song, "Fifteen," is so accurate. You think that guy is going to be the one. You think you have found true love. But she is right as you get older, you realize you were wrong. And you may have boys sweep you off your feet. You may use the word, "love." But you have your whole life ahead of you to discover who you are and why you are here. There are a couple of other things to love first.
This next few statements are not just church answers. They are the truth. They are the truth I am still trying to learn myself. So please really think about it.
Before you can fall in love with a guy and have a wonderful, happy relationship, you have to fall in love with God and who you are in Christ.
Let me clarify, accepting Christ into your life is just the first step. You need to be falling in love with Him. God needs to be in your thoughts. You should be doodling your favorite verse. As you fall in love with Him, you want to be with God. You want to read His Word and talk to Him. Your biggest desire is to be with Him. The thought of God makes you smile.
So you ask why does falling in love with God have to come before you fall in love with a guy? You were designed that way. There is a part of you that needs to be loved unconditionally. A part of you desires that intimacy. And if you do not let God fill that desire, that need, you will spend the rest of your life looking for someone to fill it. But no human can fill it. We are human. We are selfish and we will hurt one another. No boy will love you like God. Even your future spouse will hurt you. The emptiness inside can only be filled with God, no one else.
Fall in love with God. Let God fulfill that need that only He can. And after you fall in love with God, you will be much happier with the man He has for you. And you will save yourself a lot of heartache of all the boys who will hurt you. You will be secure and safe in God's love.
Think about it. Talk to a parent, myself or someone if you have more questions or need more help understanding. I do not want you spending the rest of your life going from guy to guy looking to be loved. I want you to fall in love with God and experience His unconditional love. And do not worry, God will bring your dream guy at just the right time.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for not letting Him truly love me and spending time with Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how much He loves me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me talk to Him throughout the day.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God
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