Money

             Today I received a notification on my phone from my bank with my updated balance. I panicked when I noticed that it was much lower than it should have been. I quickly ran up to my room and jumped on my laptop to see where that money went. Apparently, I signed up for Amazon Prime at the beginning of the school year to get free shipping on my textbooks. The free six-month subscription ran out, and I was charged for a year's worth of Amazon Prime. That rather made me extremely conscious about my financial situation. The amount of debt I am already in. Everything that I stopped worrying about came rushing back in. I had planned to go to Target tonight to get groceries for the week, but the situation made me hesitate before spending any money. I finished some homework and decided to finish reading Simply Christian, a book I should have already finished. I had read about three pages when I fell asleep--awaking 30 minutes later unsure what time it was. It was 9:20 and Target closed at 10. I decided to go ahead and get a few groceries, so off to Target I went. When I pulled into Target, I parked in front of an older looking car. I recall noticing three people sitting in the car, all middle-aged and they seemed to be eating something. I thought that was strange, but as I was walking in, I remembered hearing about people living in their cars outside of places like Target and Wal-Mart. I did not think much more about it until I got back outside. They were all still sitting in there. I put my groceries in the backseat and crawled into the drivers seat. Then it hit me. Maybe this is the reason why I fell asleep reading. Maybe God wanted me to see this. Maybe I was to be reminded how much better I have it. I could be reading excessively far into this situation. Those people may very well not be homeless. However, that incident made me remember that my situation could be much worse. We are sometimes too caught up in our own issues that we become blind to our blessings. I am so thankful for what I saw tonight, it has certainly changed my attitude I had today.

Idols

"You shall have no other gods before me." -Deuteronomy 5:7

Today we don't have to worry about worshipping golden calves or Zeus and the other Greek gods. In our everyday life we don't have these religious fanatics who take things to extremes. Painting bodies. Wearing ridiculous costumes. Chanting and dancing for their idols. Even building large temples to worship their idols in. We don't have to worry about this… or do we? If you turn your TV on to any sports channel, is that not what you are watching? We get all dressed up, we put on face paint and start chants. We host tailgate parties and after game parties. I'm not saying watching football is wrong at all, but it can be if you let it get to the point of becoming a god. A god is what we sacrifice for and what we pursue. In our culture we have turned things like football games and cellphones into gods. No longer do we worship the true and living God alone, but also the god of food, the god of sex, the god of entertainment, the god of money, the god of success, and the god of achievement. The largest "god" that we worship is ourselves. We are so caught up on how things can make us more popular or how we can grab the spotlight that often we throw God out the window until we need something from Him again. When we have to choose between God and something we want, who do we choose? So if you start scratching at whatever struggle you're dealing with, eventually you'll find that underneath it is a false god. Until that god is dethroned, and the Lord God takes his rightful place, you will not have victory.

What gods are you worshipping?

Suffering

Are you suffering because of something in your past or a sin you're currently struggling with? Understand that God does not want to see you suffer. A loving God does not enjoy the suffering that comes your way, but His compassionate love and care will see you through your times of pain.

"For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." -Hebrews 2:18

Recognize that Jesus himself suffered for you. He suffered the agonies of the Cross, which was incredible physical suffering, but he also bore the unimaginable weight of the sins of the world.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." -Romans 8:18

We need to remember that suffering is not forever and will end when those who believe in Jesus are welcomed into heaven. Ask God to ease your pain and ask for help to overcome whatever is hindering you.

" He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

God's Grace

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Sometimes we tend to let the shame of our sin get in the way of repenting of our sin. We get the idea in our heads that we can't be forgiven because we have committed that certain sin time and time again. But we can. God's grace is amazing. Grace is God showing His love to you even though you don't deserve it. You can't earn God's grace. You do not deserve to be saved from sin and to have eternal life. But God showed His grace by saving you from sin's punishment when you trusted in Jesus as your Savior. God also shows His grace by giving you strength and guidance, and by taking care of you each day. God, by His grace, gives you strength to handle difficult problems in your life. If you know Jesus as your Savior, you can be thankful that God saved you by His grace. You can also depend on God each day for the grace you need to live for Him. Because God shows His grace to you, you should show His grace to others. Have you ever thanked God for His grace in your life?

Slave to Sin

"Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." - (John 8:34 ESV)

We know the consequences of sin, and we all know the beginning of Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is death, duh we know that. But what is the other half of the verse? Many times we just brush off the rest, but the truth is, the rest of that verse is our answer to sin. The second half of that verse is our hope. For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." -John 8:36

Even though we sin and do not deserve eternal life, God sent his Son to free us from sin. He paid our debt. He suffered on the cross for each and every one of us. For God SO loved the world. That includes me and that includes you. For God loved you so much that he sent his only Son to save you and give you the gift of eternal life.

Have you attempted to live a life worthy of His sacrifice?

Addiction

Are you addicted to something? It is a problem that we repeat over and over even though we know it is not good for us. Many times when we think of addiction, we think of drugs or alcohol or gambling. But addictions that are much more common, and often over looked, for example are: boyfriends/girlfriends, food, video games, social media and even pornography. All of which are detrimental to our body's health and most importantly our spiritual health. In Romans 7:13-20, Apostle Paul is talking about sin, and how he continues to do the very thing he hates, and he talks about how it is the sin that dwells within that does what he does not want. Like Paul, many of us have became a slave to sin. So, let me ask this again, are you addicted to something?

Parable of the Lowest Seat

I remember that i had once read a story about a fourth grade class in which the teacher introduced a game called "balloon stomp." A balloon was tied to every child's leg, and the object of the game was to pop everyone else's balloon while protecting one's own. The last person with an intact balloon would win.

The fourth graders in this story entered into the spirit of the game with vigor. Balloons were relentlessly targeted and destroyed. A few of the children clung to the sidelines like wallflowers at a middle school dance, but their balloons were doomed just the same. The entire battle was over in a matter of seconds, leaving only one balloon inflated. Its owner was, of course, the most disliked kid in the class. It's hard to really win at a game like balloon stomp. In order to complete your mission, you have to be pushy, rude and offensive.

A second class was introduced to the same game. Only this time it was a class of mentally handicapped children. They were given the same explanation as the first class, and the signal to begin was given. But the game proceeded very differently. Perhaps the instructions were given too quickly for children with learning disabilities to grasp them. The one idea that got through was that the balloons were supposed to be popped. So it was the balloons, not the other players, that were viewed as enemies. Instead of fighting each other, they began helping each other pop balloons. One little girl knelt down and held her balloon carefully in place, like a holder for a field goal kicker. A little boy stomped it flat. Then he knelt down and held his balloon for her. It went on like this for several minutes until all the balloons were vanquished, and everybody cheered. Everybody won.

Who got the game right, and who got the game wrong? In our world, we tend to think of another person's success as one less opportunity for us to succeed. There can only be one winner in most people's minds, and life is just one big game. If we ever find ourselves in that position, we will fight like madmen to stay in the lead. Many people fail to enjoy prolonged success because they have this "balloon stomp" mentality. In the church, the rules change. Jesus Christ gets top billing. We're just here to serve his purposes, and we do that most effectively by elevating others and humbling ourselves.

But eventually being selfish and egotistical will catch up to us , ending up costing us much more than we won living that life. And i will admit, i am usually one of the first to think of myself being better than someone else. But what this will cost me is heaven. Eternal life with our savior. To overcome this, we must learn to be humble.

The parable of the lowest seat is found in Luke 14:7-11.
Now Jesus told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,
8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,
9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.
10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.
11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."


We don't realize how often we tend to take the seat of honor in our lives. We don't realize by gloating about our grades or new car, or making fun of someone less fortunate than ourselves whether it be by pointing out their weight or how making jokes about peculiar they might be, we take the seat of honor that we definitely don't deserve. And even though, as Christians we believe that saying "bless-their-hearts" makes it okay to point out others insecurities, it doesn't.

Philippians 2:3-4 says

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We all know our imperfections, what makes you think that the person you are laughing about doesn't know theirs? We must look towards the interests of others and count them more significant than ourselves.

Secondly, As Christians we must not think of ourselves as higher than anyone else in this world. We all can cite John 3:16.. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." .. But many times we only think about this verse when we are painting banners for football games or putting a verse on a tshirt.


For God so loved the world. It doesn't say God loved faithful Christians and only kinda sorta liked the Luke warm Christians, and that he hated all prostitutes, drunkards and thieves. God so loved the world, that he sent his son, to die on the cross for each and everyone of us. We were all purchased at the same price, one no more than another. We need to start living as equals, and bring glory to he kingdom of God.

So to become humble we must first give up the seat of honor. Secondly we must not get a "holier than thou" attitude, we must. And lastly we must learn from the ultimate example. Christ.

We all know of the story told in Matthew 9 about Jesus reclined at his table with tax collectors sitting and eating with him. When the Pharisees heard of this, they immediately asked why the Son of God was dining with sinners. Jesus said to them "For I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners."
What we can learn from this, is that even the man without sin will think of others more significant than himself even though he was perfect.

Philippians 2:5-8 says
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.


Christ came to this earth, not only to save us from sin, but to set an example for how we must live. He shows us to be selfless rather than being selfish, and most importantly to be humble. Jesus Christ deserved the seat of honor, yet he let that seat be given to someone else, for he knew one day he will be exalted. My challenge for you is that next time that seat of honor is available, instead of taking it, pass it up counting someone else more significant than yourself.

I would like to leave you with this. For the past 8 years of my life I've attended Quartz Mountain Christian camp. For the last 8 years, every night at camp, before we dismissed for bed we would sing this song whose title is God Bless You, Go With God. These are some of the lyrics:

This is my daily prayer, God Bless you, go with God. Hold fast his mighty hand throughout the day. His grace your heart sustains, his power relieves your pain. Your prayer be not in vain, as you travel his way.

We must love the people around us. Like in this hymn we must pray that others will stay with God. When we put others above us, not only physically, but when we are praying to God, we will truly become humble.

To be with God

At times like these, my heart longs to be with God. I don't want the pain and suffering that is here in this world. I don't like seeing my friends living with pain and going down paths that they think will take away the pain, I wish I had the ability to heal them, to help them. Sometimes there is no words that can help, no actions that you could do that would benefit them. But also at times like these, I remember who has that ability; The ability to save, redeem and forgive. I look towards Christ for comfort, knowing that he too suffered in this world, not because he had to, but because He wanted to. Because He loved us. Because He loved you. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own burdens that weigh us down, that we forget the One who can lift us up and carry us through it all. Sometimes we forget that the only person we truly need on this Earth is Christ. We keep searching to fill the void in our lives with friends, addictions or relationships, but for some reason that never fills the hole. Thankfully we serve a wonderful, magnificent loving and forgiving God. A God who doesn't keep a list of things you have done wrong in the past. A God who will welcome you into his arms when you come running back. Every once in a while we get broken down so we can realize who the one is that lifts us up. At times like these I want to come home, but I know I have a job to do here on earth. In the mean time of this Human Experience, I will have to try my best in bringing others to Christ and comfort those that are hurting.

^"I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." - Philippians 1:23-24 ESV

#FallingPlates

Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang - "One Day"

Compassion

Compassion was present to cure the sick, raise a widow's son from death, open the eyes of two blind men, cleanse the leper, feed the multitudes and receive the prodigal son. 

Jesus was constantly being filled with and motivated by compassion. In the story of Lazarus (John 11) being raised from the dead, we see that Jesus was “ deeply moved”.

True genuine work in the Lords kingdom will be motivated by compassion.  Draw closer to the Lord and become more compassionate for others needs. 

A good place to start is in prayer.

Addicted to Sin

Are you addicted to something? 

The dictionary definition of Addiction is the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse consequences.

It is a problem that we repeat over and over even though we know it is not good for us.

So, let me ask this again, are you addicted to something? Many times when we think of addiction, we think of drugs or alcohol or gambling

But addictions that are much more common, and are often over looked, for example are: boyfriends/girlfriends, food, video games, cellphones and even pornography. 

All of which are detrimental to our body's health and most importantly our spiritual health.

In Romans 7:13-20, Apostle Paul is talking about sin, and how he continues to do the very thing he hates, and he talks about how it is the sin that dwells within that does what he does not want.

Like many of us, Paul has become a slave to sin.

[Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.] ~John 8:34

We know the consequences of sin, and we all know the beginning of this verse.

Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death, duh of course we know that. But what is the other half of the verse? Many times we just brush off the rest, but the truth is, the rest of that verse is our answer to sin. The second half of that verse is our hope. For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.] ~John 8:36

The truth is, NOTHING can separate us from God.

[For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.]~ Romans 8:38-39

Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

God's Will

“Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”
(Psalms 143:10 NKJV)

Have you ever wondered what is God's will in your life? Don't you wish He would just send it in the mail to eliminate any confusion? It's worth pointing out that David didn't ask the same thing. Instead, he asks for God to teach him to do His will. Imagine if you learned to do God's will how the uncertainty would be eliminated. Let's allow the Spirit to lead us on solid ground by asking God to teach us.

Faith

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:10 NKJV)

What an honor it is to impress Jesus with your faith. But faith means believing in Jesus beyond human reason. Are you keeping your faith separate from your struggles in life? Invite Him in. Rituals and obligation do not amaze Jesus. Instead, it's trusting Jesus with your problems, asking for His help, and believing He will provide.

Before the Throne

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15, 16 NKJV)

If there are areas in your life that you are struggling with, bring them to the throne of God. He doesn't want you to stay away from talking to him because you feel like you are failing in your Christian walk. This verse says that he understands our struggles. Whatever your struggle is today, bring it to God to receive mercy and grace. He is a loving father who wants to cleanse, purify, and help us to become more like Jesus. You may be asking “how do I take my cares to the Lord”? Simply talk to him through prayer, he is listening. I usually enter the throne of God on my knees with my eyes closed and then talk to him about all my concerns, believing he cares for me and wants to help me.

Renewed

"and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him," (Colossians 3:10 NKJV)

We are forgiven of our sins and because of this we are free from our old ways. We no longer need to be chained to guilt or behave immorally. Instead, allow yourself to be renewed and refreshed. Learn the heart of God by reading the Bible today and putting into action the teachings of Christ. It is with Him you will find freedom.

Filled with Grief

"I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long."
(Psalms 38:6 NKJV)

David was filled with grief and so too are we vulnerable to depression. It's a difficult mindset to escape once you allow those inward thoughts to take hold. Take heart and realize this...God has a plan for your happiness. Your happiness will be sustained not by circumstances, but by His enduring love for you. Once you realize the depth of His love, your inwardly thoughts will turn outwardly towards loving others.

Healing a broken heart - is there hope? There is.

Is there hope for healing a broken heart? Something or someone has just broken your heart. You were caught off-guard by a betrayal, a shocking behavior, or loss of a loved one. Suddenly you are feeling like you’ve lost all hope . . . you can feel a physical aching in your chest that leaves you wounded and scarred. How can you ever hope to recover or discover what steps will end this suffering?

We all know that emotions are a vital part of the way we are made. Yet we can’t understand why it takes so long to heal from emotional injuries. We would never prematurely remove a cast or sutures until the broken bone or skin was fully restored. We must realize complete emotional healing requires time. The book of Psalms offers great comfort when experiencing long-term emotions like sadness, fear, and grief. “He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

Healing a Broken Heart – The key is trust
Our human tendency is to avoid painful situations, even burying them. Can we ever trust those who hurt us so deeply? There are steps to healing a broken heart.

Release – “. . . First forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against . . .” (Mark 11:25).

Refocus – “. . . By [God’s] mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20).

Receive – “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Become like children

Think for a moment what it means to become like little children in our relationship with God. Children spend countless hours being fed, clothed, taught, sheltered, protected and cared for by their parents. Wrapped in parents’ arms, children are carried when they are weak, protected when they are scared and kept warm when it is cold. As babies, they are constantly in the arms of the parent and dependent upon them for every thing. When they become toddlers, they run to a father or mother’s arms when they get hurt, desperately seeking relief from the pain. Children in the arms of a loving father or mother trust them with every area of their lives.

Have you been spending time in the arms of your heavenly father allowing him to read you bible stories and show you special pictures in his book? Have you been rocked to sleep lately in the arms of your heavenly daddy, as he sings over you beautiful songs like He's Got The Whole World In His Hands? When was the last time that you just snuggled up to God in prayer and talked to him about everything that is happening in your life?

Spend some quality time in the arms of your heavenly dad today, just you and him talking, singing, dancing, learning or just doing whatever. Everyday, God desires that we would come to him like little children because we are his children.

 

Matthew 8:2-4

² And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them ³ and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Gossip

Why is gossip so bad?

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." (James 1:26 ESV)

What comes out of your mouth shows what is in your heart. Gossip, criticism, flattery, lies, and profanity are not only "word" problems but "heart" problems as well.

"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
 but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." (Proverbs 11:13 ESV)

Gossips make poor friends. Gossips are demolition experts, trying to tear others down, while trustworthy people build others up.

"They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,.." (Romans 1:29-30 ESV)

God catalogs gossip with such sins as greed, hate, envy and murder.

"Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." (1 Timothy 5:13 ESV)

Gossiping often grows out of idleness. If you have nothing better to do than sit around talking about other people, you wind up saying things you later regret.

"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
  they go down into the inner parts of the body." (Proverbs 18:8 ESV)

Gossip hurts others. It also destroys your credibility if the gossip proves false.

How do I stop gossip?

"For lack of wood the fire goes out,
  and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases." (Proverbs 26:20 ESV)

Stop the chain of gossip with you! When you hear gossip, you can do something about it--you can decide not to spread it any further.

"then you shall inquire and make search and ask diligently. And behold, if it be true and certain that such an abomination has been done among you," (Deuteronomy 13:14 ESV)

If you are concerned about something you've heard, you must look carefully into the matter without assuming what you have been told is true. Go to the source and get the facts straight.

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12 ESV)

The Golden Rule can also be applied to your speech--"Talk about others in the same way you would like them to talk about you."

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

It's really true--what you spend most of your time thinking about is what you end up doing. When you're tempted to complain, train yourself instead to pray. When you're tempted to gossip, compliment or encourage someone instead.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

If you think you may be about to gossip, ask yourself, "Does the person I'm talking to need to know this? Is it true, accurate, and helpful?"

"For whoever desires to love life
  and see good days,
 let him keep his tongue from evil
  and his lips from speaking deceit;"
 

(1 Peter 3:10 ESV)