Take a stand for.. Praying & Gratitude & Communication

Take a stand for.. Praying & Gratitude & Communication

As an early birthday present, two things my boyfriend got me this year was a prayer journal and a Gratitude & Acts of Kindness book. Both of these are now added to my daily study tools I will be using, I love that he had got me these two things. The last thing I will be sharing is an idea I got from attending a youth day event.

The prayer journal quickly became very important to me. I view my prayer life as very necessary and important and this will help me gather all my thoughts together and pray on these things throughout the day. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing".
God has done so much for us that sometimes we overlook that He is the one that blesses our lives. This is why it is important we remember Him and all that He truly does for us, It is only appropriate to thank Him. I call it "prayer triggers". My prayer triggers are..

• When I wake up in the morning
• Before I go to bed
• Before eating
• Whenever I recognize a blessing in my life

What are some of yours?

Our life comes straight from Him! A Christian with a close relationship with Him will pray in the good times, as well as the bad times.

As Christians, through prayer we can receive mercy and grace to help in time of need. Through prayer we can find the peace t\hat guards our hearts and mind. Philippians 4:6-7

The second thing I got was a Gratitude & Acts of Kindness booklet. Both of these were from Books-a-million. I love using this, it really makes me see even more how much there is to be grateful for. Count your blessings! :) Giving thanks for a little and you will find a lot! In Colossians 3:15 Paul writes, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Being grateful and thankful causes us not to be prideful. 

Today, I am grateful for..

•  His example 1 Peter 2:21 and John 13:15
•  His leadership Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18
• His sacrifice John 10:17 and 1 John 3:16

This was given to me at a youth day I recently attended at Oceanside church of Christ, as well as the idea. The speaker had given each of us a small notebook and called it a "Jesus Journal". She told us that we could simply just open it up in the morning and write "Good morning Jesus." or write to Him before we go to bed. Finding time to talk to Jesus like this is such a great idea, we don't want Him to feel like we are ignoring Him. I'm writing in mine in the format of "Dear Jesus,..". 

Feel free to comment below and let me know if you do any of these things and how you enjoy it, or if there is anything you can share with me! I would love to know and hear back from you! :) 

Take a stand for... staying full in the Spirit!

Take a stand for... staying full in the Spirit!

Galatians 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

We live in a world against us, but that is to be expected. Yet, we are to still live Godly lives and push towards that goal. So many people are one push away from losing their temper, one shove away from just snapping, and one smart remark away from just going off. This isn't the right attitude is it?

James 1:19 tell us, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;"

Stay filled in the Spirit and live in it. If not, then it is our flesh that destroys our life and relationships. Just because you are a Christian, doesn't always mean you are staying filled up in the Spirit, it doesn't mean your trying daily to walk that straight and narrow path. You can not just simply be one way at Church and another way at school, work, etc. We are Gods children everywhere! Are you staying filled in the Spirit? You can not get full by reading a devotional. You can not get full by listening/singing to a worship song.
How can I get full?
You get full by rejoicing in the Lord and Who He is! (Philippians 4:4) You get full by living Godly! (Romans 12:1) You get full by reading His Word! (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 Do decide to live pleasing to God. It will greatly benefit you! It has definitely benefited me through my new journey following Him. When you allow yourself to follow His commandments and stay full in the Spirit, then let me assure you that it is so easy to respond in love. When you know God, you will then know what true love is. God is love (1John 4:8). Live in His overflow! He's reaching out, run towards him and live in full Spirit! And please, whatever you do.. do not back away. Stay firm, do not be moved! (Psalm 16:8)
Rejoice in Him! Boast in Him! Glory in Him alone!
Don't push God out of your life, let Him guide you and bless you. You will become happier overall, I know I have.

Isaiah 50:7 "For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set my face like a Flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed."

I love this verse! Set your face like stone, determined to do His will! As Christians we are in a constant battle with the world and ourselves. Standing up for God puts you straight into the battle, right as if we had a spiritual target right on our backs. We are that one person that stands out in a full crowd. I used to reject it and be ashamed. But now I am stronger than I have ever been and I will continue become stronger, this is the mindset we should have.  And then it will become easier and easier to set your face like stone, not being ashamed to do His will! You aren't in it alone, God is always there and He will help you! Pray for His guidance, talk to Him. Choose to set your face like a flint (stone).

What are different ways or things you do to stay full in the Spirit daily? I would love to hear what you have to say on this, any feedback would be very much appreciated! :)

Taking a stand for..watching yours words!

Taking a stand for..watching yours words

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Do you ever find your self running into one of your failures and weaknesses? Maybe one of those weaknesses is the things you say, weakness of the tongue, gossiping. We can think of it this way: every word that comes of your mouth can either be life or death, immediately affecting our spiritual life. Either for our good or for our own destruction. It's true that your life today is a result of the words that you spoke yesterday.

A lot of the times, the problem is we don't think before we speak when we are speaking of others. We are always told to think before we speak, but do we really ever? It kind of like "in one ear, and out the other". But, we are told to think before we speak for a reason. We are told so many other things for a reason, reasons that will benefit us. So, we are told to think before we speak but do we ever really think deep about why we should think before we speak? What would be the damaging consequences if we don't think first?

Before you think about opening your mouth to speak about somebody else, ask yourself these questions:

• Is what I'm going to say true?
• Is what I'm going to say edifying that person? (Meaning is it building up or strengthening that person)

Ever wonder why bad news spreads so much faster than good news does? We can know that definitely talking about someone in negative ways, God does not like. Read Numbers 12:3-9

Talking negatively or spreading things about others can cause a lot of harm. James 3:1-12 tells us about the dangers of the tongue and what it can cause. James says the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. Meaning we have the power to say evil and horrible things, this can cause so much damage in our lives. The words of James is true. Honestly, have you ever been the victim of gossip about you? It hurts doesn't it? It can bring someones self-esteem down and much more. It has caused so many suicides in teenagers. God tells us such things for a reason. So next time you think about talking about someone, just remember how powerful those words really are and what fire it can truly start.

Read James 3:5 carefully. James says that even though the tongue is a little member (small part in our body), it "boast[s] great things". Which means that even though our tongue is a small part compared to the rest of our body, it can make so much difference. Especially when it is about talking about someone else.

Recognize that our mouths should be used praising and honoring to glorifying God. Recognize that God can be very angry with gossip from having read Numbers 12:1-9

So, think before you say things. <-- And let that phrase actually mean something to you when heard. God tells us things for a reason. We have to be able to stop ourselves before we gossip and damage the lives of others. And even if the word doesn't reach out to that person you are speaking of, God can still know what you are saying and you are still damaging a relationship with Him.

James 1:19 "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"
Proverbs 25:11 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

How should we be?
Philippians 1:27 "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.."


Please feel free to comment, I'd love your feed back and to hear your thoughts on this! :)

Take a stand for... Priorities (JOY- Jesus, others, yourself)

Take a stand for... Priorities

Often we find ourselves being overwhelmed by too many things to do or to prepare. Even women in the bible felt the same way (Luke 10:40). To set priorities is to determine what is important to you and how your time is to be spent.

If you were to be completely honest with yourself, who or what takes priority over your life first and foremost? Could it be your family? Job? Money?

No matter what is going on in our life, God should always be the number one priority. Our first and most important.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."
I encourage you to read Mat. 6:25-34, because if we put God first and not worry what lies ahead or what we will eat or drink, God will provide it for us. God knows us more than anyone else, look up to Him, He knows what you need. We can not both worry and trust God at the same time because worry destroys the single-hearted devotion Jesus described in verse 33.

Romans 12:11 "not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;"
God wants us to set priorities in our life and then organize our time and our tasks so that they reflect those priorities and do not allow the little details to overwhelm us. Take this time to read Colossians 3:1-17

God wants us to realize that the most important person we are is the one that we are with Him! Honestly, the moment I started fully letting God into my life and putting Him first in my life, I became my most happiest and I continue to feel so blessed and thankful now than ever before. God is just that good. All my worries are gone, my stress is gone. My stress used to be just the typical stress of a school student, being overwhelmed with work. But now I'm not stressed, I get more work being in college but somehow I'm always able to finish everything days in advance and still able to study and read my bible everyday. God found the time for me to do this and much more for Him. I truly am blessed and I have no intentions of ever putting Him anywhere else than first in my life. He is always with us. Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." "

Okay, so how can I put God first in my life?

• Be consistent in your priorities, put God first place. (Matt. 6:33)
• Talk to Him regularly in quite time in prayer. (Ps. 55:17, Luke 5:15,16)
• Examine your own heart. (Eccl. 3:1)
• Keep yourself spiritually fit. (Is. 30:15)

Remember, Jesus had met with the Father in intense prayer and meditation to determine His priorities and to prepare Himself for each day. (Luke 5:15,16)

Also, make sure you are putting others first before yourself. 

We can remember it like this..

JOY

• J- Jesus
• O- Others
• Y- Yourself

Jesus first, others second, yourself last. Easy way to remember our set of priorities. 

One last thing to leave you with...

Ecclesiastes 7:8 "the end of a thing is better than its beginning"

Put God first because experiencing eternity in heaven, rather than hell, will be much better than having lived here. :)

*image courtesy to bruncee

Taking a stand for.. Breaking the barriers and being alive in service. That's right ladies!

Taking a stand for.. Breaking the barriers and being alive in service. That's right ladies!

This morning I attended a ladies day at Concord Church of Christ in Orlando. And let me tell you, those ladies did a fantastic job. From the wonderful lessons that will be applied-- to the hard work you could visually see that they put in to it. For those who do not know what a ladies day is, it is a day where ladies gather together to spiritually strengthen by fellow-shipping and learning the word God. I never really understood how much work that the ladies in the church put into these, for the spiritual growth of many and for that I am just so thankful for every ladies day I have gotten to be apart of. Lording willing, I would very much enjoy to be a speaker at a ladies day someday.
I've learned so much today, and I thought it'd be very beneficial if I shared that with you with my input into it as well.

Ladies, are you bringing your service alive to Christ? Or are you just simply coming and going to church on Sunday and Wednesday. Maybe you think that's enough, maybe you're too busy, maybe you have other things to worry about, maybe you think you know everything there is to know already?
Is that the right mind set? Absolutely not. Don't create these type of barriers for yourself. If it's one thing I learned, barriers are very dangerous in our spiritual life. Get rid of them!

First of all, we have a purpose. Don't you ever think that your were born for no apparent reason.
Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." NKJV
Ephesians 1:14 "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to praise of His glory." NKJV

Can I just say, wow! Regarding the first verse, God has given us every spiritual blessing to have a relationship with Him. And the second, He is the guarantee of our inheritance! We owe it all and more to Him. He knew us before our own mother did. He specifically chose us to be here. We have a purpose, don't create barriers that will get in the way of doing more for Him.

So, lets hear some of the women made barriers, we call it the three "-ings"
#1- Longing for a trouble free life.
Okay ladies, first of all, realize that God never promised us a trouble free life! The problem is how we react to these troubles that we face. They become barriers.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" NKJV
Ladies stop worrying, do not miss the joys of today! Besides, we have something so much greater to look forward to now don't we. :) I urge you to stop longing for a trouble free life. Why? Because it creates a barrier between us and God. Pray pray pray! God will take care of in the troubling time. Ask others for prayers too, talk and communicate with your sisters. We all need the prayers, we all need to be there for each other. You aren't lonely in this world. We are here for each others.

#2- Losing our way when things get bad, trouble, and trials.
What happens to us when we face troubling events in our life? How do we react? Does it show?
Do we doubt?
Sometimes it seems like we lose our way in trouble times, God didn't create us to be like that. Satan is always at work, he never takes a break. These are the times when you MUST stay strong in the faith. Hold your faith.
James 1:2-3 "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" NKJV
So, growing in the midst of trials is not easy but helps build patience. Which is absolutely necessary.
Trials help us to grow!
Two very interesting verses that were brought up that really spoke to me were..
Job 40:6 "Then the Lord spoke to Job out of a storm."
Job 38:1 "Then the Lord answered Job out of a storm."
- In the midst of a storm, God is working it out for us! It may not be the answer we want, but He has a plan. You might not be able to see it at the time but He answers.
Losing our way creates a barrier.

#3- Living our lives and making decisions based on our feelings
We need to be careful with this, because we could seriously hurt someone with the things we do or say. God gave us emotions, He has given us everything that we have. If you do or say something that shouldn't have been said or done.. make sure you confront that person and apologize for whatever you did based on your feelings.
Our heart is the core of all this. It is a vital function on how we are living our life and making decisions. What are you filling your heart with?
Jeremiah 17:9-10 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord search the heart"
The heart refers to the mind, the source of thinking, feeling, and action. The Hebrews viewed the heart as a center of life. It is desperately deceitful. Yet God not only knows your heart, He searches it. The heart and the mind encompass human emotions and together uncover the hidden elements in a persons character and personality.
What do you hold in your heart?
Gods word needs to be in the drivers sear of your life.
1 Corinthians 4:1 "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL OF US!
Use the talents and life He gave for serving Him in any chance you can!

Please, keep fast to your faith! Hold on to it and be stubborn with it. Be stubborn with it because you must not let go of that faith. Keep building it, always.God needed you and knew everything about you.
We have a living hope and a love that never ceases.

We need to be alive in our service to Christ
Always be willing to serve God in ALL things
How can we be alive in our service to Christ though?

• Know God loves you.
• He knew you before you were born
• You have a purpose
• Believe in Gods purpose
• Bring others to God
• Follow His commandments
• Spend time reading the bible daily and praying
• He sent His son to die for you

There is always something you can do to bring service to God. Whether it's bringing a meal to someone, sending a card, making communion bread, praying for others, or even participating in things that will help you grow spiritually such as ladies days. We can never learn enough. There is always something to do!

Digest and dig into the Bible, really look and read for yourself. You are responsible for your own soul. Don't you ever think that there is nothing you can do, don't create that barrier between you and Christ. 

Be different than the world, most people don't know why they are truly here,..but we do! Share that news with all who you come across! You know the truth, share the gospel someone one else can have the chance in eternal salvation. He died for them too. 

Closing with this:

How to serve God during the difficulties in life

• Be open to serve God every day in every way.
• God will not give you more than you can handle.
• Seek God in prayer to guide you so you don't over commit
• People are lost and need to know God and you may be the one to share God with them.
• You need to be different from the world.

Do not take the life He gave you for granted, use it to glorify Him.

There's so much out the you can do, no matter what age, there is NO excuse.

*Photo courtesy to wallpaperswide

Take a stand for.. choosing Christ!

Take a stand for.. choosing Christ!

Is being a christian really worth it?
Confession time. All of middle school and almost all of high school I viewed going to church as boring and I would have rather been sleeping in or just staying home and watching television. I felt like being a Christian I just had to sacrifice so much and going to church was getting in the way of socializing, being on my phone, sleeping, and the list goes on. I would sit through bible study and worship and I wouldn't take anything in that was being said. I mean don't get me wrong, the preacher is great and sound teaching, I just didn't have God as number one at the time as I do now. Looking back, it seems like I made God seem to be at an inconvenience during those preteen and teen years. I do not think I was the only teenager who felt like this either, there's so many teens that need to be reached out to. My friends knew me as a Christian, but did they really see Christ in me then? Did my actions show that? I don't think it did. And I regret it. But fortunately, God is a forgiving God. (1 John 1:9)

What changed though? What made me chose Christ over the world? What made me feel like being a true Christian was really worth it?

I realized that if Jesus gave His life for me, then why is it so hard that I live a life that pleases Him? It's just so simple as that. Nothing in this world is going to get me to heaven other than opening my bible up and preparing myself so I know in my heart that I will not be punished for any wrong I have done here on this earth. I realized that I can die at anytime, just like that my life can be taken from me. So I can't just act reckless during my teen years and be responsible during my adulthood years. I need to take a stand for Christ now, because no one is guaranteed another day. The problem in this world, is that there isn't enough fear for God.

Wait, so why fear God? He loves everyone and wants the best for everyone right?
Wrong! The truth is God does not just accept you for who are. You can't just live your life in sin and expect to get to heaven. And you know people actually think this? It really makes me sad. That they can go out and party, drink, whatever they think is "fun". But what happens after that? If God loves us despite our sin, why did Jesus have to die? Lets just live and do whatever we want because God accepts us for as we are.. right? No! Such thinking removes the meaning of His life, death, and resurrection. And that, is seriously dangerous thinking.

Point is..
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgement, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV)

My prayer for every teen and adult is that you please please please keep searching for the truth. It will do you such a greater service in the end. Do you even realize how short this life span is? Well, compared to what? ETERNITY! This life we have on earth is so entirely short than the life after this. Why waste it doing things God is not pleased with and taking Him for granted. Do you not know what is at stake?
Do whatever it takes for you to find the truth and then continue in Him. He has revealed Himself and his plans for the world. Find that God is worth everything.
And Jesus proved that our souls are worth Him dying for our sins when He was nailed to the cross. Now it's time for us to do our part in making sure we get to heaven. He didn't just die no apparent reason.


What must I do to be saved and know that I have a spot in heaven once this life is over?
Hear
Romans 10:13-17, John 6:45,Revelation 1:3
Believe
John 2:30-31, Hebrews 11:6, Acts 16:31
Repent
Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30-31, Hebrews 11:6
Confess
Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10
Be Baptized
Mark 16:15-16, Romans 1-:9-10
Live Godly
Titus 2:11-14, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Peter 1:5-11

Take a stand for.. Unity in the church

Take a stand for.. Unity in the church

If a football team didn't work together as they should, it is safe to say they would lose that game. And if the military couldn't work together to successfully defend our nation, I think I could safely infer we would no longer be "The United States Of America".

These things would fail if they weren't in unity. We need unity.
The Lords Church needs unity!

Why does the church need unity?
3 reasons I can give according to scripture are..

• Jesus prayed for this. John 17:20-23
• Paul pleaded for it. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
• The Holy Spirit desires it. Ephesians 4:1-6

These verses tell us that there is a great desire and need for unity.We too, should follow the example of Jesus to desire and pray for unity. Also, when there is division others will know about it, it is sinful to have divisions. We should be united in the way that we agree on such things that are doctrinal. The Holy Spirit desires unity as well. We should all be a whole body of Christ. In one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6) 

No matter what a brother or sister has done or said to you we should always behave in the right attitude and showing love. Being content toward our brothers and sisters. Romans 12: 9-18

And what about someone who isn't and refuses to? 

• 3 John 1:10 "Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church."

Unity can use a helping hand. One of the biggest tools of being in unity is communication.

Why we need communication..

• Effectively studying the word of God. Romans 10: 10-17
• To work together. Acts 8:14, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 
• To settle disagreements. Acts 15

So what is the right attitude that we should be having?

Love!

We should be (1)loving one another,(2) never making assumptions or gossiping, (3)staying pure in our speech, (4)and controlling our tempers.

• (1) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 13:34,-35 Romans 12:9-17
• (2) Romans 1:30, Psalms 15:3, Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 11:13, 16:28
• (3) Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:29
• (4) Ephesians 4:26, Proverbs 29: 22

Unity

Point is, we are to be united in one body. Settling any disagreements if there is any. We should be wanting to come together and fixing something if it is broken or some misunderstanding. We are Christians, so help each other out so we are united as one and stay together as one as Jesus commands.

We are united in one body, we are united in Christ, in the Holy Spirit, in our Fathers design, in concern, and in identity. 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27 explains this well on unity. 

One hope

After being baptized into Christ we all have that one hope- Heaven. John 14: 2-3, 2 Corinthians 5:1

So shouldn't we all being working together? Having unity in the church and settling disagreements within it? If you're goal is to get to heaven after this life is over then your answer should be.. yes!

We should be concerned about the body of Christ, having the churches of Christ in one accord. We should be seeking unity!

• Jesus prayed for this. 
• Paul pleaded for it.
• The Holy Spirit desires it. 

Take a stand for.. Living once, to live for God. (YOLO: Right or Wrong?)

Take a stand for.. Living once, to live for God. (YOLO: Right or Wrong?)

Is this really how we should be living? How will this help us get to heave in this mind set? Does the youth of this generation not fear God and know the judgement that will come? Our minds should be set on ways to glorify God, not getting crazy and living without consequences. 

The youth in this generation are very familiar with the term "YOLO". What does this mean? It means "You Only Live Once".
Since 2012 when the rapper Drake used it in a song of his, it has been a thing for teens all around to use. I've seen this everywhere from facebook news feeds, instagram, and twitter.My generation is yelling this acronym out when it comes to certain situations when they feel like they need to disregard what they know is right/wrong.

-Should I go to the club and hook up with someone randomly? YOLO
- Sneaking out tonight! YOLO
- Didn't do my math homework for the second time! YOLO

The youth of this generation have their mind wrapped around "if it feels good, do it". But are the actions really that good? YOLO is portrayed to teens as an excuse to be able to do whatever they want. To live in that moment without any punishment or consequences. 

Yes, it is true that we only live once. Hebrews 9:28 "And as it is appointed of men to die once.."
YOLO is the act of doing something without believing there is no consequences.
So, unlike the understanding behind that term, the full verse in Hebrews 9:28 is "..but after this the judgement".

At the end of this one life that we have, we are held accountable for our actions. We will be judged based on what we do and say in this life.

Paul gives us some great advice
Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
So, unlike "YOLO", we are to be cautious and be conscious of what's going on. Being wise, not like fools as Paul says. Using every opportunity you have for doing good, because we are living in evil times.

You only live once - Live for God

Next time you want to say or hashtag something with "YOLO", first think about why your saying that or if your just using that as an excuse to get away with something without thinking about the consequences of that action. You only live once..once to influence others positively and make an impact on them, once to prepare yourself for what lies after death, once to prepare yourself the for judgement. Perhaps, we should be focusing on living our lives for God.... not for ourselves.

We only live once on this earth, lets live it to glorify God. 
Maybe better hashtags would be..
#livingforHim
#gratefulforJesus

*Image courtesy of Pinterest.

Take a stand for... Peace

Take a stand for... Peace

Being peaceful is one of the beatitudes of Christ.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." NJKV

As Christians we should always be seeking to be peaceful, especially if we are trying to walk in the light of Christ. Jesus is and always will be a peacemaker himself. And God is the God of peace (1 Cor. 14:33). We are instructed to be peaceful, not with vengeance, bitterness, wrath, and anger. For all these things destroy the peace we should have in us.

Peace
noun dictionary.com

1.

the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.

2.

( often initial capital letter ) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups,etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the Peace of Ryswick.

3.

a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: Try to live inpeace with your neighbors.

4.

the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: Hewas arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.

5.

cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.

So, a peacemaker would be one that settles disputes. 

Let's look at peace in the scriptures...

• 1 Peter 3:11 "Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it." NKJV
• Romans 14:19 "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another" NKJV

Peace is also one of the fruits of the spirit, in which we must not only live in the Spirit, but walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:19-22).

Romans 12:19 "Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord." NKJV

It is easy to become angry with someone and feel like you have to seek revenge on to that person. Scripture clearly tells us that it isn't our job to do so, do not seek the vengeance on someone who has wronged you. Rather, forgive them for what they did and realize the the Lord will take care of it, the vengeance is His. Have a peaceful mind, the world we live in is only temporary so there is no point in staying angry and seeking for something that you should not.

Same aspect applies with bitterness, wrath, and anger.

Ephesians 4:31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."

Sometimes having these emotions inside you can cause harm not only to yourself but to those around you. These emotions break the peace of those that you are surrounded by and with yourself. Most importantly it isn't obeying Gods word, and could potentially cause injury with these emotions taken place. Ephesians 4:26 "Be angry, and do not sin":do not let the sun go down on your wrath". What if you went to bed angry with your spouse without making things right and finding out the next morning they died in their sleep? Or got in a crash going to work? Being angry does no good to anyone.

- God is a God of peace
- Jesus is the Prince of Peace
- Christians are to be peaceful

God is a God of peace
The source of peace is God. This is why we must trust and obey Him so they we may receive and give back peace. And of course, the enemy of peace is Satan and sin. Do not let Satan have his way. 
1 Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."
Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord"

Jesus is the Prince of Peace
Prophecy was made in Isiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor  Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" NKJV. 
Jesus never promoted violence or fought back with violence, not even when he was persecuted. He suffered for us and went through the physical pain that we couldn't even begin to imagine how painful it must have been.He preached to us spiritual peace. Ephesians 2:14-18 “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
The Prince of Peace died for us through His blood so that we may have peace. 
Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through out Lord Jesus Christ." NKJV 
Colossians 1:20 "and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." NKJV

Christians are to be peaceful
If we are the children of God, we should make great amounts of effort to behave this way.
1 Peter 3:10-11 "For "He would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good." NKJV
Romans 12:18 "If is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." NKJV
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapon of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." NKJV

When we pass away from this world, what would you rather be remembered by?
A person of peace?
Or a person of conflict and vengeance?




*On a side note, I'm beginning my first Christian teen/adult book on "Taking a stand for Him". This will be based on everyday Christian living and how we can take a stand for Him in a world that is becoming against Him. So I would appreciate prayers that I am able to write in truth with this. Thank you!

Take a stand... Against worldly possession!

Take a stand... Against worldly possession!

We live in a world that revolves around the love of money and materialism. We see commercials on television, and ads on the computer that try to draw us in to buy the latest technology or tend. Many people all over the world have an obsession with possession. From smart phones, laptops and tablets, digital TVs, sports cars- all the "desirable" stuff. These things aren't necessarily bad, but they can easily become a source of false security, even pride. It is easy to become obsessed with all things that money can get you.
Luke 12: 15 "And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." NKJV

Money is intended to serve us, not to rule us! There is nothing wrong with setting a goal to make money, but be careful not to make it first in your life or that it does not become a stumbling block in your spiritual life. Do not let it make you into a person you don't like or cause you to do things you can not be proud of. Be careful that you aren't storing up wealth in this world. For what does it matter anyway? We have something much more greater than any value of money. A price you can not place.

Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." NKJV

Don't be concerned with what this person has and what that person has. It's dangerous for us to want after someone because they have this or that and it just seems like the coolest thing in the world. And most importantly, life isn't measured by how much you own. Do not fall into the love of money, of what it can buy you. Appreciate the things you have. I'm not saying it's wrong to want to buy something here and there, just be careful and always let it serve you, not rule you.

Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things you have.." NKJV

What is the root of all kind of evil?

1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." NKJV

One last thing to leave with you, it is impossible to serve both God and money. God first, never forget that.

Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" NKJV

* Image Courtesy of Flickr

Take a stand for.. Joy! Patience! Prayer!

Take a stand for.. Joy! Patience! Prayer!

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;" NKJV

This is one of my favorite scriptures, as well as chapter. I advise you to read Romans chapter 12, it's a great chapter to read and study. Verses 9-20 is even, how we should behave like Christian. But for this post, I'd life to focus on Romans 12:12. We can learn so much from even just one scripture, and it is beneficial for us to examine scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." KJV 

So lets break it down..
"Rejoicing in hope,.."
So, what does it mean to rejoice in hope?

• 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," NKJV
• 1 Thessalonians 1:3 "remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father," NKJV
• 1 Thessalonians 2: 19 "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming" NKJV

So, to rejoice you must be happy. Why should we be happy? Be happy because you have a hope of salvation thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ through his resurrection!

Next,
"Patient in tribulation,.."
Wait a minute, what does tribulation mean? Well, according to dictionary.com
Tribulation: (n) 1. grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering
                        2. an instance of this; an affliction, trouble, ect.
When we come face to face with troubling times, given trials to go through, suffering with great affliction... we must remain patient and not let it get to us, no matter how hard the weight of it may pull us down. Remember, the testing of our faith produces patience.

• James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." NKJV
• 2 Corinthians 6:4 "But in all things we command ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distress," NKJV
• Colossians 1:11 "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;" NKJV

Many times in our life our patience is tested, many times for the littlest of things. Sometimes I may be impatient with my littlest sister but then I remember that she is just a child as I once was. Just remember they don't stay little for long so enjoy those times when they ask for a story to be read to them, to draw with them, or even play a game with them. These children look up to us, so give them something to look up to and just love them as Christ loves us. Having the patience in the littlest of things can even go such a long way. But, sometimes it's a lot bigger than the small things isn't it? As a Christian, don't be afraid to look towards your brothers and sister for prayers, and always look up to God. Do not spend much time worrying for things of this world, be patient because we have the hope of salvation. (Titus 1:2, 3:7)

Finally,

"Continuing steadfastly in prayer"

Steadfastly: (Adj.) 1. fixed in direction; steadily directed

                            2. firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc.

As defined by dictionary.com

Our prayer life is so very important so I'd like to go a little more in depth with this. To pray steadfastly, meaning to pray very frequently. Never stop, and always remember to make it an important part of your day. Many people also think it is beneficial for them to keep a prayer journal, that way it is easy for them to remember some of the things they'd like to remember to pray about or the people who need prayers.

• Through prayer we can find peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
• We also obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of our need (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Take in mind that..

• Not all prayers are acceptable by God (Proverbs 28:9)
• God does not hear the prayers of all men (1 Peter 3:12, Isiah 59:1-2)

So, what is a prayer that is pleasing to God? 

In the book of Matthew, Jesus had much to say about prayer in His sermon on the mount. The kind of prayer which finds favor in God's sight. This is Matthew 6:5-15. In this we learn what type of prayer that pleases Him, what not to do in regards of prayer, insincere prayer, our spiritual needs, and much more we can learn on this subject of the model prayer. Lets be sure we offer the kind of prayer that pleases Him. Do not take prayer for granted, it is a blessing that we have someone there, every hour of the day. Keep your prayer life healthy.

In conclusion, there is just so much you can learn from and take in even just from one scripture. Open up your bible and take in what God has to say to us all.

Take a stand for.. Modesty!

Take a stand for.. modesty!

Inner Modesty
1 Peter 3:4 "rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." NKJV
Modesty does not begin with how you dress, it first begins with the heart and then goes on to effect with how we speak, dress, and how we act.
Speech
 Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer." NKJV So, let us not use any language that is filthy and useless. What good is using that type of language towards someone? What good will anger do? Will it reserve you your spot in heaven? No, we need to remember who we are, being gentle and kind hearted. We are after all, Gods children. So let us be that example to the world and shine our lights.
Behavior
Romans 13:13 "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy." NKJV 
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." NKJV
Are we perfect? No, of course not! We are human and we make mistakes, but it is important that we strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as best we can. We need to take the time and make self-checks that our behavior as a Christian is where it needs to be. Not participating in worldly pleasures such as dancing, drinking, partying, ect,.

Outer Modesty
Dress- Respect
Why is it that when we go to youth christian camp we are told to be modest? We are told to wear shorts at appropriate length and no revealing tops. Or during swimming, we have to wear cover-ups. Why? Because modesty shows respect for our bodies.
 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." NKJV. Do not think your body is your own, or do you not know that it was bought with a price? Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we should see it in that light. In which, we should respect. You go back home, and you go to the beach in a bikini or one piece (Both revealing). In what way is that showing modesty? It's not, it's showing that you look apart of the world. Which also is causing lust of the flesh and we are not to be apart of this world. 1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world." KJV. That 'rule' at camp, isn't there just because that's the camps requirement. It's there because we ARE to be modest. Do you ever go through your closet before camp and say "Oh, can't pack that for camp!" Too short? Too revealing? Then... why is it in the closet in the first place? 
We need to remember that we are Christians wherever we go, not just at summer youth camps or whenever we assemble with our brothers and sisters. We need to respect ourselves in the way that is righteous and pleasing to Him. I, would rather dress for the pleasing of God, than the desires of a man. Shouldn't we all?
Dress- Communicates
I once heard this saying: "What you put on your body 'talks.' And everyone who sees you 'hears' what you're saying." This is so very true, our appearance reflects or attitude and speaks out without even having to have said anything. If we dress with carelessness, or sloppy then we appear as a sloppy person. 
Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." NKJV
Lets clothe ourselves with knowledge, not for lust of the eyes. Modesty is not something to be ashamed of. It is strength, not weakness. Modesty with class and elegance, modesty is always beautiful.

Take a stand for modesty!