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#133
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Matthew 10:40-42
"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.
Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold
water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the
truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for
by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because
love covers over a multitude of sins.
Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was needing clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”
(= THINK IT OVER =)
Hospitality is kindness
in welcoming guests or strangers. My sister and I recently visited a couple of
churches and there was a big difference in hospitality at each one. The first
one we went to, we were familiar with who the people were, but didn’t know
them, but no one bothered to come up and say ‘hello’ and introduce them-selves
to us. To me, it made me feel very left out. I went away with the impression
that the people there just weren’t very friendly. The next church we went to,
we didn’t even recognize a single person there. The people were very friendly
and came up to us introducing themselves and starting “get to know you”
conversation. Although I am still not very familiar with the people at the
second church, I came away with the impression that they were very friendly and
outgoing people. If I were to pick to go to one of them based on hospitality I
would definitely go for the second church.
I believe that we as CHRISTIANS need to
show hospitality to everyone, because other people are really judging you by
it, especially if they are a non-Christian and know that you are a Christian!
The Bible tells us that we need to
always be willing to show hospitality to everyone. It clearly tells us that
above all, we need to show love for one another. Whether that’s offering them a
bed or a shower or whatever.
In society today, it’s considered very
unwise to help hitchhikers. In some states I think it’s even illegal, but that
doesn’t mean you can’t stop and give them a loaf of bread or a dollar or
something. Whatever you give; God will know, and He doesn’t let any good-doings
go unnoticed.
The bible tells us that if we help a
prophet, we will receive a prophet’s reward. And if we help a good man we will
receive a good man’s reward.
You’re not supposed to go through life
just looking for ways to get rewards; but let me tell ya, God will make sure
you get what is coming to you. Whether you take that good or bad, that’s you’re
business. So be hospitable, and be hospitable with a pure heart.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
This week we challenge you to show a little hospitality. If at all
possible, have someone over for dinner. Try to show others Christ, through your
actions.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will help us all go through the rest of our weeks, happy
and healthy. Please help us all to be lighthouses to you, so that others may
see us and notice something different.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
-- These verses don’t have anything to do
with anything, just some interesting things for you to read!
RESOLUTION UPDATES
Kelly
We just ordered a new pilates tape. It's
winsor pilates. I hear it's very very good. I believe it's still on sale, look
around online for it if you're interested. I'm reading in Nahum, so I should be
through Joel by next month.
Danielle
I am doing ok. I have really been slacking
off in the working out part of the resolution, but I have still been reading my
Bible everyday. I have a summer job at a Christian camp, and I recently joined
a new youth group so things are overall going well. I better start exercising
more though!
Jessica
Things have been okay. You always hear about God and Satan having a battle over you and well, that's kinda happening. Many things have happened that just aren't good, but one thing that is helping me to stay strong is that I know He is always there and will never leave me. Even in my darkest hour, He will be my light. Pray for me, please.
Rhona
I had a rough week prior to the best
Easter event of the year, but it was fair enough because I was out every day
last week. (Something I cannot handle any more.) On Tuesday I got my first job
trial run, they will keep calling me in for three hour periods at a time until
they decide to keep or chuck me. On Thursday I graduated from Tafe so now I am
officially a child care worker, and I got a hep. B shot on Friday and went to a
fabric shop that day as well. I also have an appointment next month with a doc
who actually knows about CVS.
I think God is in hiding trying to get me to seek him
harder instead of going into cruise control and taking him for granted, so I
need to work on that. Other wise I hope I've answered you in the nick of time.
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the
truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have
everlasting life.
Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
Colossians 2:13-14
And you, being dead in trespasses and the
uncircumsision of your flesh,
He has made alive together with Him,
having forgiven you all trespasses,
having wiped out the handwriting of
requirements that was against us,
which was contrary to us. And he has taken
it out of the way, having nailed
it to the cross.
=) THINK IT OVER (=
Do you know why Jesus died? No, I’m
being serious. Why did He go through all that? Did we deserve it? Did we earn it?
Why are WE worth the cross? Just a few simple questions, right?
We don’t deserve what he did for us, and there is no way
humanly possible that we can earn it, and frankly… I don’t feel worthy of
all that he did for me. I have, knowing full well of what I was doing, turned
my back on God.
I know right from wrong. I know what
temptation is… but I do it anyways.
You know what? God knew I would turn my
back on Him. He KNEW before the earth was created that I would turn away
and practically spit in His face… But he still sent Jesus.
Jesus was made fun of, spat on, beat
up, lashed with a whip that had shards of metal on the end of the tails that
literally ripped his skin off. He carried his own cross: that he knew he was
about to be hung on, through the streets while more people mocked him and spat
on him. Then when he finally arrived at his death place, he lied down onto this
splinter ridden cross, with his arms stretched out and took the pain of having
nails pounded into his arms and legs. He was naked, in pain, cold, hungry, and
thirsty. The pain that He felt, I’m sure none of us could compare.
So why didn’t he just disappear? Why
didn’t Jesus just say, “That’s it! Danielle is going to turn her back on me, so
I give up!” He could have done it…
He had the sin of the entire population
that came before him, while he was alive, and all that came after him on his
shoulders. He was taking the blame for everything I have done, everything you
have done, and the sins anyone else has ever known has ever committed.
So why? Do you know why? Have you
figured it out yet?
Maybe because He loves you? That could
be it… Maybe because He wanted to be with you someday? That could be it also…
Kinda hard to contemplate this all powerful being loving little me who has hurt
him so much… but it’s true.
He wanted me to be safe, loved,
forgiven, comforted, happy, blessed… should I go on? God loves YOU. That’s why
he did it. There isn’t anything else to it. No matter what you’ve done or said
or thought he LOVES you. There is no other way you can get to heaven, no other
way you can be a Christian, it was all because of the gift God gave us: Jesus
Christ. I don’t care what else you believe, if you don’t believe that Jesus
died on the cross to pay the propitiation for your sins and that God raised him
from the grave on the third day, then you are not saved. You are not going to
heaven, you are not a Christian. There is no other way around it. Jesus said,
“I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. NO ONE comes to the Father but BY ME.”
No other way around it. Sorry! Only one way to heaven no matter what anyone
taught you. Jesus is the only one who can forgive your sins because he is the
one who paid for them! Jesus is the only way to heaven because he was the only
person who could get there on his own, and he paved the way for you! He did all
that for anyone who wanted to believe in him and follow in His steps. What are
you going to do?
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
You are forgiven. Jesus went through so
much pain and anguish, then died, and was raised from the dead 3 days later to
prove that he was God and that His word was true. If you don’t have Jesus in
your life this very moment or you are slipping away you may find yourself in
somewhat of a prison cell. I pray and challenge each and everyone one of you
that is not a Christian to strongly consider becoming one. If you have fallen
away I suggest you come back to the light! You will not find anything/anyone
who will love you or forgive you like God. So go ahead, make the move, and
accept Christ as your Savior and dive into Christianity today.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord Jesus I
thank you for everything you have done for me. You went through so much and
there is nothing else I can do but to give my life to you as you gave your life
for me. Thank you again and I accept you into my life to start living for you
this very day. In Your most precious name, amen.
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience.
Romans 13:!4
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord
Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful
nature.
1 Peter 5:5
Clothe yourselves with humility towards
one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
=) THINK IT OVER (=
Today’s fashion has taken girls away
from showing off their personality and instead has them trying to show off
their sexuality. It’s not something I want to see anywhere – especially when
I’m at church.
Have you notices that when you raise
your hands in the air, your shirt goes up, too? Whether you’re worshipping God
or singing for the hearing impaired, a cropped top is going to be on the move
when you raise your hands above your head. Do you really want to expose your
tummy and back to other Christians while they’re worshipping? Why distract
people from the Lord?
The type of clothes a girl wears can
instantly distract a guy from what he has on his mind to thoughts bordering on
or diving in to lust.
Say your friend Brad is standing before
your youth group because your youth pastor asked him to read a passage from the
Bible. Brad pauses as he’s reading to make eye contact with the group, just as
his speech teacher taught him to do.
The moment Brad looks up, he sees a
girl wearing a tight T-shirt. Immediately, Brad’s mind is distracted from the
Lord and the Bible – two things he’s truly interested in.
Brad’s able to keep going. He doesn’t
let on that he’s no longer concentrating on the words coming from his mouth.
But in fact, for the rest of the evening, Brad feels uncomfortable around the
girl he spotted, struggling between sinful thoughts and wanting to treat her as
a sister in Christ.
All because of a T-shirt?? you might think. Yes – all because of
a tight T-shirt that showed too much of a girl’s body.
Choosing clothes is quite a
responsibility, because what you wear says a lot about you. With one look,
people can often guess whether you’re showing off personality or sexuality,
whether you’re living for the Lord or living for the world and whether you’re
trying to get a guy’s attention with your body. What image do you portray?
Even though it takes work to pour
through racks and shelves of clothes to find a handful of modest, stylish
items, it really is worth the effort. Dressing appropriately becomes easier
when you realize that all you have to do is think about being modest while
you’re shopping and while you’re getting dressed.
So how does God want today’s teen girls
to dress? Through the apostle Paul He said, “I also want women to dress
modestly, with decency and propriety” (1 Timothy 2:9). That means He wants you
to be careful with your appearance. Selecting appropriate clothes is easier
when you know what you’re doing.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
Here’s a list of ideas to help you chose
the right clothes.
Choose tanks with wider straps (wide enough
to cover your bra strap), smaller arm holes (so your bra isn’t viewable under
your arm) and loose cuts (so it doesn’t fit like a glove).
Don’t even consider low-rider pants unless
you’re always going to wear a long shirt with them. Select pants with a higher
waistband. (ok with this part I was not so fond of because it’s not very easy
((or comfortable)) to find pants with a good waistline so just do what you can)
When you can, choose shorts with a longer
inseam, or when you try them on do the finger length trick. (put your hands to
your side and make sure the shorts go a little past your finger tips)
Wear T-shirts and tops that have crew necks
or higher v-necks.
Buy sleeveless shirts that have smaller arm
holes.
Choose clothes that flatter your body shape
and size.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord I pray that you will help me to
dress myself modestly from now on. Help me to dress for you instead of other
guys. I pray that I will be able to honor you and show off my personality
through the clothes that I wear, and not cause the guys/men around me to
stumble. In your name, amen.
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked man flees
though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Acts 4:29
Now, Lord, consider their
threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a
spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
James 4:14
Why, you do not even know
what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a
little while and then vanishes.
*-*SOME DEFINITIONS TO REMEMBER*-*
Bold: Requiring or exhibiting courage
and bravery.
Timid: Lacking self-confidence; shy.
Meek: Showing patience and humility; gentle.
=) THINK IT OVER (=
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
Tell your parents, or your sibling, or your
best friend that you love them and that you care about them. Please don’t just
shrug it off as and assume that they already know. Because you don’t know
what’s going on their mind.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord,
I ask you today to help make me more bold. Let me not be afraid to let my true
feelings and emotions shine through. I pray that you’ll give me tact when I’m
telling others exactly how I feel, but at the same time that I’ll learn not to
hold even the tiniest things back.
In Jesus’ Name I Pray,
Amen
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a
manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only
hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit,
contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.
You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and
led astray to mute idols.
=) THINK IT OVER (=
Who do you look toward as your main
influence? We are all supposed to look to Jesus for that, but it also helps to
have a person who’s living now, going through the same situations as you are.
But who is that for you? Is it someone in the media, is it someone you know
personally, are they a singer? Your influence may not always be a good one, so
that’s where you need to step in and examine if your influence is making a
positive or negative impact in your life. You can’t get so wrapped up in that
person; though, that you forget about following Jesus’ example first and
foremost.
The media is full of people with happy
smiling faces that seem like they have it all, but in reality a lot of them are
lost and hopeless. Did you know over 50% of actors have AIDS or are HIV
positive? At least a quarter of actors/actresses/singers have also been into
drugs or alcohol at some point in their career. Do you really want someone like
that to be your EXAMPLE? Do you know what the meaning of influence is? It
means: to make a LIFE CHANGING impact! If these people are your LIFE CHANGING
impact then, hun, you’re headed down a long rode of loneliness.
What about your friends? No, I’m no
judging your friend-picking abilities: I’m questioning them. Are you 100% sure
that the friends that you have will pick you up in times of trouble or will
they just try to knock you down to their level? Before you had these friends,
what was your life like, was it better or worse?
I was talking to a friend the other day
and she was trying so hard to get her life together and move on, but when she
told her friends this you know what they did?? They LAUGHED at her! They told
her straight up that she wouldn’t make it. They KILLED her determination of
starting over. They told her that she would fail and be miserable just like
them. Misery does love company right? That’s just horrible!
What would your friend’s say? Would
they truly help you in a life changing decision? Let’s say one say you decided
to be in the military. Your mom doesn’t want you to leave because she doesn’t
want to lose you, but she loves you and is OK with it. So you go to your
friends, do they talk you out of it or encourage you dream?
Or you want to be a missionary to a small
village in Africa. Your friends start saying “you will never make it” or
“things are way too hard for you down there.” if God truly wants you to go to
Africa is that what you really want to hear?
Moving on to the other side of the
spectrum...
Did you know that it’s very possible
that YOU influence someone else? It’s true. A lot of times you don’t find out
that you influenced this person until much later. This is a huge thing for me.
It’s really not good if I lead myself onto the wrong path, but to lead someone
else too? That’s ten times worse! For this reason, it’s important to always try
and live your life as if there’s someone who looks up to you, following your
lead. You don’t want them to fail because you did.
Remember: don’t get so caught up in following
someone who seems like a man or woman of Christ, because even if they
are terrific people, they still have their flaws too. While it’s fine to look
up to them and go them for help, don’t ever forget that God is #1. Never forget
to go to Him first.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
We challenge you to figure out who your
influences are. Once you’ve done that, figure out who you could be influencing.
Once you determine both and take care of the bad, lots of good will follow!
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord, we lift up Danielle and her friends
that all the drama and hurt will go away. We also pray for Su that you will
heal her, we lift up Brandon and Jessica’s back pain that in the name of Jesus
they are healed! Please bless and keep safe all of the people attending prom
within the next month, and all of the people who have final tests and exams and
that all that hard work will lead to awesome God filled summers! In your
awesome name, amen!
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart will be filled
with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.
2 Peter 2:21-22
For it would have been better for them not
to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the
holy commandment delivered to them.
But it has happened to them according to
the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow,
having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
Matthew 28:20b
And lo, I am with you always, even to the
end of the age." Amen.
=) THINK IT OVER (=
Some of us may not backslide all the
way but just get so busy with everything that is going on that we simply
“forget” or get way too busy. Why is that, and what can we do about it?
It’s because we are not putting God first. I for one am completely
guilty of that. That’s all there is to it! When you put God first, all of the
other things in life will fall right into its proper place. Have you ever heard
the jar example? Life is our jar and when we fill it with sand, and little
rocks before we shove the big rock in we have no room for the big rock! Then
when we take everything out and put the big rock in first and then the little
rocks and then the sand, everything melds around the big rock and finds its
exact place. That’s how life should be. We should all be filling our “jar” (aka
life) with the “big rock” (aka God) first.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
I challenge you to EMPTY OUT YOUR JAR! No:
that doesn’t mean get rid of all of your friends and school and things you do
on a daily basis. I’m saying try to REORGANIZE if necessary TAKE A DAY OFF –
from life! Figure out what your priorities are, or what has been getting you so
busy lately. (Even if what’s keeping you busy is CHURCH, that can get in the
way of your RELATIONSHIP with God too!!!)
Then put everything back the way it should be: GOD FIRST. I will
personally do this with you all and tell you what I did later on in the
resolution updates.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord I pray that all of us will be able to reorganize our “jar”.
Help us to seek you and be able to put YOU FIRST in our lives. I pray that we
will all be able to dive into you and your word and worship you with a
passionate heart. Thank you for being there for us, even when we haven’t been
there for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being, you knit
me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
What does it mean?
Asinine:
(ass-i-nine) silly, stupid, or foolish
Egregious:
(i-gree-juss) very great, outrageous
Comical:
Amusing, humorous, or funny
Fornication:
voluntary sexual intercourse between unmarried persons.
=) THINK IT OVER (=
This is one of my more favorite topics. There
are so many people in this world that have this idea stuck in their head that
they aren’t worth anything. This is especially evident in Christians. It’s odd
that the people who should know that they have tremendous value actually
believe that they don’t deserve blessings from God. This is where I step in…
“I’m just not worthy.” I am here to tell you
today that you are very right. You are NOT worthy. You don’t
deserve anything that God has given to you. Romans 3:23; “for all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (emphasis added) That’s what
makes His blessing our lives all the more special; because we don’t
deserve it. We are in a unique situation: We deserve nothing short of hell
(literally), but God loves us. The only One who can save us, loves us enough to
have sent His only Son so that we can have life with Him forever, even
though we don’t deserve it! But you already know this…
You may think that you have committed some
sort of horrible sin, one that has to separate you from God because of
the nature of the sin, therefore you have to get your life right before you can
come to God and ask for anything. You’re right – about committing a sin. But
you’re very wrong about the rest of it. Jesus didn’t come for the righteous, He
came for the scum of the earth (us). Would you go to a neurosurgeon if you knew
there was nothing wrong with you? If you had a heart attack, would you make the
doctors wait till you lost some weight and got your cholesterol down before you
let them help you? No! Both of those scenarios are asinine! But that’s
what we do as Christians. We want to make our lives better so Jesus won’t have
to look at our ugliness or ungodliness. Heaven forbid we let Jesus know that we
aren’t perfect. Despite the fact that He’s standing there watching us as we
commit our most egregious sins, we must make sure we clean that up
before we go to Him for help. Have you ever seen a five-year-old make a mess (say,
they spill Kool-Aid all over the carpet), and try to clean it up before anyone
notices it? It’s quite comical, really… All they do is make an even bigger mess
than they originally created. Finally, when you walk into the room, they start
crying because they know they did something bad and you found out about it.
That’s EXACTLY how we are with God. We make these HUGE mistakes (while Jesus is
watching us), and we do our best to cover it up before He sees us (even though
He’s been standing there the whole time), and when we realize that we can’t do
it on our own, we start crying because we know that we did something bad and we
now have to confess it to God (even though he knows more about it than we ever
could).
Luke 22:54-62 Tells the story of Peter denying
Jesus three times (just like Jesus said he would) and, when he realized what he
had done, he wept bitterly because he just denied his best friend and savior. I
can’t think of anything worse than denying any knowledge of Jesus Christ. And
now he denied the very One he claimed to love. Talk about getting yourself in
the middle of a mess. How do you take that back? You can’t. If anyone felt
unworthy to receive Jesus' blessing, it’s Peter. Later on in John, Peter is
described as the second person to see the inside of the empty tomb. Can you
imagine the thoughts running through his head at that point? Even though he saw
the incredible miracles that Jesus performed, I’m sure he had some doubts at
some level in the back of his mind. The Word says in John that Peter and “the
other disciple” had no knowledge of the scriptures that required Jesus to die
and rise again (John 20:1-10), so I’m sure Peter’s head was swirling with
unrestrained thoughts and questions about what happened to Jesus. If I were in
Peter’s shoes (or sandals, as the case may be), I would be freaking out! Here
was a Man I claimed to love more than life, yet I denied Him three times, and
now His body is missing! I would be frightened beyond all belief. In John
20:19-22, Jesus appears to the disciples and gives them all the gift of the
Holy Spirit. Later on, in Acts 2:14-42, Peter (remember him?) delivers the
first Spirit-filled sermon and 3000 souls are saved that day. If anyone should
feel like he isn’t worthy for God to do anything with him, it’s Peter. Peter
denied Christ three times, but God still used him to bring
hundreds of thousands of people to Christ, and to teach (and build) the early
church.
King David is described as the “apple of God’s
eye” and David was greatly loved by God, yet he also committed fornication
and murder. David slept with another man’s wife, and when she conceived, he had
her husband come back from a war that was going on at the time. When her
husband wouldn’t go home to be with his wife, David had him sent to the front lines,
where he was killed. David committed two egregious sins, yet God still
forgave him and blessed his household exceedingly and abundantly. How can you
say that you aren’t worthy of God’s blessing? God is a great God and His
mercies endure forever, and His blessing is for everyone, regardless of
circumstance. All He requires is repentance for sins, and He freely forgives
any and all sins equally. But you already know this…
Now for those regular Christians who haven’t
really committed any “bad” sins, but you’re human, just like everyone else. You
are the kind of person that, in your mind, you aren’t really having any major
effect of the world. You take to heart the thought that if you aren’t living
your life full on for Jesus (e.g. missionary work, preaching or
teaching), you might as well be working for the devil. I don’t subscribe to
that thought process. Jesus called us to live our lives for Him, but He didn’t
call everyone into missionary work and He certainly didn’t
call everyone to be preachers and teachers. You can live your life for Him just
by living and being an example of Jesus’ love and forgiveness to everyone who
comes your way. As long as you aren’t ashamed of Him and what He’s done for
you, you’ve got one up on Peter.
Everyone is worthy of receiving blessings from
God, simply because of God’s grace and love that He has freely given. If you’re
breathing, then He has deemed you worthy of the abundant blessings from Heaven.
All you have to do is ask. Matthew7:7-8; John 14:12-14; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew
21:22; John 16:23-24 – All these scriptures are in reference to asking God for
things, and His promise that He will bless, so that the Father will be
glorified in the Son. Just remember that God must be glorified.
I leave you with these incredible words from
Ephesians 3:14-21 (emphasis added); “(14) For this reason I bow my knees
to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) from whom the whole family
in heaven and earth is named, (16) that He would grant you,
according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might
through His Spirit in the inner man, (17) that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded
in love, (18) may be able to comprehend with all the
saints what is the width and length and depth and height – (19)
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled
with all the fullness of God. (20) Now to Him who is able to do
exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power
that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to
all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Written By:
Mr. Benjie
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
I don’t really have much of a challenge for
you today other than to “meditate” on what was just said.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord, thank you that Mr. Benjie could preach for us today and for
his awesome words of wisdom. I pray through his essay he will touch the lives
of many people. I pray for all of the pain that many are going through that you
would just touch them and heal them in the name of Jesus. Help Kelly and
Danielle through the summer and that when they come back and start Internet
Christians again that they will be renewed and have many more topics to talk
about. In Jesus’ name, amen.
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought at a price; therefore
glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered
together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except
such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be
tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way
of escape that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind; It does not
envy, it does not boast, it is not proud; It is not rude, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
=) THINK IT OVER (=
There may be some of you that know some
people or even your parents that say it is impossible to keep a dating
relationship holy. (I know my parents are like that.) But that’s not true.
Period. The end. It IS possible to keep your dating relationship holy and God
honoring! So how do you go about doing this?
First you ask yourself: Is God in
the center of this relationship? Well, how would you know if God is truly in the center of
it all. You seem to spend so much time talking to each other and hanging out
with each other that it may not seem like He is there at all. To figure out if
God is in the center, figure out these following things.
Do you and your boyfriend/girlfriend encourage
each other to pray, read the bible, go to church, or hang around the right
people? When you have
someone supporting you in these kinds of things, it makes it a lot easier. So
when you have someone encouraging you to read your Bible and spend time with
God don’t you think that would get easier as well?
Are you and your boyfriend clear about
the things that God wants for us in our relationships? (Keeping your body holy,
being trustworthy and all the other things that are mentioned in the verse up
there from 1 Corinthians 13.) You and your “partner” need to hold each other accountable just
like you would any other Christian friend. You need to make sure that you are
respecting each other’s bodies, making time for God, and including Him in
everything you do.
Do you thank God for even LETTING you
have your boyfriend or girlfriend? Sound like an odd question? Well really, it’s not. Think about
it: if you seemed un-grateful to God about them, how do you think that makes
Him feel? He wants the best for you, and if you aren’t appreciating it, it
effects Him just as it would any other person. (Even though He knows us inside
and out!)
What about when you are with them: Are
you putting yourself and him/her in a vulnerable situation? The best way to combat this is to go
with some friends somewhere or invite another couple. Other things that you may
want to do to honor God on a date are: pray with your date before you get to
your destination, bring a BIBLE with you, or remembering “where two or more
gather in My name THERE I AM ALSO”! (just pretend Jesus is sitting right
there…)
A pastor I was listening to once said,
“I knew of a girl who told me that her and her boyfriend brought a bible on a
date with them. She sat it on the seat between her and her boyfriend in the car
and said, ‘you have to go through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, before you can
get to me.’ You know, that may just work! “
Do you know if your
boyfriend/girlfriend is saving their virginity for marriage? Have you really
talked about it? If
you don’t know: I suggest you find out as soon as possible. If BOTH you and
your spouse don’t agree on the saving sex for marriage, that can be a BAD
temptation situation for you to handle. (Even if you follow the date rules
listed above.)
Dating is something you do to get to
know a person better, enjoy each other’s company, and to have someone closer
than others to rely on. Sex is something that needs to be completely saved for
marriage. It’s as simple as that. I know a few people who think that even
kissing should be saved for marriage. I personally don’t have a verse from the
Bible that tells me that. But I won’t argue it either. As far as I know, it’s a
personal choice. Note this though: There’s a big difference between kissing and
making out; Between making out and groping; Between groping and all but having
sex: And between all but having sex and actually having it.
How do you know when you have gone too
far? The answer isn’t too hard. If you can walk
away from the whole thing still feeling the same amount of self-respect and you
know that what you’ve just done won’t displease God, you’re good.
Did you know that by having a holy
relationship, it shines as an example for other dating believers? The impact that we make on other
people’s lives is so important to think about. When you have a God-honoring
awesome relationship, other Christians will see that and want to have it to.
You may even have people asking you questions about how you have been dating,
and you need to tell them!
With so many people dating, and now at
even younger ages, it’s important to know where you stand on this issue. I don’t think that dating is horrible
and wrong. (Like my parents.) Because I know that there are ways to keep
yourself out of trouble, and ways to keep GOD in your relationship! So whether
you decide to date now, or wait until later on in life: you need to think the
things we talked about in this issue over!
Love is patient, love is kind. It does
not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not
delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love NEVER fails.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
What are ways you can or have honored God
on a date? Are there any ways that we mentioned in this issue that could help
your relationship with your boyfriend/girlfriend? If so, don’t hesitate! Talk
to them as soon as you can, or press the forward button and send it to them.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord, I pray for Sheena, please heal her in the name of Jesus.
Heal all of her pain and sickness in her colon and liver, and if needed get her
a transplant and an awesome recovery! I also pray that I will be a wise dater. Lord,
with you I know it’s possible, and with the help in this issue, I have even
more confidence. Help me to date like YOU want me to, and to keep out of
temptation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
*****
><> FROM THE TEXT <><
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT
(-.-)
Dear Lord, I pray today that you will remind me constantly that
I need to turn to you. I want to have that really tight, close relationship
with you so badly. I realize that You want it too. Help me to stop being lazy
or selfish or whatever personality trait of mine it is that keeps me from
coming to you. I love you!!
Amen
*****