Temptation

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. When tempted no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desires and enticed. Then after desire is conceived, it gives birth to to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death"
James 1:12-15

I especially need to remember this verse and apply it. I got a new computer a few weeks ago and it has wireless Internet access. I do school on it and it is a HUGE temptation to go online for a bit during school.

This verse makes it clear that is worth fighting against the temptation no matter how hard it is or will be.
To God alone be the Glory!

CHRISTmas

CHRISTmas. I know, I have written X-mas before, but how can I? I am taking out my Savior's name and putting in a big X instead. Like His name is not worth anything. Taking Him out of CHRISTtmas. Without CHRIST there would be no CHRISTmas.

CHRISTmas is the day CHRIST came down to earth. And as we later know he dies for our sins. Without CHRISTmas we wouldn't be close to God as we are now, and our sins wouldn't have been taken away.

What did Santa do? Gave us presents. That's nice. What did CHRIST do? Died for us. That's amazing! Why is Santa so popular at CHRISTmas? Is it because he gives us gifts? At one point we all grow tired of those gifts and forget them. Why isn't CHRIST popular at CHRISTmas? He came to earth on CHRISTmas so he could one day pay the price for our sins.

At one time He was very popular, Shepard's came to him, the three wise men came and brought Him gifts. But now CHRIST is slipping out of CHRISTmas. WE don't think "It's Jesus' birthday!" when we wake up on CHRISTmas morning. We think "presents!" most of which will be forgotten.

But CHRIST on CHRISTmas shall never be forgotten! Keep His name in CHRISTmas.
To God alone be the Glory!

"There has been only one Christmas- the rest are anniversaries" W. J. Cameron

Mandisa & Matthew West - Christmas Makes Me Cry

A Reminder...

I always wonder what God's plan is for my life. Being a teen I have a lot of time in front of me. I always ask God what is His will for me and if I can just know it. Though part of me doesn't want to know. *I'm not sure if I really want to know what God would do with me if He had complete control over my body and actions.
But I want to do His will...

I found this verse the other day when I was reading my devotional:

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything form the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."
James 1:5-8 NLT

Have you seriously considered doing God's will? Giving Him complete control to do whatever He wanted with you and your body? God gave himself totally up for us, why can't we give ourselves to Him?

Or is Satan whispering discouraging thoughts in our ear? Saying we can't do it. It's too hard. It's too dangerous. God has all the glory and the power. He can do with it what He sees is fit. Let God handle 'the cant's' and you can handle the 'I can's'.
To God alone be the Glory!
*Francias Chan says this at the Passion Conference in 2007

'Beautiful for Me' by Nichole Nordeman; VeggieTales Sweetpea Beauty

It has a few Veggietales scenes, but this is still a great video and worth watching!!!!!!!!! (Related to my other post: A Garden Locked Up)

A Beautiful Garden Locked Up

"You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain."

Song of Songs 4:12 NIV



Have you ever thought of yourself that way? I really haven't. But that is what we should strive to be. Saved for our future Prince Charming. The keywords being 'locked up', 'sealed fountain' and 'spring enclosed'.

This writer certainly is madly in love with whom is speaking about. And what does he like about her? That she is saving herself for him. I think we should have that mindset. Not snatch up the 'best' guys, but to save yourself for the one who is bold and moral enough to claim us.

It shouldn't be what we are on the outside that draws a guy's attention, but what we are on the inside. For that is where true beauty is. That is important. God is Love. And God delights in your good deeds, so to speak (obeying Him.)

"Charm is deceptive Beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"

Psalm 31:30

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

Proverbs 31:10

God's desire is what you should strive for, not material things. What you look like or the time you take to improve your looks or worry about them doesn't gain anything in Heaven.

"But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven. Where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Matthew 6:20

What we have here will not last. What we gain there is eternal. What does God want you to do? How can you gain these 'treasures'?

"And What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8

God just wants you to obey Him and love Him. He loves you.

To God alone be the Glory!