Now, this isn't a post about rock music itself. I'm personally against it in any form (though I have made exceptions every now and then), but I don't know enough about it yet to be able to tell others why they shouldn't listen to rock. So I'm only going to speak of why I think Christian rock is wrong from the start. I pray that God will help me express my thoughts on this correctly.
First off, the purpose of a true praise song is to bring glory to God. Rock music is something that appeals to the flesh, or the part of us that wants to please ourselves rather than God. In my opinion, rock music and praise songs cannot mix because of this. When I have listened to Christian rock, I find myself concentrating on how the music pleases me rather than praising or bringing glory to God.
Oh, sometimes the words themselves are truly meaningful. I think that some of the artists making these songs may have the right intentions. They're just using the wrong media to carry out these intentions. It is indeed possible to concentrate on the words and ignore the music. But why tempt yourself?
We each have an "old man" and a "new man" in us. The "old man" is the sinful part of us, the part of us that is worldly. The "new man" is the Godly part of us that God gave us when we let Jesus into our hearts. Which one is stronger depends on which one we feed the most. If we keep our sights on Heavenly things, have the right attitude, obey God, we are feeding the new man. When we sin, we are feeding the old man. (Forgive the termonology here. I fear it has the potential to be put in entirely the wrong context.)
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
I believe that "Christian" rock music is one tool the devil uses to get us out of God's will--the music appeals to the flesh. Thus it feeds our old man, making him stronger and more likely to defeat the new man.
Now, I'm only posting this because God laid it on my heart. Perhaps someone somewhere needed this post. I'm not trying to condemn anyone anywhere for listening to Christian rock. Whether you do or not is between you and God. Talk to God about it in prayer, ponder it in your heart, look for your answer in the Bible, ask a good Christian whom you trust for advice.
ETA:
On another note, is it December already? Wow, my mental clock is still back in August. Well, Christmas time is technically here I suppose, though December 1st may be a bit early to call it Christmas time. (The stores don't know this. XD) I do love this time of year. I especially love singing Christmas carols, like "Silent Night" and the Christmas spirit that comes with celebrating Jesus' birth.
At any rate, God bless!
~Collie
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Prayer Requests
This will be a short post. I have a few things I'd like everyone to pray about.
First, my mom isn't feeling well. Second, my dad is now coming down with the bug we had a couple of weeks ago. Third, I have an unspoken.
Oh, and I'm not going to list the names over the internet, but please pray for the people on our church's prayer list as well.
On another note, I began reading "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis tonight. I love this book!
God bless,
Collie
P.S.
I apologize for the short and rather hasty nature of this post.
First, my mom isn't feeling well. Second, my dad is now coming down with the bug we had a couple of weeks ago. Third, I have an unspoken.
Oh, and I'm not going to list the names over the internet, but please pray for the people on our church's prayer list as well.
On another note, I began reading "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis tonight. I love this book!
God bless,
Collie
P.S.
I apologize for the short and rather hasty nature of this post.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Philosophy
Romans 1:21-23
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
I'm a philosophical person. Philosophy fascinates me. So I'd like to share my thoughts on this and speak of man's philosophy compared to the wisdom found in the Bible. I've spoken of this before, in my dA journal back before I gave up dA.
God gave man a wonderful thing: a brain. Our brains can solve problems, memorize the movements required to perform an action, give us a built-in "alarm clock", and of course keep our entire body functioning. The brain is an amazing thing, as is everything God has created if you ask me. God gave man what we need to function and live in this world.
What I find odd is that man tries to assume that he can outthink God, that he knows better than the Being that created the entire universe. I've seen people say that they refuse to serve or worship a God that they feel has not followed morals. I've seen people say that we don't need God anymore. While people must choose for themselves, my thoughts in response to such a statement is along the lines of "Okay, if we don't need God let me see you create an entire universe out of nothing in just six days."
I've shared my thoughts on this with my dad about this, and I agree with his response--that Dr. Kent Hovind says it best. I can't give a direct quote of Dr. Hovind's statement because I haven't taken the time to memorize it word for word, but it goes something like this:
Let me ask you if you know everything. The honest answer of course would be no. Let me ask you if you know half of everything. The honest answer to that would be no as well. But, for the sake of argument, let's say that you know half of everything. Is it possible that God exists and is truly in control in the half that you don't know? Think about that one.
Also, more thoughts I've had, and please don't get me wrong:
It has been said by a few people I've known that it doesn't seem logical to trust someone else because anyone can lie to you. That it seems that everyone just needs to think for themselves. So they basically concluded, "Why trust God?"
I'd like to point out that God made us so that He can enjoy us and so that we can enjoy Him. Think about this now. For the sake of argument, if you were able to make a creature that could worship you, would not the worship mean more if the creature worshipped you despite that it didn't seem logical to him to trust you blindly?
Human nature has a desire to trust someone else. Well, in all honesty people in general are just not trust-worthy what with their sin nature and all. However, we can trust God. How do we know? He gives us assurance and let me tell you, I Am's assurance is much more assuring that man's assurance. (If you didn't already know, I Am is one of God's names.) Yes, we do take it by faith. Not everything can be rationalized. While I do very much see the logic in not puting your full trust in anyone, I've found that it's just such a relief to have Someone that you can depend on, Who does not get overwhelmed at all of the the confusion and lies of the world out there. Who really does know what He is doing.
Now, let me say I've never taken a college philosophy course. I'm not old enough for one. And two I don't plan on taking one. But from what I have seen and from what I've been told, the philosophy there is twisted, used to turn people away from God rather than to honestly look at something from all angles. In my opinion, if you're honestly looking at all sides, you'll consider seriously that perhaps there are things out there that man's reason cannot comprehend, that there are principles that our minds--amazing though they are, just cannot fathom.
Ecclesiastes 8:8
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who are given to it.
Ecclesiastes 8:1
WHO is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
ETA:
And just for fun, here's a picture I drew last night even though Thanksgiving is still two weeks away:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
I'm a philosophical person. Philosophy fascinates me. So I'd like to share my thoughts on this and speak of man's philosophy compared to the wisdom found in the Bible. I've spoken of this before, in my dA journal back before I gave up dA.
God gave man a wonderful thing: a brain. Our brains can solve problems, memorize the movements required to perform an action, give us a built-in "alarm clock", and of course keep our entire body functioning. The brain is an amazing thing, as is everything God has created if you ask me. God gave man what we need to function and live in this world.
What I find odd is that man tries to assume that he can outthink God, that he knows better than the Being that created the entire universe. I've seen people say that they refuse to serve or worship a God that they feel has not followed morals. I've seen people say that we don't need God anymore. While people must choose for themselves, my thoughts in response to such a statement is along the lines of "Okay, if we don't need God let me see you create an entire universe out of nothing in just six days."
I've shared my thoughts on this with my dad about this, and I agree with his response--that Dr. Kent Hovind says it best. I can't give a direct quote of Dr. Hovind's statement because I haven't taken the time to memorize it word for word, but it goes something like this:
Let me ask you if you know everything. The honest answer of course would be no. Let me ask you if you know half of everything. The honest answer to that would be no as well. But, for the sake of argument, let's say that you know half of everything. Is it possible that God exists and is truly in control in the half that you don't know? Think about that one.
Also, more thoughts I've had, and please don't get me wrong:
It has been said by a few people I've known that it doesn't seem logical to trust someone else because anyone can lie to you. That it seems that everyone just needs to think for themselves. So they basically concluded, "Why trust God?"
I'd like to point out that God made us so that He can enjoy us and so that we can enjoy Him. Think about this now. For the sake of argument, if you were able to make a creature that could worship you, would not the worship mean more if the creature worshipped you despite that it didn't seem logical to him to trust you blindly?
Human nature has a desire to trust someone else. Well, in all honesty people in general are just not trust-worthy what with their sin nature and all. However, we can trust God. How do we know? He gives us assurance and let me tell you, I Am's assurance is much more assuring that man's assurance. (If you didn't already know, I Am is one of God's names.) Yes, we do take it by faith. Not everything can be rationalized. While I do very much see the logic in not puting your full trust in anyone, I've found that it's just such a relief to have Someone that you can depend on, Who does not get overwhelmed at all of the the confusion and lies of the world out there. Who really does know what He is doing.
Now, let me say I've never taken a college philosophy course. I'm not old enough for one. And two I don't plan on taking one. But from what I have seen and from what I've been told, the philosophy there is twisted, used to turn people away from God rather than to honestly look at something from all angles. In my opinion, if you're honestly looking at all sides, you'll consider seriously that perhaps there are things out there that man's reason cannot comprehend, that there are principles that our minds--amazing though they are, just cannot fathom.
Ecclesiastes 8:8
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who are given to it.
Ecclesiastes 8:1
WHO is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
ETA:
And just for fun, here's a picture I drew last night even though Thanksgiving is still two weeks away:
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Lord, how long?
I've been longing for the Rapture. Especially when I hear/play/sing the last verse of "Sweet Hour of Prayer". This world is just not my home. The more I see of it, the more I want the rapture to just happen. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Oh, I don't sit around moping about the problems of the world--for one, I wouldn't get anything for God done by doing that all the time. I just long to be with Jesus. But while I am here, God has a mission for me, the mission He gives to every true Christian--to lead more people to Him. I could definitely do a better job of that--we all could.
I've been thinking a lot on that lately. I've thought on this in the past, too and posted it here. But it's worth repeating. The best way to do so that I've come up with from thinking, reading the Bible, and asking God for guidance is to stay in God's will. Don't feed the old man in you--feed only the new creature that God gave you when you received Jesus as your Savior. Feeding the old man is encouraging anything in your life that is not something God would want you to see/watch/read/think. We're all guilty of that. And we all come ask God to guide us as to what things in our lives we just need to let go of. I admit, I still haven't made my decision about Star Wars. I like Star Wars, a lot. In fact, I was agonizing over having to give it up. But I also realize that nothing , absolutely nothing, should come between me and God and what He wants in my life. Anyway while I'm still not sure about giving up Star Wars, I can say that I am now willing to let it go if it's God's will.
I'd like to ask that you pray that I will be able to stay in God's will. I'll pray for you, too.
Another thought I had today--the saying that "Happiness comes not from your situation, but what you make of it". Well, I'm afraid that I'm stating the obvious, but today it hit me that it means finding the joy in doing whatever you're doing. For example, taking out the trash--don't take it out thinking "Oh, I hate this chore", think positively. The good things about taking out the trash. I've found that you can even have fun doing that if you put your mind to it.
ETA:
Today, when reading the Bible in family altar, God really spoke to me through 1 Thessalonians 5:2-25:
2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19Quench not the Spirit.
20Despise not prophesyings.
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25Brethren, pray for us.
I've been thinking a lot on that lately. I've thought on this in the past, too and posted it here. But it's worth repeating. The best way to do so that I've come up with from thinking, reading the Bible, and asking God for guidance is to stay in God's will. Don't feed the old man in you--feed only the new creature that God gave you when you received Jesus as your Savior. Feeding the old man is encouraging anything in your life that is not something God would want you to see/watch/read/think. We're all guilty of that. And we all come ask God to guide us as to what things in our lives we just need to let go of. I admit, I still haven't made my decision about Star Wars. I like Star Wars, a lot. In fact, I was agonizing over having to give it up. But I also realize that nothing , absolutely nothing, should come between me and God and what He wants in my life. Anyway while I'm still not sure about giving up Star Wars, I can say that I am now willing to let it go if it's God's will.
I'd like to ask that you pray that I will be able to stay in God's will. I'll pray for you, too.
Another thought I had today--the saying that "Happiness comes not from your situation, but what you make of it". Well, I'm afraid that I'm stating the obvious, but today it hit me that it means finding the joy in doing whatever you're doing. For example, taking out the trash--don't take it out thinking "Oh, I hate this chore", think positively. The good things about taking out the trash. I've found that you can even have fun doing that if you put your mind to it.
ETA:
Today, when reading the Bible in family altar, God really spoke to me through 1 Thessalonians 5:2-25:
2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19Quench not the Spirit.
20Despise not prophesyings.
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25Brethren, pray for us.
Monday, November 2, 2009
God wants what is best for us
I'll probably be posting here more often. One reason is because I feel that I don't post enough on this blog and that perhaps if I posted more, it'd be an incentive of sorts to stay in God's will.
Last night I did one of the hardest things I've ever had to do: leave a site I'd grown addicted to. God had been dealing with me about that for a long time. Why? Because deviantART is not exactly an ideal site. I'd rather not go into detail, but it was full of all kinds of things I am to avoid as a Christian. I did a rather good job of avoiding that and sticking to my corner and that of my friends actually, but the temptation was still there. God wanted me to get out of there before I began really giving in. My profile and art gallery is still up, but I will not be going back. It was hard for me. I only succeeded in leaving left because God gave me the grace to do so.
This was a powerful reminder to me that God always knows what is best for us.
Just as He did with me, if you just trust Him God will give you the grace you need to accomplish His will. Not only that, He'll give you encouragement. After puting up my goodbye message on dA last night, I began to wonder if I made the right decision. I prayed about it. I had given a goodbye message on dA and promised to come back today to answer any questions any of my friends had today just so I wouldn't leave them hanging. Three of my friends there encouraged me to do what God wants. God used them to confirm my decision. God is faithful. I pray that I will continue to do His will despite the cost. I pray that He will give you the grace to do the same, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Until next time, may God bless you.
Last night I did one of the hardest things I've ever had to do: leave a site I'd grown addicted to. God had been dealing with me about that for a long time. Why? Because deviantART is not exactly an ideal site. I'd rather not go into detail, but it was full of all kinds of things I am to avoid as a Christian. I did a rather good job of avoiding that and sticking to my corner and that of my friends actually, but the temptation was still there. God wanted me to get out of there before I began really giving in. My profile and art gallery is still up, but I will not be going back. It was hard for me. I only succeeded in leaving left because God gave me the grace to do so.
This was a powerful reminder to me that God always knows what is best for us.
Just as He did with me, if you just trust Him God will give you the grace you need to accomplish His will. Not only that, He'll give you encouragement. After puting up my goodbye message on dA last night, I began to wonder if I made the right decision. I prayed about it. I had given a goodbye message on dA and promised to come back today to answer any questions any of my friends had today just so I wouldn't leave them hanging. Three of my friends there encouraged me to do what God wants. God used them to confirm my decision. God is faithful. I pray that I will continue to do His will despite the cost. I pray that He will give you the grace to do the same, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Until next time, may God bless you.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Verses I had marked in Proverbs
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
What these verses mean to me:
Lean not on thine own understanding. It's hard to put into action sometimes. But it's practical because God made us, therefore He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows exactly what He is doing. Does this mean that we should never use our heads? No. God made our brains to be used. But there are some things that must be taken by faith, that can't be worked out by reason alone. The human mind isn't all powerful--God's gift of logic is a wonderful thing, but it can't answer or solve all of life's problems. God can, if we let Him. Acknowledge God, that He is in control, that He knows what He is doing, and that He knows everything we need, that He knows best, and as the verse says--He'll direct your paths. As I've said before, we cannot do right on our own human strength--it's impossible. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. There are so many temptations in this world that appeal to us, and make us forget about God for a while. But, trust that God will guide your paths, and He will.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
What these verses mean to me:
Lean not on thine own understanding. It's hard to put into action sometimes. But it's practical because God made us, therefore He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows exactly what He is doing. Does this mean that we should never use our heads? No. God made our brains to be used. But there are some things that must be taken by faith, that can't be worked out by reason alone. The human mind isn't all powerful--God's gift of logic is a wonderful thing, but it can't answer or solve all of life's problems. God can, if we let Him. Acknowledge God, that He is in control, that He knows what He is doing, and that He knows everything we need, that He knows best, and as the verse says--He'll direct your paths. As I've said before, we cannot do right on our own human strength--it's impossible. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. There are so many temptations in this world that appeal to us, and make us forget about God for a while. But, trust that God will guide your paths, and He will.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Whine or Shine?
The title isn't very original, but I couldn't think of anything else. I may have blogged about this sometime last year, but I looked over and I don't think I did. Even if I did, it won't hurt to rehash it.
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
~Phillippians 2:14
We all feel inclined to whine. For me...well, I've had a lot of big problems in my life, and I handle them just fine. But it's the small things that get to me. Such as when I'm doing something I'm enjoying and someone asks me to help them with something.
Whining is one of the bad habits we all tend to have, and it can mess up our witness big time. What do you think someone would tend to think about Christians if they see one always complaining?
Whining can be a way of trying to get out of work. It can be a way of saying that you don't want to listen to those in authority over you.
We can't always be cheerful, that's impossible on our own strength. If we develope a close relationship with God, He can help us to be cheerful. Certainly, there will be times when we get away from God, and slip back into our old habits. I've done that plenty of times in my young life thus far.
God can help us to have joy even in the worst of situations. Joy doesn't come from circumstances or things, it comes from God. The way to access that joy is to stay close to God. Listen to His will, follow His voice. God never gives us more than we can handle, and He'll carry us through our valleys if we let Him. With that in mind, we don't really have a reason to whine, do we?
The apostle Paul went through a lot worse than many of us ever will. He was jailed, ship-wrecked, and whipped, yet he remained cheerful.
And Jesus went through more suffering when he died for our sins that any of us ever will. God does not expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to follow His example. We'll all fall short of that in this life of course, but that is why Jesus died for our sins...to pay the price for them for us so that we won't have to suffer the terrible consequences.
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
~Phillippians 2:14
We all feel inclined to whine. For me...well, I've had a lot of big problems in my life, and I handle them just fine. But it's the small things that get to me. Such as when I'm doing something I'm enjoying and someone asks me to help them with something.
Whining is one of the bad habits we all tend to have, and it can mess up our witness big time. What do you think someone would tend to think about Christians if they see one always complaining?
Whining can be a way of trying to get out of work. It can be a way of saying that you don't want to listen to those in authority over you.
We can't always be cheerful, that's impossible on our own strength. If we develope a close relationship with God, He can help us to be cheerful. Certainly, there will be times when we get away from God, and slip back into our old habits. I've done that plenty of times in my young life thus far.
God can help us to have joy even in the worst of situations. Joy doesn't come from circumstances or things, it comes from God. The way to access that joy is to stay close to God. Listen to His will, follow His voice. God never gives us more than we can handle, and He'll carry us through our valleys if we let Him. With that in mind, we don't really have a reason to whine, do we?
The apostle Paul went through a lot worse than many of us ever will. He was jailed, ship-wrecked, and whipped, yet he remained cheerful.
And Jesus went through more suffering when he died for our sins that any of us ever will. God does not expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to follow His example. We'll all fall short of that in this life of course, but that is why Jesus died for our sins...to pay the price for them for us so that we won't have to suffer the terrible consequences.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wings as Eagles
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint
~Isiah 40:31
Exodus 17: 11-13
11. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon: and Aaron and Hur stayed yo his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side, and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13. And Joshua doscomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Ever feel like Moses in the above scripture? You try your best to stay in the fight, and you get tired? We all do. We all get discouraged.
We can renew out strength as said in the version from Isiah at the top by waiting on the Lord. He can give us to strength to pull through whatever life throws at us. If we let Him. Even in the worst of circumstances, we can keep our joy. Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, and God grants every Christian the ability to be joyful. Just because one is a Christian, however, does not mean that they'll automatically be joyful. No, they have to reach for it. In my experience, the way to be truly joyful is to have your heart fully yielded to God. It's a happiness--joy--like none other. Through joy, God enables us to keep up the good fight, to keep on keeping on.
Another way to be encouraged is from others. That's one reason for church. Church, the people there, the sermon, the congregational hymsn, can encourage you in your walk down the straight and narrow path. Encouragement is also what this blog is intended for.
Last but not least, praise God. Praising him for what He's done for you, giving credit where it's due, will encourage you. It reminds you that of what God has done and what He can still do. It'll help your heart stay yielded.
~Isiah 40:31
Exodus 17: 11-13
11. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon: and Aaron and Hur stayed yo his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side, and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13. And Joshua doscomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Ever feel like Moses in the above scripture? You try your best to stay in the fight, and you get tired? We all do. We all get discouraged.
We can renew out strength as said in the version from Isiah at the top by waiting on the Lord. He can give us to strength to pull through whatever life throws at us. If we let Him. Even in the worst of circumstances, we can keep our joy. Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, and God grants every Christian the ability to be joyful. Just because one is a Christian, however, does not mean that they'll automatically be joyful. No, they have to reach for it. In my experience, the way to be truly joyful is to have your heart fully yielded to God. It's a happiness--joy--like none other. Through joy, God enables us to keep up the good fight, to keep on keeping on.
Another way to be encouraged is from others. That's one reason for church. Church, the people there, the sermon, the congregational hymsn, can encourage you in your walk down the straight and narrow path. Encouragement is also what this blog is intended for.
Last but not least, praise God. Praising him for what He's done for you, giving credit where it's due, will encourage you. It reminds you that of what God has done and what He can still do. It'll help your heart stay yielded.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Serving God Whole-Heartedly and Guarding Your Heart
If you lose the wonder of your salvation, your heart can quickly become cold, and the enemy will have the advantage over you. Be careful; guard your heart for your King.~
from, The Terrestria Chronicles: The Sword, the Ring, and the Parchment
Once again, I have come to share my musings on following the straight and narrow path. This post's topic is serving God with all of your heart. When serving God, it is oh so easy to get side-tracked and start doing things, even following morals, for your own glory. A Christian's duty is to give glory to God, not self. It's fine to be proud of our accomplishments, but we shouldn't get a big head over them. We should recognize that God helps us and give Him His due praise.
Many things can get in the way of serving God. The devil has many traps. He wishes to slowly influence our thoughts and feelings. He does this through TV programs, the internet, individuals, etc. These things are not bad, they can simply be used for bad. They can be used for good as well.
After hearing a message for long enough, whether we realize it or not, we often start to believe it. For example, people I've talked to over the internet kept telling me things contrary to what the Bible teaches. At first, I argued strongly with them. Then I started giving in and wondered if their words were true. (Eventually, it got me into that pit of doubt that I was in not long before my first post in this blog.) Indeed, I almost started believing it before God called me back to Him so lovingly.
How can we keep ourselves from slowly turning away from God and doubting His Word? The best way is to have good influences. Read wholesome books, watch wholesome programs, listen to wholesome music, have wholesome friends, and most importantly--read your Bible daily. And keep in close communication with God through prayer. We cannot rid our lives of satanic messages completely, but remember: We have two natures. A good nature that wants to please God. And a bad nature that wants to please self. Whichever we feed most is the nature that will influence us most. If you find yourself doubting God, seek advice from a good Christian friend in addition to Bible reading and prayer.
Walking the straight and narrow path is not easy. It's tough, but God helps you through it if you let Him. And just imagine how glorious it will be once we all get to Heaven and we hear God tell us, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Oh, and if you'd like some examples of wholesome books, I know of a few. A series that I got for Christmas--The Terrestria Chronicles--are especially excellent. They have been an immense sense of encouragment to me. I can give you a list of some others if you wish to ask.
God bless.
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