Ah..Life..

It seems like it’s a never-ending roller-coaster. Sometimes it’s great, and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes I feel like I’m on top of the hill, and sometimes I feel like I’m free-falling. But you know something I have become increasingly thankful for-first of all my relationship with God. He’s always been the solid ground in my life. And my friends who seems to be constant. You know, those people who you can always count on. God has blessed me with several of them, and I am so thankful for them. But He has also shown me that I shouldn’t place my faith in them, because even though it may seem like they are always there, people will fail. However, God is always there. And He’s the safety belt keeping me inside the coaster car so I don’t go hurtling off into space at a million miles an hour. And Hes the strength I need to make it through every day, which sometimes seems like an impossible task. I don’t have a bible, but I was going to write a verse from Psalm 139..but I will write it later!

A Little Blessing From God..

Tonight we had the Jeff Choirs at our church for a religious arts festival. I went, although at first my soul motive was the fact that I’m in SMITE. However, I am so glad I went. This has perhaps been one of the worst weeks of my life, but last night I sat on my floor and cried out to God..and this morning, I woke up with a peace I haven’t known in a long time. It was as if He was saying..it’s going to be ok, I have a bigger plan for you. We had an amazing church service today, the pastor from Romania spoke on being a real Christian. It was really good..but back to what I started with. So I walked into the gym before everything started, and while I was standing their talking with my friend, looked up and saw one of my best friends from sixth grade. We’ve kinda kept in touch and usually see each other about once or twice a year. After a hug, we chatted about life the past year. It was really neat-God knew I needed something to brighten up my day, and it was like a gift with a big bow on it! It will probably be another year or so before I see them again, but they are the type of person that you just don’t forget. And one that is always a joy to see!!

Philippians 1:27a

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Philippians 2:2-3

“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility of mind consider others better then yourselves.”

I read these verses in my devotions and they were in a sense a slap in the face. I am only held accountable for my actions and only have the power to control what I do and say. Although sometimes, it is necessary to confront, ultimately, I am only accountable to God for my actions. I am responsible to conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. I am called to show the world I have something amazing, and yet too often, I get caught up fighting with the people on my team. Instead of uniting to win lost souls, we bicker and ruin relationships among our Christian circles. Instead of encouraging growth, we always say, well, you could be doing more. But God once again has brought me to a place of being broken and utterly empty. He has once again shown me that I only mess things up when I act against His will and try to do things on my own. He has shown me the way it is supposed to be. So here I am, once again, on my knees before my master. In awe of the amazing price He paid and ultimate example of love He has shown me. I am so thankful that even in my sin, even when I mess up-His blood covers me. He forgives me and sends my sin as far as the east is from the west. And although the human eyes watching me may never forgive me or forget my past faults..my Savior has. How comforting that is! Hebrews tell us that we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize in our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in all things. He faced rejection, loneliness, extreme pain, temporary loss of a heavenly home-all for me. And although I often feel utterly alone, I am constantly reminded of God’s love for me. It is amazing and never ending.

Be Intolerant

Yes, that’s what I said. Be Intolerant. But not only of the things we know are wrong and are convinced we would never do, but of the things that are wrong and we do on a daily basis. Be intolerant of your friends who gossip. Be intolerant of locker-room talk, be intolerant of disrespect. Be intolerant of those who talk after being told not. And make sure you aren’t the one commiting those offenses. I’m reading a book entitled Be Intolerant. And although I go to a Christian school, I have realized how tolerant I am. How little I stand up for what’s right, and how often I am the one gossiping or talking in class. I have often though because I agreed with God on things such as abortion, homosexuality, liberalism, and other such things that I was intolerant, or at least that I wasn’t tolerant. but more and more I am realizing it goes much farther then that. I also have realized that this idea is foreign and not highly acceptable even among my Christian friends. I wonder what would happen if I said to one of the my friends, “hey, stop talking about that.” Wait, I think I know what would happen-they would stare at me as though I was a freak, and probably then ask me what authority I had to tell them that. Or they would throw up some mistake I made, some sin I had committed, or perhaps they wouldn’t say anything, but think that I all of sudden had this prideful, holier-than-thou attitude. Sometimes I look at my own life, and I think, “I call myself a Christian, but so often my actions contradict themselves.” So perhaps will I try standing up for what’s right. Perhaps my friends will realize that I’m not trying to act like I’m some super-holy Christian, because I’m not. I’m just like them, I’m just trying to make it in this world, and looking forward to the next. Heaven is going to be amazing. And earth is our preparation.