So as I was writing the previous post, God reminded me of something, and I wanted to share it.
Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the sin in this world, that I think to myself, 'Well, we all know the end is near, and we all know that sin seems to overcome nearly everyone near the end, so why even try to beat it?'
Now obviously I don't honestly take that to heart and believe it completely. But I do get discouraged often!
But this is what I was reminded of.
Remember in Sunday school when they told Bible stories with all of the pictures? And do you remember when there was the story in the Garden of Eden, when Satan was talking to Eve about eating from the Tree of Life?
Well I was just reminded of how Satan was depicted: a little, weak, cartoon snake.
Now I know that Satan does have a grip on many lives, and he is not as petty as the little cartoon snake from the picture(I'm not ignoring the fact that he is real), but he is not all powerful!
I was also reminded of the song 'Our God' by Chris Tomlin. (Sorry Mrs. Ward, I have no idea if I punctuated that song right. That was one thing I could never learn in English class.)
"And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against? "
The fact that God is all-powerful is not a new revelation. But the image that in all reality, Satan might as well be that little, weak, cartoon snake compared to God was!
Just food for thought; that we (I) should NEVER feel discouraged because of Satan's presence/grasp in our world. Because He is so much more powerful, can and is doing so much more in this world, and does prevail in the end! No matter how much sin I feel like there is in the world!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The fight is not over yet!
In reference to some recent news going on in Nevada, I felt the need to post about this again.
If you haven't read my previous blog post about human trafficking and prostitution, check it out here for more information>> Click here.
So, if you did not know, prostitution and brothels ARE legal in the state of Nevada. The fact that that statement is true just blows my mind. I cannot believe we have let this go on in our own country for so long! It must be that people just turn their eyes as to not have to see what is happening? I can't really come up with a logical explanation.
FINALLY, someone big is speaking up! Harry Reid is calling them out. But this is not going to be an easy fight. The brothel owners and prostitutes are speaking up, saying that they don't want to loose their income for livelihood! Which is an honest concern; if this is the way of life they have ever known, making it illegal seems crazy to them!
check out these pages for more info on what is going on
( Click here and
Here. )
WE all know, that selling your bodies is not a healthy way of life. But many people do not understand that. Even fans of a Facebook page called "Hookers for Jesus" (a ministry organization developed to help women who have been affected by this industry, and who are against prostitution, etc.) are commenting on this news, saying things such as " I personally see nothing wrong with having legalized brothels in every state." "Yeah, should be legal in all 50 states, what business does the Gov have with consenting adults behind closed doors!"
Obviously they are not 'fans' of what the organization is really for. My point being, people do not understand. They have believed lies from Satan and see nothing wrong with selling sex.
What do we do?
Pray!
*Pray for the right outcome in all of this
*Pray for the prostitutes and brothel owners, that other, healthy jobs will be provided for them so they don't have to worry
*Pray for mentoring and healing
*Pray for eyes to be opened
*Pray for the state of Nevada
*Pray in faith!
Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
And check out this website if you are really interested in this topic. This organization is so great!
Hookers for Jesus.
If you haven't read my previous blog post about human trafficking and prostitution, check it out here for more information>> Click here.
So, if you did not know, prostitution and brothels ARE legal in the state of Nevada. The fact that that statement is true just blows my mind. I cannot believe we have let this go on in our own country for so long! It must be that people just turn their eyes as to not have to see what is happening? I can't really come up with a logical explanation.
FINALLY, someone big is speaking up! Harry Reid is calling them out. But this is not going to be an easy fight. The brothel owners and prostitutes are speaking up, saying that they don't want to loose their income for livelihood! Which is an honest concern; if this is the way of life they have ever known, making it illegal seems crazy to them!
check out these pages for more info on what is going on
( Click here and
Here. )
WE all know, that selling your bodies is not a healthy way of life. But many people do not understand that. Even fans of a Facebook page called "Hookers for Jesus" (a ministry organization developed to help women who have been affected by this industry, and who are against prostitution, etc.) are commenting on this news, saying things such as " I personally see nothing wrong with having legalized brothels in every state." "Yeah, should be legal in all 50 states, what business does the Gov have with consenting adults behind closed doors!"
Obviously they are not 'fans' of what the organization is really for. My point being, people do not understand. They have believed lies from Satan and see nothing wrong with selling sex.
What do we do?
Pray!
*Pray for the right outcome in all of this
*Pray for the prostitutes and brothel owners, that other, healthy jobs will be provided for them so they don't have to worry
*Pray for mentoring and healing
*Pray for eyes to be opened
*Pray for the state of Nevada
*Pray in faith!
Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
And check out this website if you are really interested in this topic. This organization is so great!
Hookers for Jesus.
Live in the moment
I'm sorry this is not another one of my blogs again. I realized that less people are likely to click on a link and read someone else's post, but I encourage you to do it anyways.
This post was written by one of the members of the band Owl City.
It really got me thinking that I need to stop living in/for the future or past, and just live in the moment.
http://owlcityblog.com/2010/09/20/waiting-in-the-wings/#more-1372
Check it out. :)
This post was written by one of the members of the band Owl City.
It really got me thinking that I need to stop living in/for the future or past, and just live in the moment.
http://owlcityblog.com/2010/09/20/waiting-in-the-wings/#more-1372
Check it out. :)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Africa
I have a few friends that are spending time in Africa for the time being, and their update emails absolutely intrigue me. Maybe it's because ever since I was a child I have dreampt of living in Africa, or maybe it's just because their stories and experiences, and the things God is teaching them are incredible.
So I have asked if I could share with you one of my friend's updates. These are written by Jacob Bowdoin, who is studying abroad in Uganda.
I would paste the email directly on here, however, he is all techy and the format wouldn't show how it does in the email, plus there are pictures. :P
HOWEVER, you can go to the following link to read it. :)
Link.
He has sent out 4 updates so far; I don't want to post them all at once because I figure people won't read them all at once. And I really think you should read them!
:)
So I have asked if I could share with you one of my friend's updates. These are written by Jacob Bowdoin, who is studying abroad in Uganda.
I would paste the email directly on here, however, he is all techy and the format wouldn't show how it does in the email, plus there are pictures. :P
HOWEVER, you can go to the following link to read it. :)
Link.
He has sent out 4 updates so far; I don't want to post them all at once because I figure people won't read them all at once. And I really think you should read them!
:)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Be a friend, to have a friend
I just read a crinkled up piece of paper that has been floating around in my purse for quite some time now. On it are short but to the point notes from a sermon on friendship.
Read on.
-Friendship is a relationship where we practice real Biblical love.
-A great friend is one who will have Jesus as their best friend.
-A great friend will initiate.
-A great friend will endure.
*Proverbs 27:10 Never abandon a friend--either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away
*Proverbs 17:17 A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble.
*Proverbs 17:9 Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends.
*Colossians 3:12-13 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
-A great friend will build up and bring out the best.
*Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
*Proverbs 27:5-6 (one of my favorites) 5Better is open rebuke
than hidden love. 6Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
*Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue
*1 John 3:16-18 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Read on.
-Friendship is a relationship where we practice real Biblical love.
-A great friend is one who will have Jesus as their best friend.
-A great friend will initiate.
-A great friend will endure.
*Proverbs 27:10 Never abandon a friend--either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away
*Proverbs 17:17 A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble.
*Proverbs 17:9 Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends.
*Colossians 3:12-13 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
-A great friend will build up and bring out the best.
*Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
*Proverbs 27:5-6 (one of my favorites) 5Better is open rebuke
than hidden love. 6Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
*Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue
*1 John 3:16-18 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Simple Truths.
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Ramish.
Isn't it funny how certain verses stand out to us more sometimes than other times?
Last night and the night before as I was reading, I came across a few verse that I wanted to share. Now that I'm finally sitting down to do it, I can't remember which ones they were, even when I read the passage over again!
One of them I do remember for sure though. And only people from YWAM Bris will get this.
I was reading in Proverbs 19, and verse 6 says, "Many curry favor with a ruler..."
That is all that really matters. The verse itself has nothing to do with what got to me. CURRY! The Bible says CURRY!!! Now, obviously I know it does not mean the same curry as the spice. But I still thought it was hysterical that the Bible says curry! As soon as I read it it, all I could think about was Ramish. Oh Ramish.
I was overcome with the feeling to pray for him. I have no idea how he is doing. But I think God for sure had me read the word curry, and remember Ramish, so that I could pray for him.
Thinking about this once again reminds me of a funny story of Ramish that I would like to share.
Ramish never gave me a nickname. Most people he talked to got one, but not me. Is it silly to want a nickname from Ramish? Yes. However, I thought they were kind of endearing. But after I thought about it, I decided that it was cool that he called me by my name, that I did not need a nickname, but he could come straight to me. (I'm sure you're probably snickering at me by now.)
Now to the story part. For quite a long time, Ramish kept saying that he wanted to take me (and a few others) out to lunch. We never did have the time to go with him before outreach, and I'll be honest, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about being forced to go to lunch; and I wasn't sure what kind of trouble we might could be getting ourselves into in going out with Ramish.
If you know Ramish, you know what I mean.
When we came back from outreach, we never had the time either. But he said he wanted to make it up to me. Whenever he came to the base, he kept telling me that he had some sort of fish charm that he wanted to give to me, but he wanted to get me a chain to wear it on first. Time after time he would tell me, "Oh no, I forgot the charm!" or "I still haven't gotten the chain yet!" I could tell that it was really important for him to give this to me, so I told him he didn't need to get me a chain, I could get one, and if he just brought the charm that would be fine.
He never could seem to remember it. And, I'm not gonna lie, I like it when people think of me and want to give me something, especially when its from a friend like Ramish, because I think things like this are truly from the heart.
During one of the last nights during my last week on base, I went with someone to walk Ramish home. I think it was with Daniel?
When we got inside I remembered, and said to Ramish, "Hey! Do you have that charm!?"
This is my favorite part.
He said "Oh yeah! Look under the couch cushion over there," as he motioned for me to go find it.
Under the couch cushion, yes you read that right. My insides were bubbling with laughter, while I tried to keep a normal face and do what he said.
Yes. That's right. I looked under Ramish's couch cusion to find a charm that he wanted to give to me. I don't remember everything I saw, but I can assure you the charm was not the only thing under there.
Do I still have the fish charm that he gave me? Heck yes. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I'm not even sure what it's meant to be, if it really was made to be a fish charm, or just an interesting paper clip. Was it clean? No. It definitely had some questionable looking stains on it.
You might think I'm crazy. Maybe gross.
But really I cherish this little fish charm from Ramish.
This charm makes me feel like my friendship to him meant something- which I hope he felt that way.
I don't know how Ramish is doing physically, mentally, or spiritually these days. But I do know that he is in the trusting hands of our Father, and under the care of wonderful people at YWAM Bris.
One of the things Ramish wanted me to do before I left was to write a short story about him, for him; but I never got the chance. So in my own way, this was my story for Ramish.
Last night and the night before as I was reading, I came across a few verse that I wanted to share. Now that I'm finally sitting down to do it, I can't remember which ones they were, even when I read the passage over again!
One of them I do remember for sure though. And only people from YWAM Bris will get this.
I was reading in Proverbs 19, and verse 6 says, "Many curry favor with a ruler..."
That is all that really matters. The verse itself has nothing to do with what got to me. CURRY! The Bible says CURRY!!! Now, obviously I know it does not mean the same curry as the spice. But I still thought it was hysterical that the Bible says curry! As soon as I read it it, all I could think about was Ramish. Oh Ramish.
I was overcome with the feeling to pray for him. I have no idea how he is doing. But I think God for sure had me read the word curry, and remember Ramish, so that I could pray for him.
Thinking about this once again reminds me of a funny story of Ramish that I would like to share.
Ramish never gave me a nickname. Most people he talked to got one, but not me. Is it silly to want a nickname from Ramish? Yes. However, I thought they were kind of endearing. But after I thought about it, I decided that it was cool that he called me by my name, that I did not need a nickname, but he could come straight to me. (I'm sure you're probably snickering at me by now.)
Now to the story part. For quite a long time, Ramish kept saying that he wanted to take me (and a few others) out to lunch. We never did have the time to go with him before outreach, and I'll be honest, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about being forced to go to lunch; and I wasn't sure what kind of trouble we might could be getting ourselves into in going out with Ramish.
If you know Ramish, you know what I mean.
When we came back from outreach, we never had the time either. But he said he wanted to make it up to me. Whenever he came to the base, he kept telling me that he had some sort of fish charm that he wanted to give to me, but he wanted to get me a chain to wear it on first. Time after time he would tell me, "Oh no, I forgot the charm!" or "I still haven't gotten the chain yet!" I could tell that it was really important for him to give this to me, so I told him he didn't need to get me a chain, I could get one, and if he just brought the charm that would be fine.
He never could seem to remember it. And, I'm not gonna lie, I like it when people think of me and want to give me something, especially when its from a friend like Ramish, because I think things like this are truly from the heart.
During one of the last nights during my last week on base, I went with someone to walk Ramish home. I think it was with Daniel?
When we got inside I remembered, and said to Ramish, "Hey! Do you have that charm!?"
This is my favorite part.
He said "Oh yeah! Look under the couch cushion over there," as he motioned for me to go find it.
Under the couch cushion, yes you read that right. My insides were bubbling with laughter, while I tried to keep a normal face and do what he said.
Yes. That's right. I looked under Ramish's couch cusion to find a charm that he wanted to give to me. I don't remember everything I saw, but I can assure you the charm was not the only thing under there.
Do I still have the fish charm that he gave me? Heck yes. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I'm not even sure what it's meant to be, if it really was made to be a fish charm, or just an interesting paper clip. Was it clean? No. It definitely had some questionable looking stains on it.
You might think I'm crazy. Maybe gross.
But really I cherish this little fish charm from Ramish.
This charm makes me feel like my friendship to him meant something- which I hope he felt that way.
I don't know how Ramish is doing physically, mentally, or spiritually these days. But I do know that he is in the trusting hands of our Father, and under the care of wonderful people at YWAM Bris.
One of the things Ramish wanted me to do before I left was to write a short story about him, for him; but I never got the chance. So in my own way, this was my story for Ramish.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Some commentary from Proverbs
Just this week I decided to read through Proverbs. Man I love this book.
I just wanted to share a few verses that stuck out to me above the rest from the last few days.
14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
14:10
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
-it's so true!
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
-not trying to be a downer with this one and the last, but sometimes its just a comforting reminder to know that we are understood. I'm pretty sure all of us have felt this way at some time, where we are pretending to be happy, or trying to be happy, but inside we are not.
14:16
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
-A definition of 'shun': avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of.
So, we are to deliberately avoid anything evil! At least, if you want to be wise... :)
And the rest of that verse fits as well. A wise person knows the consequences so he will deliberately stay away from sin, but a fool is too proud and therefore hotheaded and reckless!
14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
-I love that one and I think we all can understand it. It's so true. ( I mean, duh, it is the Bible... haha)
14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
-That's like, the whole "Good News" wrapped into one verse, eh?
14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
-Which one are you? Something to think about.
14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
-Ok, I find this one way interesting. I totally want to know what the original text of these words mean, if it literally means 'gives life' and 'rots the bones'; something I never thought of/realized before. If those are the direct translations, wow isn't that something to think about?!
A heart at peace would ACTUALLY give life to our body, and envy would ACTUALLY do harm to our body! I mean, I guess I know that someone at peace is going to not have stress, therefore won't have the physical effects of it on their body, etc. And someone with envy will always be unhappy, and therefore have the negative effects those feelings would bring. But it's just an interesting thought how it actually does that directly to us.
14:32
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
-Even in death, the righteous have a refuge. I think we can ALL find comfort in that! Especially living in the world we do.
15:13
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
-The first part really made me think of Sarah Lundsberg. ;)
15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
-Once again, health to the bones! I think we should all go around and share good news and cheerful looks with each other...
16:6
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
-It's like the ultimate verse by which we should live as Christians!
16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
-That's like, way cool. Too bad our whole country isn't living like this...
Ok, well that's all for now!
I just wanted to share a few verses that stuck out to me above the rest from the last few days.
14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
14:10
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
-it's so true!
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
-not trying to be a downer with this one and the last, but sometimes its just a comforting reminder to know that we are understood. I'm pretty sure all of us have felt this way at some time, where we are pretending to be happy, or trying to be happy, but inside we are not.
14:16
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
-A definition of 'shun': avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of.
So, we are to deliberately avoid anything evil! At least, if you want to be wise... :)
And the rest of that verse fits as well. A wise person knows the consequences so he will deliberately stay away from sin, but a fool is too proud and therefore hotheaded and reckless!
14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
-I love that one and I think we all can understand it. It's so true. ( I mean, duh, it is the Bible... haha)
14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
-That's like, the whole "Good News" wrapped into one verse, eh?
14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
-Which one are you? Something to think about.
14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
-Ok, I find this one way interesting. I totally want to know what the original text of these words mean, if it literally means 'gives life' and 'rots the bones'; something I never thought of/realized before. If those are the direct translations, wow isn't that something to think about?!
A heart at peace would ACTUALLY give life to our body, and envy would ACTUALLY do harm to our body! I mean, I guess I know that someone at peace is going to not have stress, therefore won't have the physical effects of it on their body, etc. And someone with envy will always be unhappy, and therefore have the negative effects those feelings would bring. But it's just an interesting thought how it actually does that directly to us.
14:32
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
-Even in death, the righteous have a refuge. I think we can ALL find comfort in that! Especially living in the world we do.
15:13
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
-The first part really made me think of Sarah Lundsberg. ;)
15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
-Once again, health to the bones! I think we should all go around and share good news and cheerful looks with each other...
16:6
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
-It's like the ultimate verse by which we should live as Christians!
16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
-That's like, way cool. Too bad our whole country isn't living like this...
Ok, well that's all for now!
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