Slavery. Homelessness. Hunger
Depravity. Brokeness. Yet we slumber.
Teen Suicide. Rampant Genocide.
Cancer. Malaria. AIDS.
Middle of the night raids.
Persecution. Prostitution.
Any solution?
The love of Jesus Christ
Brings peace in strife
Anger and chaos cease
When Heaven’s love is released
Why do we sit, talk about it, throw a little fit,
But nothing is fixed?!
We’d rather talk
Than walk the walk
Self-centered. Me focused.
Wanting others to take notice.
How can His Kingdom come
If we sit at home being bums?
Here’s what matters: Lives are at stake
A Risk. A chance to take.
Get up off the couch. Out of your clique
Show what life’s about. Bring healing to the sick
Puff yourself up
You’ll get the wind knocked out of you
Make yourself less
Humility is what we’re called to
We have the answer
Jesus is it
We must BE the change
Share the hope within
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Simply Jesus
Do christians have a bad rep? What does the word Christian even mean? Or better yet, what do others think it means? When you say the word Christian what kind of people do you think of? Do you think of hypocrites following rules and sitting in pews? When you tell someone "I'm a Christian" what do you really mean by that?
These are some questions that we need to ask ourselves. As followers of Jesus, we can become so accustomed to our own "Christianese" language that we forget what it really means. Often times our eyes aren't opened up to this until a new believer or someone asks the question that you've never thought to ask before.
All too often, as Christians, we make things way too complicated. God knew that we had a tendency to try to complicate things which is why He made His plan for salvation as simple as possible.
God is perfect and holy. We are sinners, people who mess up. Jesus, the Son of God, came, was born, lived, died, and rose again. He lived the perfect life and died the death that we deserved. He offers His salvation freely to those who want to have a right relationship with the Lord God. All it takes is for you to acknowledge that you need Jesus and asking Him to be your Savior.
That's what it means to be a Christian. It has nothing to do with religion, but it has everything to do with a relationship with Jesus Christ.
See, it's simple really. It's all because of Jesus! Apart from Him we are nothing but lost sinners. So why do we feel the need to make everything so complicated? Next time someone asks you about being a Christian, cut right to the chase. Tell them, "It's simply Jesus."
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Give Thanks for the Fleas
Thanksgiving is always an interesting time. It seems to be the one time of year when people really stop to think about what they are most thankful for. I find myself doing the very same thing. Usually, it’s very easy for me to think of so many wonderful things to thank God for. However, that’s not what I want you to think about right now. This may seem backwards, but I want you to think of the things you are LEAST thankful for. Who is that person you can’t stand? What is that thing you can’t tolerate? What are the circumstances in your life that you just can’t seem to see anything good in?
It’s easy to be thankful when things are going great, but what about when things are rough? Then what do we do? Are we as thankful for the bad things as we are for the good? Check out what God says to us in the book of Thessalonians:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The ten Boom family lived in Holland during World War II. They were put into a concentration camp for hiding Jews from the Nazis. While in the concentration camp Corrie, along with her sister Betsy, started a Bible study with the other women in their barracks. One day, Betsy was reading the verses in 1 Thessalonians and shared them with Corrie. That night Betsy prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to God thanking him for everything, including the fleas that infested their mattresses, blankets, and clothes. Corrie told Betsy that surely God couldn’t mean they were to be thankful even for the fleas; however, Betsy pointed out that it said to give thanks in ALL circumstances. This was hard for Corrie to swallow, but nonetheless she said she’d try to find a reason to be thankful even for the fleas.
A few days later, while the Betsy and Corrie were having a conversation with one of the other women, the fleas were mentioned. The woman told them that because of the fleas the guards wouldn’t even come in the barracks for fear of getting fleas. Corrie and Betsy looked at each other and smiled. This was the reason they could be thankful for the fleas! Because of the fleas Corrie and Betsy could lead a Bible study with the women and the guards wouldn’t come in. Praise the Lord!
This is a true story of godly women the God chose to use in difficult circumstances for His glory. So I give you this challenge: What are the “fleas” in your life? Ask God to show you ways that you can be thankful for everything in your life, good and bad. Because regardless of what we are going through, God is still in control, and that to me is reason enough to be thankful, even when it’s difficult.
It’s easy to be thankful when things are going great, but what about when things are rough? Then what do we do? Are we as thankful for the bad things as we are for the good? Check out what God says to us in the book of Thessalonians:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The ten Boom family lived in Holland during World War II. They were put into a concentration camp for hiding Jews from the Nazis. While in the concentration camp Corrie, along with her sister Betsy, started a Bible study with the other women in their barracks. One day, Betsy was reading the verses in 1 Thessalonians and shared them with Corrie. That night Betsy prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to God thanking him for everything, including the fleas that infested their mattresses, blankets, and clothes. Corrie told Betsy that surely God couldn’t mean they were to be thankful even for the fleas; however, Betsy pointed out that it said to give thanks in ALL circumstances. This was hard for Corrie to swallow, but nonetheless she said she’d try to find a reason to be thankful even for the fleas.
A few days later, while the Betsy and Corrie were having a conversation with one of the other women, the fleas were mentioned. The woman told them that because of the fleas the guards wouldn’t even come in the barracks for fear of getting fleas. Corrie and Betsy looked at each other and smiled. This was the reason they could be thankful for the fleas! Because of the fleas Corrie and Betsy could lead a Bible study with the women and the guards wouldn’t come in. Praise the Lord!
This is a true story of godly women the God chose to use in difficult circumstances for His glory. So I give you this challenge: What are the “fleas” in your life? Ask God to show you ways that you can be thankful for everything in your life, good and bad. Because regardless of what we are going through, God is still in control, and that to me is reason enough to be thankful, even when it’s difficult.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Come to Life!
Have you ever been reading along in your Bible and had the words jump right off the page and seem to be speaking right to you? I had that happen to me this morning. It was 2 Kings 13:20-21:
"Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet."
Now pretend you are one of the ever so loyal men who threw your friends' dead body into another guy's grave. What do you think they thought when they saw their "dead" friend wandering around town the next day? The last time they had seen him he was dead, limp, and lifeless. I'm sure they were amazed and probablya little freaked out. I know that I would be.
This story is a picture of what Jesus does for us. Before we know Christ we are spiritually dead, but once we receive the free gift of salvation that He offers we are made ALIVE! It's not a gradual thing. It's instantaneous. Just like that guy was dead and then- BAM alive. In Romans 6:11 it says:
"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Recently one of my close friends became a Christian. Seeing the transformation that God has done in her life is so incredible. She's constantly asking for ways she can be praying for me. She's become very involved in her church. She's very passionate about seeking and doing God's will, even when God calls her to do hard things. The transformation wasn't gradual; she is now completely alive in Christ!
My true desire is to see my entire generation come to life like that dead man in Kings. God has the power to save; I've seen it first-hand. My passion is for my generation. We aren't just asleep. We're dead. We don't even have a spiritual pulse anymore, but I believe my God is mighty to save. He can bring this generation back to Him, one person at a time. Just like the dead man in Kings, it only takes one touch or encounter with Jesus to bring your friends to life. Who knows what effect your life will have with your "dead" friends? Will you show them Jesus? Will you show them life?
"Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet."
Now pretend you are one of the ever so loyal men who threw your friends' dead body into another guy's grave. What do you think they thought when they saw their "dead" friend wandering around town the next day? The last time they had seen him he was dead, limp, and lifeless. I'm sure they were amazed and probablya little freaked out. I know that I would be.
This story is a picture of what Jesus does for us. Before we know Christ we are spiritually dead, but once we receive the free gift of salvation that He offers we are made ALIVE! It's not a gradual thing. It's instantaneous. Just like that guy was dead and then- BAM alive. In Romans 6:11 it says:
"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Recently one of my close friends became a Christian. Seeing the transformation that God has done in her life is so incredible. She's constantly asking for ways she can be praying for me. She's become very involved in her church. She's very passionate about seeking and doing God's will, even when God calls her to do hard things. The transformation wasn't gradual; she is now completely alive in Christ!
My true desire is to see my entire generation come to life like that dead man in Kings. God has the power to save; I've seen it first-hand. My passion is for my generation. We aren't just asleep. We're dead. We don't even have a spiritual pulse anymore, but I believe my God is mighty to save. He can bring this generation back to Him, one person at a time. Just like the dead man in Kings, it only takes one touch or encounter with Jesus to bring your friends to life. Who knows what effect your life will have with your "dead" friends? Will you show them Jesus? Will you show them life?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Prostitute's Prayer
This was written for all the modern-day slaves and victims of human trafficking. There are real people out there who are being used as slaves for sex, physical labor, and other awful acts. They need the hope of Jesus in their lives.We can't ignore their pain.What are you doing to help end this slavery?
God calls us to:
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and the needy."
-Proverbs 31: 8-9
The Prostitute’s Prayer By: A.N.H.
I don’t know where to begin
How did this happen?
I’m trapped and alone
Oh, the places I’ve been
The deep, dark sin
The horrors I’ve been shown
What would my mother say?
I wasn’t raised this way.
Is there hope?
Like a toy for play
Broken and thrown away
I can’t cope
My friends would be ashamed
Seeing me play this “game”
Who am I?
No one calls me by my name
To customers we’re all the same:
There to satisfy
I’m crying out
Can you hear me shout?
Or are you even aware?
Is this what life's about?
My head is full of doubts
Does anyone really care?
My life is nothing
A victim of trafficking
Longing for more
Is freedom coming?
My body is numbing
Broken to the core
http://www.freetheslaves.net/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
http://www.love146.org/
http://www.nightlightinternational.com/
Shattered Chains- facebook cause
God calls us to:
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and the needy."
-Proverbs 31: 8-9
The Prostitute’s Prayer By: A.N.H.
I don’t know where to begin
How did this happen?
I’m trapped and alone
Oh, the places I’ve been
The deep, dark sin
The horrors I’ve been shown
What would my mother say?
I wasn’t raised this way.
Is there hope?
Like a toy for play
Broken and thrown away
I can’t cope
My friends would be ashamed
Seeing me play this “game”
Who am I?
No one calls me by my name
To customers we’re all the same:
There to satisfy
I’m crying out
Can you hear me shout?
Or are you even aware?
Is this what life's about?
My head is full of doubts
Does anyone really care?
My life is nothing
A victim of trafficking
Longing for more
Is freedom coming?
My body is numbing
Broken to the core
http://www.freetheslaves.net/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
http://www.love146.org/
http://www.nightlightinternational.com/
Shattered Chains- facebook cause
Monday, August 31, 2009
Set- Apart Girl
I'm scared of fitting-in
I'm getting too comfortable again
With people galavanting in their sin
A transformation must begin
A transformation must begin
Right here and now
Someway, somehow
By God's grace
Take me from this place
Set me apart
Draw me to Your heart
Let the chiseling start
By God's grace
Take me from this place
Set me apart
Draw me to Your heart
Let the chiseling start
Never let us part
Use me, I'm willing
Equip me for Your bidding
Equip me for Your bidding
No more compromise
No more buying lies
Remove Satan's disguise
No more buying lies
Remove Satan's disguise
Jesus, open my eyes
I don't want to fit-in
I won't be comfortable with sin
Shine Your light within
I don't want to fit-in
I won't be comfortable with sin
Shine Your light within
Let the transformation begin
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Undivided Devotion
un-di-vi-ded- adjective 1. exsisting as a whole, not in seperate parts
de⋅vo⋅tion- noun 1. profound dedication, consecration 2. earnest attachment
Two simple words, but when put together make a powerful statement. Undivided Devotion. There are many things that we are devoted to such as sports teams, relationships, music groups, school, work, and many others. I can say that I am "earnestly attached" to my family. I even have a "profound dedication" to my sports teams, but when the word undivided is placed before devotion it takes on a much deeper meaning. In 1 Corinthians we find an example of this:
"An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs; Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world- how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord."
-1 Corinthains 7:34-35
God calls us to live in undivided devotion to Him. Recently I've given my dreams of marriage over to God. Of course every girl longs to get married but I've chosen to surrender these dreams to God. Why, you may ask? Because I long to be undividedly devoted to Jesus my Savior. He alone completes me. I don't want anything, not even a godly guy, to come between me and the true Love of my life. There are so many things that will try to steal our devotion away from God. The opposite sex will tug at our hearts, TV shows will lure us in, fashion trends will call to us, sports teams will consume us, but when this happens remember the ONE that is worthy of our devotion. Jesus Christ gave everything up for us, what will you give up for Him?
Maybe you need to turn your dreams over to God like I have done. Maybe there are relationships or things in your life stealing your devotion away from God. Whatever it is, even if it's a good thing, (ie; obsessing over Christian bands, godly guys/girls), you must lay it down in order to follow God with undivided devotion.
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