History, History, You've Got to Know Your History

   “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future” (Theodore Roosevelt). Whether you like it or not history is a very important subject, especially in school. But, when you think of history what do you think of? You many think of the medieval times, the Civil War, World War One, and many other events in the past. But, do you ever think of just getting rid of one or more of these events?

   You may be wondering why I asked that question. Why in the world would anyone say “I don’t believe in this event so I’m going to say it didn’t happen?” Well, I bring this up because some people do this. They say that they don’t believe in the Old Testament.

   Now, some of you may be thinking “why in the world would someone not believe in the Old Testament?” But, I know some people who don’t because God seems totally different in the Old Testament. In the New Testament God seems to be kind, full of grace, and loving. In the Old Testament God seems to be judging, full of wrath, and merciless. So, some people say God isn’t like this anymore. That he changed in the New Testament and the Old Testament is no longer applicable.

   My first issue with this is God doesn’t change. Over and over again in the Bible it says God does not change. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Malachi 3:6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” And many more times. So, you may be wondering why people think God changes. It is not that God changes; it is that he changes how he deals with us. In the Old Testament God required animal sacrifices. In the New Testament God sent his Son to be the atonement for our sins.

   Next I want you to think about your past. If you didn’t go through the things you went through in your past would you be who you are today? Without your past people wouldn’t understand you for who you really are. It is the same with God. Without the Old Testament we would not understand so many different aspects of God.

   Finally, without the Old Testament we lose the reason for the New Testament. Jesus was a Jew. The Old Testament is literally his heritage. And, it shows us why Jesus had to come and die on the cross. God cannot look on sin because he is holy. So, once Adam and Eve sinned God had to be separated from us. The only way that one could atone for sin was with a sacrifice. So, the Israelites went through the pattern of sinning, then doing a sacrifice for atonement each year, and sinning again. That is, until God sent his Son to be the perfect sacrifice. This is why I say the Old Testament is so important; because it shows us who God is and shows us why the New Testament is important.

   So, do you believe the Old Testament is still valid? Are you discrediting any aspects of God?

   Proverbs 30:5-6 & Deuteronomy 12:32

A Tale of Two Disciples

   Twelve. It is a very important number in the Bible. There were twelve tribes of Israel, the high priest’s breastplate had twelve precious stones embedded in them, there are twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, and there will be twelve gates in New Jerusalem. Twelve is a number of completeness in the Bible. That’s why Jesus chose twelve disciples. Jesus loved all of the disciples; but there were two in particular that were tested at the end of Jesus’ lifetime on earth.

   Peter was outspoken, a great leader, and most importantly he knew Jesus was the son of God. But, Peter was far from perfect. He was rash, took his eye off Jesus, and denied Jesus three times.

   Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve. He was a participated in the miracles that the disciples did and did just as much as the other disciples. But, all Judas is remembered for is his betrayal of Jesus.

   Both of these disciples had something in common: they both betrayed Jesus. Peter denied that he knew Christ three times. And, Judas turned Jesus in for thirty pieces of silver. Both of them failed and sinned against Christ. But, Christ loved both of them anyhow.

   So, what is the difference between these two disciples? The difference is clay and wax. What does clay and wax have to do with disciples? I’m glad you asked. The difference is heat. Under pressure both of these disciples cracked and gave into sin. But, the difference is after the pressure what they did.

   Judas wanted Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom. He wanted Jesus to take down the Roman Empire. That way he would become a leader in this earthly kingdom. Judas couldn’t see past the now. That is why, when he found out that Jesus wasn’t planning to take down the Empire, he betrayed Jesus. After he did it he felt bad. He had betrayed his master. He could not bear what he had done so he hardened his heart. Rather than running to Jesus he ran away from him. Judas was put under the fire of sin. Judas is like clay. When put under fire Judas’ heart hardened. That is why he killed himself. He would not repent of what he did.

   Peter, on the other hand, knew that Jesus was the Son of God. He knew that the kingdom Jesus said he would rule would happen in the future. I am sure Peter wasn’t quite expecting that kingdom to come about the way it did; but it was much better than what he would have planned. Anyhow, Peter said he did not know Jesus three times. But, unlike Judas, Peter had a heart of wax. When Peter was put under the pressure of sin his heart melted. Rather than running from Jesus he ran to Jesus. He asked Jesus to forgive him. And, that is what made him different from Judas.

   Both of these disciples are known well by Christians all around the world; but they are known for completely different reasons. Both of these men sinned, but the difference is where they ran after the sin.

   So, are you a Judas or a Peter? When you are put under the pressure of sin do you become clay or wax? Do you believe that Jesus will set up his eternal kingdom and that the things of this earth are just temporary?

   Luke 22, Matthew 27:1-10, John 21:15-17, Acts 3:19

Who Runs the World?

   “Who run the world? Girls!” That is one of the main lyrics in Beyonce’s song Run the World (Girls). I’m not saying I recommend the whole song; but in thinking about this particular lyric it lead me to ask a question: who really runs the world?

   Well, way way back at the time of creation God created man. Genesis 1:28 says: “God blessed them [humans]; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the ^[al]sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” So, according to this verse, man has dominion over the earth. And it is true that man is to care for the earth; but does he run the earth? Well, if we look at Genesis 3 we can see another player came into our story: the devil.

   Satan was jealous of the relationship God had with man. And, Satan was jealous of the position God held. So, Satan decided to break the relationship between God and man; and, in the process, he would gain control over the earth. Or, so he thought since man was given dominion over the earth. Genesis 3 recounts the actions Satan took so that he would become “king” over the earth. But, not all went the way he planned. Yes, God and man were separated; but man still lived on the earth. It was just now sin entered the world. So Satan thinks he has control over the earth and man. But, that is not true either.

   Christians all know who is really in control of the earth, and everything. It is not man or the Devil. God is in control. Even from the beginning of the earth God knew what was going to happen. He knew that Lucifer would betray him. He knew that man would fall to sin. And, he knew that he would need to send his only Son to die on a cross so that we could be with him again.

   For those who don’t know that God is in control all they need to do is look in the Bible over and over again it says God is in control. It is true that sometimes it may seem like God is not with us on earth; or that he is not good because there is so much evil in the world. But, the reason that it seems like God is not here is because of sin and free will. Man chose to disobey God and so we cannot be with him any longer. That is, until we accept Christ into our hearts, die, and inherit eternal life.

   Also, I’d like to point out that only in the darkness and the problems in life do we come to God. Sometimes I feel like we treat him like a genie. When we need his help we call on him. And, that just isn’t right. He sent his Son so that we could have a relationship with him again. We need to remember that God is in control. He knows what will happen to us and the world. This evil will not last forever; and that’s what we need to find our comfort in. That God has a plan, and he loves us.

   So, do you believe God runs the world? Do you trust that he has a plan for you? Do you love him and want to have a relationship with him?

   Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 45:6-7

Giving Up Control of the Remote

   One item that is always fought over in the Scheuing household is the remote. Many times we will get home from being out; and I will turn on the dining room tv to something my brother does not want to watch. Immediately my brother wills start yelling no. Eventually I will win; but when it comes to the living room that is another story.

   I may be watching something and then my dad will come home. He will put his work stuff away and then come into the living room. Then he will take the remote. I used to put up a fight; but I’ve realized that it is just better if I give up control of the remote to my father.

   That’s one thing humans don’t like doing: giving up control. I especially don’t like doing that when it comes to relationships. I am a fixer and a people pleaser. I’ve gotten a little better at not pleasing people; but when I hear a friend is in trouble I really want to fix whatever their problem is.

   Normally I am able to help at least a little. That is, until one day something happened to my friend. I asked her what I could do to help and she said “nothing.” I said, “nothing?” She nodded. It broke my heart to see her in such pain. I usually am able to write something, say something funny, or do something that caters to her love language to help cheer her up; but nothing worked. Have you ever felt so insignificant because you know there is nothing you can do to help someone you love? Yeah that was me.

   So, I watched her every day go through a silent battle, hiding her feelings so no one would know. And I wanted to comfort her. I wanted to change what happened but I couldn’t and that’s when I realized I had to give up control of the remote. I was the one who tried to change the channel to make my friend feel better; but no tv channel could do that. I had to give the remote to God because he was the only one who could help my friend through her problem.

   I prayed to God that he would help my friend with her problem. I prayed that he would help me learn that I cannot fix everything. The only thing I can do is trust in him and his control. And, even though it was hard, I watched my friend overcome her problem. She came out stronger than I ever would have expected because she leaned on God and not others. I guess I wasn’t the only one who gave up control of the remote.

   I have found that, even when it is hard, when I give up control to God amazing things happen that boggle my mind. Things that would not have happened if I would have gotten my tool belt out. So that’s why I try to give up control of the remote to God. I know I fail sometimes; but I also know that God’s will will come about no matter what. Besides, God’s tv channels are much better than any that I would choose.

   So are you unwilling to give up control to God? What can you do to give control to God?

   Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28

Rejoicing Through the Pain of Loss: Remembering Esther Hennigh

   On September 27, 2016 I lost an amazing family member. My Aunt Esther went home to be with the Lord that day. It was hard to see her go; but I know she is much more comfortable now than she was here on earth. Esther was kind, caring, supporting, and loving. Not only was she my aunt; but she was also an amazing sister. And, on top of that, she was a caregiver for many years before retiring.

   Aunt Esther could be counted on to do many things when we came to visit. She was an amazing cook. And, she always found some way to put something healthy in everything we ate; but it still tasted good so it was okay. Esther always supported us in everything we did whether that be sports, musicals, or fundraisers. A fond memory I have of her, that happened many years, is sharing a birthday celebration with her. Every May we would go to her house and celebrate her birthday and mine; and each time a phenomenal cake would be made, or an ice cream cake would be bought. During Christmas time Esther would be sure to get everyone in the family practical gifts that were really cool, like ear warmers (I have sensitive ears okay?).

   Aunt Esther will be missed by many; but at the same time I rejoice in her going to be with her Father. Esther was in a lot of pain her last days on earth; but when she took her last breath she was able to be in peace in heaven.

   I don’t know about you, but I have lost a lot of people in my life. Every single person I have lost elicited some pain in my heart; but at the same time my heart rejoiced. You may ask why. And, the simple answer is because one day I will get to be with her. Aunt Esther knew Christ as her savior and so do I. Because we have that connection, we will get to see one another in heaven again. I am so excited for that moment because then I will have no more pain or sorrow. Instead I will be with my Father and family forever.

   What about you? Have you lost someone recently? Do you have confidence that you will be with that person again? If you don’t know Christ as your personal savior I encourage you to check out this link in order to become a member of God’s family. Then, one day, maybe we will meet and I can rejoice with you in heaven.

   John 14:1-4, Romans 8:16-17, Psalm 23:4

A Letter to My Current and Future Friends

   I’m going to start this out by saying that I’m human. I’m going to mess up and let you down. I will try not to, but I will. I just hope that you will forgive me when I do. As I will try to forgive you when you mess up and let me down.

   I want you to know that I will care about you and do all I can for you. But, I need to think of myself as well. I cannot be a starving baker where I get to the point that I burn out. I need to take care of myself before I can take care of others.

   I also need you to understand that I will not do anything that will jeopardize my relationship with God for you. God comes first in my life. If you cannot handle that, or understand that, ask me about my relationship with him; and I promise to answer whatever questions you may have to the best of my ability. But, just because you ask questions that may be difficult for me to answer does not mean that you will dissuade me from my relationship with God. I love Christ because he first loved me, even when I was in darkness. I may not understand everything about him; but I will keep seeking him. And, seeking the answers to the questions I have about him. I also want you to know that I am glad I don’t know everything about him. Because, if I did he would not be God; and I would not want to worship him.

   I also want you to know that I have flaws. I’m annoying at times, I have a temper from time to time, I have a roller coaster of emotions, I can be really crazy at times, I also can be really impatient, I’m very critical of myself, I sometimes have a low self-esteem, I don’t smile much, and I seem like a pessimist on the outside.

   But, I’m also kind, loyal, intelligent, wise, an introvert, honest, and good at giving advice. I try to get to know my friends for who they are; and love them in the way they need to be loved. I try to understand who people are, their beliefs, and where they come from. Everything I do, I do for a reason. I try to give one hundred percent in all I say and do. And, though people think I’m a pessimist I try to be optimistic. This is not to toot my own horn, or to highlight my strengths. I’m just pointing out what others have told me my strengths are. And, trying to say there are reasons why I am the way I am today. If you stick around long enough you may find out what those reasons are.

   If you cannot accept me for who I am then you may as well leave right now. But, I will tell you that I cannot promise that I will not still think of you from time to time. I also cannot promise that I will not pray for you when I think of you.

   I want to tell you that if you do leave it may break my heart for a little; but, eventually, I will forgive you. I will not hold anything against you because it takes two people to have a relationship. And, it takes two people, or more, to have an argument.

   But, I make this promise to you: if you do leave and you ever find yourself in trouble, or in need, feel free to contact me. I cannot promise that I will be able to do what you ask of me, or that I will be there right away. But, I do promise that I will do what I can for you, even if it is only to pray for you.

   Friendships are not easy at times; but these are my promises to you. I pray that I will keep these promises. But, I apologize in advanced if I fail you. Above all I will respect you, and I hope that you will do the same for me.

   I know that God opens and closes doors. And, he just so happened to open up a door so that I would meet you. I’m so excited to get to know you; and go on the journey of life with you. I hope that through this experience both you and I grow.

   Your friend,

      Kaitlyn Scheuing

   Have you had any difficult friendships? I know I have, that’s why I wrote this letter. Is there anything you could do to mend those friendships? Do you have anything you need to apologize for when it comes to relationships? Are you willing to be selfless enough to help others no matter the cost?

   Matthew 22:36-40, John 15:13, Proverbs 27:17, 1 Peter 4:8-10