One day I was at work and one of my coworkers came to give us a break. She also wanted to know when we were all getting together for dinner. Now, this was no easy feat to plan as some of the people had vastly different schedules.
I, jokingly, said I was insulted because she didn’t mention inviting me earlier. She said she was planning on it, with one caveat. She said the games we were playing there wouldn’t be ones that were "clean." I said I like playing games but I'm sure we can make the fun and clean. She said, "girl you got to leave that bible stuff at home." I replied, "the bible is with me wherever I go."
I reflected on that conversation. I've been a Christian pretty much my whole life. But there used to be a time where I didn’t necessarily have the Bible hidden in my heart. I didn’t always act like Christ.
Now I've grown and I've learned how important the Bible is. It is the word of God. He gave it to us for encouragement, for guidance, and because he loves us. I can choose to sit idly by as someone sins or makes choices that could be dangerous. Or, I can choose to say, "I don’t agree with that, but I love you anyway." I don’t have to harp on them. I don’t have to get into an argument. And I definitely don’t have to judge who they are, where they come from, or what they are doing. I can show God's love just by choosing not to engage in the sin and still loving that person.
But, in order to know what is right, we must know the word of God. That's why we need to get into the word, so it seeps into us. We need to let the words penetrate us, change us, and seep out of us.
So, is the bible with you wherever you go? How can you know the word and grow in God?
One day I was at
church during worship. In the past, I had not opened myself up to the Spirit's
leading. It could have been because I was worried about how others perceived me
or because I was concerned about the things of this world. That day I left all
the distractions behind. I opened to the worship.
Now, I know we
are all different and worship in different ways. That's good because that's how
God created us, different. Some people dance, others cry out, others just
meditate on the words, and much more. But there's one thing we should all have
in common during worship. We should allow the word to penetrate us.
I don't know how
you worship or if you've felt the spirit during that time. I hope you have.
When I let myself go during worship I feel the words. I feel his words in my
heart and my mind. He speaks to us when we listen.
The Bible
doesn't say that the word is dead. It says it is alive and active. It
penetrates us. It doesn't just bash into us like a shield. It has a point. And
we need to open ourselves to that point. That can be scary.
If you are like me, you like word pictures. Basically, I
picture myself on a battlefield blocking things. But here comes something that
you need to stop blocking. Oh yes, some things you need to block, namely sin.
But this is something God sends to you. And you need to choose to stop
blocking. You need to let it hit your chest and go to your heart. But when it
hits you, it doesn't hurt. It feels good. You feel peace.
So, are you
allowing God's word to penetrate you? If not, how can you allow it to penetrate
you each day?
One day I was getting ready to coach a soccer game. I had a lot to carry so I placed my soda in my bag (the soda had a straw and a lid). As I was loading myself up, I realized I forgot to grab something from the back of my car. With my backpack on, I reached for the item. Suddenly I felt a drop on my back. That’s odd, I thought. Maybe the wind just hit me there? I continued reaching for the item. Then my back became soaked.
I jumped away from the car and put my pack on the ground. I realized my mistake in that moment. I forgot about the drink. Much of it had landed in one spot on my jersey. It had saturated it so much that even using towels wasn’t a big help to dry it off. But I did my best to clean it and move on.
After I cleaned myself, and after the game, I thought about what had happened. It only took a bit of liquid to saturate my jersey, enough to leave a spot. What would have happened if I had not caught the drink in time? I could have been one sticky mess. Then I realized how closely connected my experience was to getting in the Word.
When I read the Bible, a little each day, I get drips of knowledge, God’s knowledge. If I only do that occasionally, then I don’t stay wet. I must continually be in the Word to get drips. To stay saturated. Also, the world may try to bring a towel into our lives and try to dry up our relationship with God. That’s why we must know the Word and be in it, to refute the lies of this world. We must be saturated.
So, are you saturated in God’s Word? How can you make a point to be in the Word daily?
For those of you who don't know, I enjoy Disney movies. I don't know if its the songs, the characters, or the happily ever after but I like them. Maybe it's because I am still somewhat of a kid. Whatever the reason, there is a group of characters that relate to us quite closely in a Disney movie... aliens.
What?! How do humans relate to aliens? Let my clarify which ones I'm talking about. I'm talking about the green aliens from Toy Story 2. Still not seeing the relation? Good, that means you'll learn something new.
First off, we are aliens. This is not our home. We don't belong here. In fact, we are told that if we love the world, the Father is not in us (1 John 2:15-17). Instead, our home comes after we die. Hebrews 13:14 says, "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." We are waiting to go to heaven, to go home, to be with our Father.
Second, the aliens in question have a saying, "you have saved our lives. We are eternally grateful." They say it over and over to Mr. Potato Head so much so that he loses patience at times. See, Jesus saved our lives. Because he did that, we should be eternally grateful. We should want others to have that salvation as well. We should show love and serve others just as Jesus did.
So, how do you feel about being an alien? How can you spread the Gospel today so others can be saved by Christ?
Have you ever looked through a camera, window, telescope, glasses, or binoculars and the view wasn't what you were expecting? Maybe it was dirty, foggy, or maybe you couldn't see at all. You think it would be better if you just didn't use the thing that was supposed to help you see better or capture that memory. Well, unfortunately, some people's views of the world is distorted anyhow even without using that dirty enhancer.
PEACE
The world's definition: calm, quiet, no war, no arguing, etc.
God's definition: John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Peace isn't no war or problems. Peace is being in the middle of those problems, battles, storms, etc. And knowing you will be okay. You are okay because God is with you in those problems. He's already won the war so what can those problems do to you?
HAPPINESS
The world's definition: anything that gives you pleasure. (Food, sex, drugs, movies, etc.)
God's definition: James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Joy, or happiness, isn't found in the things of this world. We can try to fill the hole in our hearts with the things of this world, but they only bring temporary happiness. True joy is found in God. When we choose him and follow him, we will still have problems, but we will know that our joy doesn't need to change because God is with us.
SUCCESS
The world's definition: having lots of money, cars, a big house, a high paying job, lots of material things, being famous/popular, knowing you are the GOAT, etc.
God's definition: Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
What is the point of being successful according to the world? The point is that you have a good job, a lot of money, you have things that are thought of as bringing happiness. It is thought to bring you comfort. That definition of success brings happiness for a time. But not eternal joy. The point of us being on earth is for us to know Christ, to show his love to others, and to lead others to him. All of which, is reflecting his glory. That's not saying that if we lead someone to Christ, we should have pride and think we are the best. No! Rather, we should rejoice that another soul was saved. Another person was brought into the kingdom.
LOVE
The world's definition: something that gives you butterflies. When that feeling of butterflies leaves, you fall out of love. Something that can be used to make you have happiness, success, or peace.
God's definition: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Love isn't a tool to be used to get what you want. Love isn't just a feeling. Love is action. Love is respect. Love is sacrifice. It takes sacrifice to do all these things in 1 Corinthians 13. We sacrifice time when we are patient. We sacrifice our needs/desires when we don't envy, don't boast, and are not proud. We sacrifice our feelings/rights when we hold back anger and forgive when we are wronged. God is love. And we are to follow Jesus' example and love God and others.
So, is your view distorted of any of these things? How can you remember the true definitions of these things and put them into action?
Have you ever had the experience where you are stuck in line at a store? I'm sure you have. It is a good test of patience. But more than that, there are other things you are tested in. I mean, store owners are smart. They know you will be stuck in line but they don't leave you to be patient in peace. No, they have to put temptations within your reach.
You know what I'm talking about. There are little trinkets there that look cool. There is chocolate. There are snacks, magazines, and much more. It's all right there... all you need to do is reach out and take it.
BUT, you know you shouldn't. Yet that nagging voice says you may as well because you are stuck in line anyway. And that's when you tell that voice to shut up. You say, no, I don't need it. It may look good now but eventually it will not be good for you. It's in the moments when you look at something, see that it looks good and may fill up your senses for a bit, but can let it go that you have defeated the temptation!
Now your temptation may not be while you are waiting in line. It may be somewhere else like in your room, at the gym, or wherever it is. Many temptations pop up when you are at your weakest. The Devil knows your weaknesses and will capitalize on them. That's why it's so important to know Gods word. So when temptations come up you can combat them.
So, what's your temptation or weakness? How can you combat that weakness with scripture?
When I was younger I really, really liked glow in the
dark things. Something that doesn't light up in the day but does when it's
dark, how cool is that? In fact, I still have some glow in the dark stars in my
room. I was looking at those stars as they glowed the other day and I thought
about something.
Those stars don't glow in the light. Yet, those stars need to be charged by
light before they can glow in the dark. You may be saying, "that's kind of
obvious. That's why they are called glow in the dark." Well, as always, I
have a point.
We also need light before we can glow in the darkness. No, we don't physically
glow but we are in darkness. Our darkness is sin. We live in a fallen world.
Sin is all around us. Sin is in us. Sin runs our lives until we choose to let
Jesus take the wheel instead. Jesus is our light. If we don't walk with him and
spend time with him we won't be "charged" enough to be a light in the
darkness. Then we will not be an impact on the world like we are called to be.
We are to be a light to the world.
So, are you a light in the darkness? Have you been spending time with Jesus so
you can be "charged" by him? What can you do to spread the light
today?
One day I was driving my car home and a light came up on my dashboard. The little fuel emblem was bright orange. I realized that I had forgotten to get fuel on the way home. I waited until I reached the next gas station lest I get stuck on the side of the road.
Another day I arrived at work in the morning. I grabbed my bag then went to grab my lunch. That's when I realized that I didn't have my lunchbag. Unfortunately I did not have a break that day. So I went throughout my day and lost energy as I went. Then I began to get hangry and you would not like to see me hangry. And, as soon as work was over, I rushed out to get some food.
What do both of these stories have in common? They both talk about needing replenished. If a car is not replenished with gas then it cannot run. If a person is not replenished then she may get hangry, or worse die. Both of these instances are common sense. But what happens when we are not replenished by the Word?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us how important the Word is. It says: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The Word is alive and active. It tells us what to do as we wait for the Lord. What happens to us when we choose not to read the Word?
When we choose not to refuel our spirits by reading the Word we are putting ourselves at risk. The Devil doesn't want us to read the Word as it connects us to God. The Word is our guide while we are here on earth. If we don't know it and don't follow it the Devil wins. Also, if we don't know it then we will not know our best friend, father, and savior as well as we should. That's why we should replenish ourselves each day by getting into the Word.
So, are you replenishing yourself with God's word each day?
During the time in 2020 when we were in quarantine due to
the pandemic, I began a new saying. Anytime I would see an Amazon Prime van
drive by I would yell "Prime." And let’s just say I saw many of them.
While in quarantine there was a major shift in how people got things. Instead
of going out to get things people just ordered them online. Amazon is a company known for delivering anything and
everything. Whenever I order from Amazon I worry if the package will come.
There is a lot of unknowns and trust that goes into someone delivering a
package. Will it get lost at a warehouse? Will the driver get lost? Will you receive
the wrong package? Will someone steal the package from your house before you
get it? Many times, these worries are just that: worries. Most of
the time you get what you ordered, and you were worried for nothing. However,
there are times where you do not receive your package. With humans involved in
the delivery there are bound to be mistakes. We are not perfect. Though there
is one perfect deliverer. Jesus always delivers on his promises. He has promised us
many things in the Bible. Sometimes we may feel that we are not receiving those
promises. But Jesus is not human (though he was while he was on earth. He is
the only perfect person to walk the earth). Jesus is God. That is why we can
have confidence that we will get the delivery of his promises. In hard times we
can know that Jesus is with us. When things feel hopeless, we can know that
Jesus gives us hope. When we feel unloved, we can know that Jesus does love us.
Why? Because Jesus never breaks his promises. So, have you forgotten that Jesus always delivers on his
promises? I encourage you to either memorize or write down a verse that will
help you remember that Jesus always delivers on his promises. 2 Peter 1:4, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Romans 8:28, John 3:16 Image from here.
One day my family and I were at the grocery store. We were about halfway through when my mom looked at the list. She said a few items we still needed. One of the items was Apple cider. My dad said, "well we missed that. It's with the fruit." Mom said, "No, it's with the tea." There was a bit of discussion. Then I said, "mom is talking about the Apple cider mix that's with the tea bags and hot chocolate." That's when everyone finally understood.
In this situation if you didn't know the context of what you were looking for then you may have grabbed the wrong cider; or, gone to the wrong area to get the cider. This situation is also like in books. If a person takes a sentence out of a book they are losing the context. There is a particular book that this happens with a lot: the bible.
People like to take certain verses out of the bible and use them individually. When you do that you are missing part of the message. I'm not saying it's not okay to take a verse out of the bible to memorize it. But, you shouldn't use the verse in the wrong way if you explain it.
Christians should know how important it is to not take the bible out of context. Yet, people still do it today. What can we do when bible verses are taken out of context? How can we know when a verse is taken out of context? First we need to know the bible. In Joshua 1:8 it says:
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
If we don't know the bible then we won't know when a verse is taken out of context. That's why over and over the bible tells us to know the word. That's the way we can know the will of God. That's why it is important to spend time in the word each day, so we know God.
When we hear that someone has taken a verse out of context what should we do? We should keep them accountable. Galatians 6:1 says:
"My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too."
Did you catch that? We are to set people right when they are caught in wrong doing. But, we are not to do it in a mean way. We are to be gentle. We are to correct them in love.
So, do you take the bible out of context? Do you know the word enough to know when a verse is taken out of context? Will you choose to keep others accountable if you hear someone take a verse out of context?
Way, way back in Bible times God made the first man and woman. They were given one rule, which they broke. Thus, sin entered the world. Years passed, the world sinned more, there was a flood, and eventually God chose one man through whom he would bless the world. We know that man as Abraham. He is the one whom the nation of Israel would come from. And, through Israel, the world was to be blessed. God had Israel as his favorite nation. I once heard someone say that he believed that if Israel would have followed God, and the Jews would have accepted Jesus as savior, God would not have offered salvation to Gentiles. I'm not sure I entirely agree with that idea. God is a God of wrath, because he is holy and cannot be with sin. But, God is also a God of love. He loves all of us (it's in the Bible, look it up in John.3.16). Why then, would a God of love want any to perish, including Gentiles? The answer is he doesn't want any to perish. We can see this in God's word. In the Old Testament, during the time that God's love and blessing was to be seen through Israel, there are the true stories of two people who lived at different times and were Gentiles. These Gentiles were accepted into the family of Israel. One of the women was Rahab. She lived in the time of Joshua's leadership of Israel. She lived in Jericho, a Gentile nation who worshipped other gods. Rahab was an unmarried prostitute. She had heard of the Israelites and what their God had done for them. Thus, she chose to hid two Israelite spies from her people's guards. Because she chose to follow God and help his people, she was invited into the family of God. She was saved even in her sin. The other person was Ruth. Ruth lived in the time of the judges in Israel. She married into an Israelite family while they were in Moab. The father of the family died. Then Ruth's husband died. Her mother in law, Naomi who was an Israelite, said she was going back to her home country. Ruth decided to go with Naomi even though she could have stayed, gone home to her family, and been remarried in her home town. When they got to Israel, Ruth went out to gather grain. There she met Boaz. Boaz was related to Naomi. Eventually, Ruth married Boaz. She was accepted into God's family as well. Now, lest you say the events of both those women don't prove anything; or, you say that women didn't count in Bible times tell me why BOTH of these women are in the lineage of Jesus Christ, savior of the world? God accepted these women into his nation, he loved them, he blessed them, and he saved them even though they were Gentiles. These women chose to follow God. They chose to leave their sinful ways and their homes just to follow God. Because of those choices, these women are forever a part of history. These women are examples for us today. No one is too far gone to be saved by God. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth probably worshipped false gods. We are to spread the Gospel to everyone. It doesn't matter where the person comes from or what they have done. God loves them and wants to save them. Who are we to stand in the way? So, do you believe God wants to save all people? How can you spread the Gospel today?
One day while I was at school with my students, one of
them built a tower. The student was very proud of the tower. The student kept
calling me over to look at it. I saw it growing higher and higher. It got to
the point that I knew the inevitable would happen: the tower would fall.
I kept quiet and watched. Sure enough the tower came down
with a crash. Then the student looked at me. I just shrugged and said
"bummer, maybe you should try to build it again." The student began
to build again. And, again the tower fell.
The next week we did a lesson about the book "Yertle
the Turtle" by Dr. Seuss (spoilers ahead). We talked about how Yertle's
tower of turtles would have been stronger if he would have had a better
foundation. Then we built Yertle a tower together.
This got me thinking about how we try to build our own
towers. We think "I can build the biggest tower all by myself. I don't
need any help." Yet, some of us don't build on a good foundation. The sand
of the world isn't a strong foundation. The rock of God is a strong foundation.
If we spend time with God, pray to him, and read his word we will have a strong
foundation. That's how we grow in knowledge and make a bigger impact for him.
So, what is your foundation built on? Do you have a
strong foundation built by knowing God? How can you make your foundation
stronger today?
A few years ago I taught a kindergarten class. One of my
favorite subjects to teach is Bible. I just love bringing Bible stories to life
for kids. Not only that, but helping students apply those stories to their
lives is just a joy to me.
I've taught Bible lessons before I worked at this school. I was a Sunday school
teacher, taught Vacation Bible School lessons, and lessons at camp. But,
teaching at this school was different. I taught Bible lessons every day at
school and went deeper into those stories with the kids. Each story I taught I
started to see a common thread: everything comes back to the heart.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Why? They disobeyed because their heart was not for
God at that time. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son. Why? He was willing
because his heart was for God. Saul killed Christians until he met Jesus on
Damascus road. Then he started to preach the Gospel. Why? Saul's heart
originally wasn't for God. Then his heart changed, he repented, and he started
to preach the Gospel because his heart was for God.
Each of these stories teach us many lessons but my heart started to change
while I was teaching too. I have always tried to do what God calls me to do,
even when it's not easy. That year many times when I was teaching Bible I wasn't
just talking to my students, I was also talking to myself.
Have you ever had that feeling when you heart starts beating faster and louder,
you keep on talking though you may not know exactly what you are going to say
next, and after you say what you said you are thinking "how did I do that?
Where did those words come from?" Those words did not come for you, they
came from God. And, those words may be talking to you as well.
The words that come out of your mouth lets people know exactly where your heart
is. If you are asked to help volunteer somewhere and you say, "I can't I
have to get some things done at home." Then you just sit on the couch all
day. Where is your heart? If you are asked to go to a special event at a
church, and instead you go out to eat, where is your heart? If you lie, cheat,
steal, etc. To gain things for yourself, where is your heart?
God lets you know exactly where your heart is by testing you. If you feel like
you are not having good conversations with God like you used to then your heart
probably is not in the right place. What can you do to continue to have your
heart in the right place? God tells us in the Bible: read the word, pray to
him, and trust in him. That's the way that your heart will be for God. That's
how we can be like those in the Hall of Faith. That's how we can reach others
for Him.
So, where is your heart at? Do you have a good relationship with God? What can
you do to keep having a heart for God?
“Those who walk with God, always reach their
destination” (Henry Ford). Enoch is one member of the Hall of Faith that we
do not know much about. What we do know is that he lived to be 365. In today’s
standard that is pretty impressive, but back then it was not that impressive.
Many people lived to be anywhere from 700-1,000 years old back then. Why is
Enoch in the Hall of Faith if all he did was live 365 years? Genesis 5:24 says: “Enoch walked faithfully with
God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” That still does not seem
that special unless you dig into the words. The Bible goes into detail in a lot
of genealogies. The reason behind that is important but in this case we need to
pay special attention to the wording. “God took him away.” Enoch was so
faithful to God that Enoch did not have to die. I am not sure I could imagine being so faithful
to God that I would not have to die. Other than that we don’t know much about
Enoch. We do know that he “pleased God” (Heb.11.5-6). He walked with God so
much that he was able to reach his destination: Paradise with God, without
having to go through the pain of death. Now that’s what I call faith. How can we walk with God? We need to spend time
with him. The way to do that is pray and dig in the word. Just because we
do that does not mean we will not have to die. What it does mean is that we
will be doing what we are called to do: walk with God in faith. So, will you choose to be like Enoch and walk
with God? Will you spend time with God? Will you have faith and trust in him? Deuteronomy 5:33, Hebrews 11, Genesis 5:21-23 Image from here.
In 1776 when men made the courageous decision to declare
independence from Great Britain we began a war. It was a physical struggle.
Many men lost their lives fighting for freedom.
We are also in a battle. It's not a physical battle like the Civil war was. It
is a spiritual one. The Devil attacks every day. Some days it may feel like
we've had great victories. Other days it feels like we fail and fall in battle. The Devil uses many tricks to attack us. I have found that many times he
attacks by using words. He tells us what we want to hear. He says we should
take that candy. He says we should lie to get what we want. He tells us many
more things. Then, if we listen to him, he tells us we are not good. He says
God could never forgive us.
Whoever said "sticks and stones many break my bones but words can never
hurt me" must not have been thinking about the words our brains say to us.
Many times our minds tell us what we want to do then we battle back and forth.
"Yes I should do it because...." "No I shouldn't do it
because..." Eventually one side wins.
How do we combat this battle with words if it is in our head? I'm glad you
asked. We combat them by fighting back with words. The Devil fights with words.
We need to defend and attack with The Word. We need to know the word of God so
that when the devil says, "you are really hungry why don't you take your
sibling's (parent's, child's, spouse's) piece of candy?" We can say:
"the Lord commanded us not to steal. Plus, man does not live by bread
alone."
Fighting this fight isn't easy. Memorizing the word isn't easy. But, if we want
to defeat the devil we must know what God says. God fights for us. He loves us
and wants a relationship with us. In order for that to happen we need to abide
with him. We need to get into the Word and pray to God so that when the devil
does attack we have the armor of God to defend us.
So, what spiritual battles are you facing today? How can you defeat the devil?
Are you spending enough time with God? What can you do to encourage someone who
may be fighting a battle today?
Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Image from here.
This week I was at Camp YoliJwa (YOuth LIving Jesus WAy).
Their theme this year is SWORD. In Hebrews 4: 12 it says: “For the word of God
is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart.”
At Camp we talked about how important it is to know the Word
of God. One activity we did really hit home for me. Each year we have a different
memory verses to memorize. There are usually 5 to memorize (5 days in the work
week). However, some people pointed out that usually after we memorize them we
forget them quickly so it’s not really memorization.
One of the teachers there said she doesn’t call it
memorizing, she calls it a heart verse. Many people don’t try to memorize the
Bible because they think they will always have it. However, I have been in
multiple situations already where I didn’t have my phone or a Bible and I was
trying to think of a verse that was applicable. It’s not easy to do, especially
if you are under pressure. Also, people don’t memorize scripture because the
references are so confusing, and I’m kinda with you on that one.
This teacher said she doesn’t try to memorize she keeps
these verses in her heart. If she doesn’t get the whole thing right word for
word that’s okay (as long as she doesn’t add or take away from the meaning of
scripture). I thought even that may be tricky and I’ve grown up in the church
my whole life.
On Friday, we did an activity where we had a list of
situations. Each situation was different and evoked different emotions. We were
challenged to not use the Bible but instead our memory to put scripture we
could use in each situation on the page. It wasn’t easy but it wasn’t terribly
hard either. I was honestly shocked that I knew many verses for the situations.
I may not have known the reference but I knew the gist of the verse. It was a
good activity because now I know some verses to use if I ever get into those
situations and I will not feel pressured.
What about you? Do you know the Bible well enough that if
someone had a list of situations you could put a verse to that situation? If
you do not, I encourage you to try to spend more time in the word. Try to put certain
verses in your heart so you will have them when you face trials. If you are not
good at memorizing, that’s okay. Just spend some time meditating on those
verses you find. Ask God to show you some verses you need to see in situations
you are in now.
Last year I was blessed to be a Kindergarten
teacher. I specifically remember Kindergarten Graduation. The students worked so
hard to memorize songs, lines, and verses. They did a phenomenal job!
I have experienced graduations when I was young as well as
when I was old. I do not remember my personal preschool graduation, but I do
remember many preschool graduations I helped out with. They are a little
different from High School and College graduations. In High School and College
students who graduate are looking forward to either College or the real world.
Those graduations are a milestone and very serious.
What is the difference between preschool/kindergarten
graduation and High School/College graduation? For one thing, Preschool and
Kindergarten students are younger. As stated before, High School and College
graduates are going into the real world. But, at Kindergarten graduation I was
reminded of another difference.
In Matthew 18 the disciples went to Jesus and asked him
“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a child to
him and said that unless we become like little children we will not enter the
kingdom of heaven. It is difficult for the disciples to understand this lesson.
In fact, it is difficult for anyone who has not had interaction with children
to understand this.
At Kindergarten Graduation I was reminded of this lesson.
I watched my students put on their caps and gowns, look at their gifts, and
talk with excitement about the ceremony. Their eyes lit up with every kind word,
hug, and gift they received. Then the ceremony began. The kids sang their
hearts out. They had such enthusiasm when they sang; and, if they messed up,
they did not care. They just kept singing.
Children have an innate curiosity about the world around
them and faith in those around them. As we grow, we tend to lose our curiosity
and faith. We also tend to lose our thankfulness for the things God has given
us.
So, whether you are younger or older, graduating or not I
encourage you to remember to have faith like a child. Will you choose to be
thankful for what you have been given? Will you be enthusiastic and curious
about the world around you?
Have you ever just had a certain amount of time
where things don’t seem to be going your way? It could be a week, month, or a
year; it doesn’t really matter how long it just seems like it will never end. You
may be wondering “where is God? Doesn’t he care? Why doesn’t he answer me?” To
those questions we could just do the typical quote “everything happens for a
reason,” which it does. Or, we could quote God’s
Not Dead 2 “When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is,
remember the teacher is always quiet during the test.” I don’t know about you
but sometimes those answers just are not good enough.
I am a Christian. I grew up in a Christian home,
went to church my whole life, and I now teach children to love Christ. I know
the typical answers to suffering. Suffering helps us grow, you just need to have
faith in God’s plan, this is happening for a reason, etc. I have played those
answers over and over on repeat in my mind. But, I still wonder: where is God?
Why do the people who obey his commandments get burned and others get off
scotch free?
During one of these episodes when I was wondering
if God even cared and where he was my phone buzzed. I have the YouVersion Bible
app on my phone. Each day the app has a verse of the day that it sends to your
phone. Most of the time I just read the verse and moved on. However, one week
when I was going through a time where I wondered where God was I got a week of
answers from this app.
The week started off with this verse: “For I consider
that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory
that is to be revealed to us” (Rom.8.18). When I got that verse I hoped that it
was true. Now, I know the verse is true because if I did not I would not be a
Christian. At that point I was really low and not sure if I could go on. I
decided that day that I would focus on that verse that day and remember that
eventually all the pain would go away. The next day I was feeling a little better but I still was far from okay. Then I
received this verse: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and
through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire
you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isa.43.2). I had
felt so alone for so long. This verse reminded me that God is with me no matter
what I am going through. And, God has already defeated what I was going
through. Okay, at this point I was getting back to my normal self but, if you are an over
thinker like me you know this, I had doubts and still was upset about what
happened to me. The next verse came on my phone: “no weapon that is fashioned
against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against
you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their
vindication from me, declares the Lord" (Isa.54.17). At that point I was speechless;
this verse went along well with what I was going through. People had falsely
accused me of something. People had judged me before they got to know me. I was
hurt and broken. This verse reminded me that just because that happened life
was not over. In the end God wins.
Now, my ordeal was over the course of a year. During that year I was upset and offended by the people who had wronged me. That doesn’t seem like it would be that bad except not forgiving others is a sin. The next verse on my phone confirmed that: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John.1.9). I realized I had to let go of my unforgiving attitude. I had to release these people so I confessed my unforgiving attitude to God. I was beginning to finally move on. But, I was still confused about why I had to go through what I went through. Cue the verse of the day: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Rom.5.3-4). I knew this verse, it is one of the reasons why I believe everything happens for a reason, but God knew I just needed this reminder that suffering helps us grow. Things seemed to be going well. I had forgiven and was starting to get over what happened to me. Then this verse came to my phone: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Mat.5.44). I had forgiven those who wronged me, I had. But, God was calling me to take it a step further. I had to pray for those who wronged me. I knew some of the things the people who hurt me were going through. I knew they had hard times too. In order to show my love to them I prayed for the situations they were going through. I felt so much better. Then I got another verse: “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col.3.13). I did not understand this one. I thought I had forgiven everyone who wronged me. I searched my heart and I realized that I had not forgiven myself. I did my best in the situation but I began to hate myself over what happened. I felt like a failure. I had to let go of what happened, forgive myself for the thoughts I had about myself, and give it to God. And so we come full circle. I had a week of verses that touched me personally. But, God had a bonus for me: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (Jam.1.17). I had lost a lot because of this situation. It had been a long time since I felt like I had a gift come. But, that verse reminded me that each day is a gift. I may not know what God has for me next but I know that he gives me little gifts every day, even if it doesn’t feel like it some days. God was speaking to me; just not in the way I expected, go figure. He is speaking to you too. Are you listening?
"A verse a day keeps you following His way" (Kaitlyn Scheuing).
Image from here.
When I was younger I used to watch the show Boy Meets World. As I grew up, I always
remembered the episode called “Class Pre-Union.” That is when all the students
dress up and present where they are going to be in 20 years from then. Topanga
comes in in a toga and says she is going to be President. The reason she is
wearing the toga is because they got rid of all other clothes so that no one
feels insecure (or something like that). She also said that all men were put
underground and only used for breeding purposes. Now anytime I get upset at my
brother I say “I agree with Topanga.” And, my brother knows exactly what I am
talking about. Some people may call me a Feminist because I say this, and other
things as jokes, against the male population.
However, I don’t consider myself a feminist. Merriam-Webster
defines Feminism as “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and
opportunities.” I’m all for equal opportunity; but I feel feminism has gone way
too far. Feminists are starting to want inequality. What? I thought women
wanted equality with men. No, actually Feminists want women to be higher than
men. Women want to be President, join the army, want to be the head of the
household, and call men cavemen when they say things like "you should not be wearing that" because they do not want to be tempted.
So, let me say why this is wrong not by my opinion but
by the facts. Where am I getting these facts? From the highest authority: the
Bible. Genesis 3:16 talks about the curse Eve received for disobeying God’s
command. Eve will want to rule over her husband but she will not be able to. 1
Peter 3:1-7 talks about how wives should accept the authority of their
husbands. Then husbands should give honor to their wives. Finally, Ephesians
5:21-33 says that wives and husbands are to “submit to one another out of reverence
for Christ.” It goes on to say that for women this means they are to submit to
their husbands. And, husbands are to love their wives.
All of these passages point to one overlying idea: men
and women are different. Men are more equipped for certain jobs. It does not
mean women cannot do those jobs but men are better equipped for them. Just the
same as women are more equipped for certain jobs than men are. But, above all,
the Bible makes it clear that wives are to submit to their husbands. Men are
just better at ruling over things than women are. That doesn’t mean that men
should be pig heads and say “I know what I’m doing. You are a woman and I don’t
have to listen to you.” Because, in those same passages, it says men are to
respect women. This means, men should take women’s thoughts into account and
love them.
Finally, if women are not to rule over things what are
they to do? Women are to be helpers for men (Genesis 2:18), to be energetic and
strong (Proverbs 31:17), laugh without fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25),
give instruction with kindness (Proverbs 31:26), encourage young women to be
good workers (Titus 2:3-5), watch everything in the household (Proverbs 31:27),
temperate and faithful (1 Timothy 3:11), and fear the Lord (Proverbs 31:30).
Women are powerful in their own way. They are better suited for certain jobs
than men are. Women and men are to be equals in marriage because having one
without the other does not make the world better (1 Corinthians 11:11-12).
That’s why God gave women certain abilities and men certain abilities and why
he created both male and female. And, that’s why both men and women are to
submit to God.
So, how do you feel about the Feminist movement? Are you
trying to do jobs that just are better suited for someone else? Are you doing
jobs that are suited for you?
Genesis 3, 1 Peter 3:1-7, Proverbs 31:10-31
P.S. Here is a link
to a video that talks a bit more about Feminism and how the movement isn’t
really for equality between men and women. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNErQFmOwq0
“No one sits with him, he doesn’t fit in, But we feel
like we do when we make fun of him, Cause you want to belong, do you go along?
Cause his pain is the price paid for you to belong, It’s not like you hate him
or want him to die, But maybe he goes home and thinks suicide.” These are
lyrics to Superchick’s song Hero (Link).
Since 1999 the suicide rate has increased in the United
States. And we wonder why this is? Well, if one thinks about it, it isn’t that
difficult to see why. We live in a very individualistic culture. It has become
every man for himself. But, is that how it should be?
Let’s go to the authority on everything: the Word of God.
Philippians 2:4 says “let each of you look not only to his own interests, but
also to the interests of others.” John 13:34-35 says “A new commandment I give
to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to
love one another. By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you
have love for one another.” There are many more verses I could point out in
order to prove that God wants us to help each other, but I will not go into
that right now.
Instead I am going to leave off with a quick story. Once
when I was very young, like in high school, I went to a camp with my family. There
was a new family there with a boy my age. He kept asking to hang out with me. But I did not want to be his girlfriend, which was kind of what he was insinuating.
I asked my brother to stay with me at all times. My brother and this guy
actually ended up being pretty good friends. At the end of the week this guy
asked to get a picture with me using his phone. I had my brother get in the
picture with me. I could have handled the situation much better because I avoided
this guy rather than hearing him out. Later I found out from a friend that he
tried to commit suicide around Christmas.
I could have done something. I could have followed
Philippians 2:4 and John 13:34-35. I could have looked out for this guy and
been a friend to him, but I didn’t and I wasn’t. I believe that that situation
happened for a reason. I could have done things differently, but then I would
not have learned a valuable lesson. I would not have learned that every day
choices I make impact others whether I know it or not. I would not have learned
that I can be a “hero” to others.
So, do you love others no matter who they are? Are you
following God’s word? Are you thinking about the choices you make every day?
Are you a hero?
