In life, we all have those little things that add up that can get us down. But when we think about it, why do we let those things beat us? As children of the King, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us and we can say no. No to the bad thoughts, no to the temptation, no to Satan. We have the power to not give in to temptation and take a higher stand.
So sibling in Christ, Don't let it beat ya. Don't let things get you down, discouraged or make you feel like quitting or get you angry. Quote scripture, sing scripture songs and think on the Lord. Just don't let the devil in. Learn to say No.
James. 1:13, 16
King James Version (KJV) - "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"
{16} "Do not err, my beloved brethren."
Philippians. 4:8
King James Version (KJV) - "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians. 4:13
King James Version (KJV)
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
There are points throughout the Christmas season that I particularly don't like. Primarily when it comes to buying gifts. I wish I had more money to buy amazing gifts for all the people who are SO amazing to me. But when I do have money, I don't always know what to purchase. I don't know exactly if the person I'm buying for will like it. And maybe you can identify with this feeling. Perhaps you don't know Who to buy for, or how to dress for a Christmas Party. But there is one important truth that there is One important person that people don't often recognize during this season. Christmas is a tangible expression of God's great love to us. A love SO Great that it led Him to send His Son to be Our Savior! Yet most of the world does not recognize the love of God or the meaning of Christmas. This is not true for just our day. It was true when Jesus was on earth as well. When the wise men came to Jerusalem looking for the place where Jesus had been born, the religious leaders knew exactly where to send them - To Bethlehem. Yet though they knew this, They showed no interest in going to see Jesus themselves. Matthew 2: 1-5 King James Version (KJV) - "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, {2} Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. {3} When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. {4} And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. {5} And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet," The world does not recognize the gift of God's love. They're eyes are blinded to all things Spiritual since the world is lost. Even worse, the very people to whom Christ came for, rejected Him. So many people today are repeating that tragic error. Though they may celebrate Christmas, they do not know the Christ of Christmas. As Christians we can be a light to guide other to Christ. What a wonderful time to bring up Christ's name - At Christmas! The whole reason for Christmas is celebrating Christ's Birth. Take time this Christmas to introduce someone to Christ! They need to know what Christmas is all about and the Bible says... Matthew 16:15 King James Version (KJV) - "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Christ is what People don't know about Christmas.
Christmas Isn't Christmas 'till it happens in your heart.
And we need to go and tell others about Him. Let's be the Light we were called to be.
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Listen to the words of this pretty song. I hope it blesses your heart.
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November is a special month of thankfulness. We should always be thankful for what God has given us no matter what time of the year. In November our thoughts dwell more so on God's many blessings because of the Thanksgiving Holiday. I'm sure everyone has heard of the "November Dare" where you post on any of your Social Networks each day in November something you are thankful for...And for y'all, I am doing a blog post on 30 things I am thankful for on December 1st! hehe I could go on and on about so many of God's blessings but I am going to be pointing out 30 specific ones. 30 for each day of the month November.
1, Thessalonians. 5:18 King James Version (KJV) - "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I hope you'll enjoy reading.
I'm thankful for Laughter. The cheapest, holiest medicine.
I'm thankful for the Gorgeous wish-berry/dandelions amongst vibrant, green grass!
I'm thankful for the beautiful, bright-colored sky that God paints so wonderfully!
I'm thankful for my four sisters that God gave me to laugh with, have fun with and share things with.
I'm thankful for a Godly heritage and that my parents and Grandparents and Great-Grandma are saved.
I'm thankful for my Church!
I'm thankful for my cousins. They're so funny and they're my bestfriends.
I'm thankful for my Aunt and Uncle.
Auntie Beth ~ She is a lot of fun, hilarious, quirky, makes me laugh and a really great friend. ♥
Uncle Bryan ~ He is so sweet and a sincere friend. I can talk to him about anything and he listens and I'm just SO blessed with amazing family!
I'm thankful for my friends. I don't always see them and most of them live far away and I only get to see in the Summertime. But when I do get to be around them they encourage me, uplift me, make me laugh and friends are just a blessing to have. Near and far, wherever you are, I love you.
I'm thankful for Pinterest! hehe It is a lot of fun and it leads me to amazing good-reads online that help me learn more about Photography and other stuff. It's a nice "Get-away".
I'm thankful for Jewelry! It definitely can make the outfit!
I'm thankful for our Crookston Arena. My youth group loves to get together there on the weekends and we all go ice-skating or play hockey and I Love it!
I'm thankful for my Dad. He makes me laugh and cheers me up and just a faithful friend and an anchor in my family. If I didn't have him in my life things would sure be messed up. ♥
I'm thankful for Summer Camps and Youth Conferences! They connect me to more preaching, singing, activities and Godly friendships that really do last a life-time.
I'm thankful for the Men of God in my life. I have met MANY amazing men of God that inspire me to Keep going. They inspire me more than they know and I'm so thankful for y'all!
I'm thankful for the ability to hear. I can hear laughter and people talking and the sound of rain or thunder, or friends talking or music and without that sense, life wouldn't be as I know it and I'm glad God blessed me with being able to hear.
Besides hearing, I am also in love with seeing. Seeing friends, family, the skies, outdoors, pictures, colors, movies, people, places, life. I am SO thankful for my eyes. Can you imagine not being able to see. You couldn't see color. Life would be dull in a way. I am VERY thankful for my eyesight.
I am thankful for birthdays! I mean birthdays are a celebration of life and life is amazing. Thinking about the Creator of life is phenomenal. Just can't wrap my mind around God creating us all. Birthdays are cool.
I'm thankful for patterns. Prints and patterns, style and texture, I love it! If there was no pattern in things, a lot of things would be plain. I love argyle, polka-dots, squares, chevron, gingham, quatrefoil, lattice, trellis, & damask! These prints and patterns are so fun!
I'm thankful for blogging. I can share thoughts, prayer requests, videos, & music with people I love and people I have yet to love. Thank you to all of my readers!
I'm thankful for holidays. Each holiday has a wonderful feel to it. My 2 favorites would be 4th of July & Christmas of course. Celebrating Independence and Christ being sent for us. My brother has this sign in his bedroom that says, "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you. Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul and the other for your freedom." How true that is.
I'm thankful for words. hehe Sounds funny, but words have life in them and they're special. I'm thankful for the ability to read and write. Those are so important.
I'm thankful for shoes! hehe So many people around the world don't have shoes and they have hurt feet and I am thankful that God has blessed me with what I need.
I'm thankful for America. I'm thankful for all of my freedoms and for those brave men and women who have fought for my freedom. I hope to never take that for granted.
I'm thankful for funny things. The Bible says that a Merry Heart doeth good like a medicine and how true that is. Stay happy and you are healthy! So I'm thankful for funny things, jokes, pictures that make the heart smile.
I'm thankful for the Word of God. It has been attacked so many a time. Leaders want it out, people don't want to follow it -but through facts and how it has been carried on for so long we can all agree that the Word of God is the Divine Book that God has sent to us.
I'm thankful my Mom and Dad teach me the Bible. The scriptures are important and I don't think that any other kids in the world are taught the scripture on a Daily Basis how I am. They are amazing parents and I couldn't do anything without their encouragement and guidance. If the Bible were to be outlawed, I would know enough scripture, commands and promises from God's word to where I wouldn't be scrambling and freaking out.
Psalm 119:11
King James Version (KJV) - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
I'm thankful for instruments. Music is Life! It's amazing. The tone, pitch, I mean, each instrument has it's own unique and beautiful sound! I love instruments and I'm thankful I can play some.
I'm thankful for Cameras! They capture memories, people, places, adventures, moments that could otherwise be lost if not for a camera. Thank you, Alhazen! You probably would be SHOCKED of how far cameras have come since you first invented one.
I'm thankful for God. The Creator, Redeemer, Saviour, My Father, and Faithful Friend. ♥ No words describe Him and what He means to me. I want to Live my life for Him and Serve Him the best I can.
I Love the song, "Did I Mention" By The Rochester's. It talks about God's Love and how He's been faithful. I want to share it with you so here y'all go.
Click to PlayAnyhow there you go! 30 things I am especially thankful for. Maybe you got to learn a little bit more about me and I hope you enjoyed reading this.
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We have all been told by our wise mothers to "Think before we Speak". And we do that... sometimes. And in our mind we just KNOW that what we're about to say is "fine". I want to point out how often we ALL (Myself included, yes!) jump to conclusions and accuse people. My mom has told me "Holly,You are jumpin' to conclusions & you are gonna break your neck." I am so wrong to accuse someone. Especially if I don't even know if it is true. I know I can have this problem so I was thinking how you might to. Let's keep reading and look at some verses God gives us in the Bible. Adults and parents do this too and it can be sad and make someone feel really bad, not to mention let down your example to others who have been watching you. You remember when your sibling walks into the kitchen and sees a mess and says, "Oh I bet that was >Insert_Your_Name_Here< ." Didn't that crush you? That they'd just assume and accuse you?! Not to mention it makes you look bad to whomever they were speaking with. So truth is, none of us likes this. So why do we do it? Ephesians. 4:29 King James Version (KJV) - "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Example: Bob walked into the kitchen with his good friend Jack to grab a snack. Bob sees how there are crumbs from past cookies being eaten all over the table. Bob says to Jack, "Ugh. I bet my brother George made this mess. He's like the messiest person in our family. One time he........" .....And it can go on. Well what if his younger sister Suzie did it and Bob's mom didn't have time to clean up the mess because she had to put Suzie down for a nap. Poor George just got talked bad about and ya know people, that's how rumors spread. So Let's stop it. No need to make accusations. Hey adults, This can go for you, too. Don't accuse others or jump to conclusions and make others look bad. Incorrect accusations are lies. They are. Proverbs. 6:16-19 King James Version (KJV) - "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: {17} A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, {18} An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, {19} A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren."
There in that passage is clearly says how God hates a lying tongue, a false witness that lies and they that sow discord.
"Sowing discord" means to spread rumors, talk bad about others among friends.
It's wrong and I need to take into consideration how it's an abomination to God. God HATES it. This is something I need to work on and I think we could all improve in this area.
Proverbs 21:23
King James Version (KJV) - "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."
Therefore I encourage you to think and I mean really think about what you say before you say it. Let's go back to that rule that Thumper said on the movie, "Bambi".
Remember this verse.
Titus. 3:2
King James Version (KJV) - "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men."
And on that note, this blog post is finished! Remember the 4 A's.
Accusations aren't always accurate! I hope this encouraged you to do what's right and to have a better example to those who watch you. Photo Credit :Holly Doss | Photographer and Graphic Designer
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How you see things determine how you'll act on a day-to-day basis.
If you have "Stinkin' Thinkin'", then you'll look at the negative in most situations. Oh we all know that if we look for negative we will find it. And we have those who say, "Well what if the negative is "Just Obvious"? Then train your brain to search for the Positive in all situations! It takes work and a LOT of effort cause our flesh (The Old Man, that old nature inside of us) is naturally bent to the negative.
Ephesians 4:22-24 King James Version (KJV) - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; {23} And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; {24}And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." You see how I bolded that phrase in verse 23 "be renewed in the spirit of your mind"? I think that it is important to have a positive mind-set cause it affects how you are! In my devotion book, I was reading this story and I think it'll go Perfectly with this blog-post. Here it is. Two girls moved to a new city from two different towns. When they arrived at their new school, they were both curious about what the other kids were like in that school. The first girl asked the teacher about the other students, and the teacher asked her, "What kind of kids went to your old school?" The first girl said, "They were all rude, jealous, & mean." The teacher then told her that she would probably find the kids at this new school to be like the kids at her old school. Later, the second girl approached the teacher and asked the same question: "What are the kids like here at this school?" The teacher replied, "What were the kids like at your old school?" The girl said, "They were really, nice, fun, & friendly". The teacher said, "Well I'm sure that's what kind of kids you'll see here." Do you see this? Beautiful eyes look for the best. Change your perspective on how you view people, situations, things, etc. This is something I think we could ALL work on (Myself included, yes!) Pray and ask God to give you HIS point of view and expect to see some great people in the world around you.
May God bless you! I hope this was helpful to you.
Jacob's life is a quest for God's blessing. The name Jacob means
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deceiver and we see that he startedoutasone. He deceived his brother, Esau, when he stole the birthright from him. Later he deceived his father-in-law and gained a large portion of his flock.
We take this blog post from Genesis. 32:24 - 30 of the King James Version. (KJV) Click here to read the Bible passage.
We learn from the life of Jacob that weare not limited by the past. In Jacob's past he was a deceiver, but God changed his name to Israel which means "Prince with God." Jacob's struggle with God is a picture of holding on to God in prayer. It's an amazing thought. Jacob could not force his will on the angel, and we cannot force our will on God. But he could hold on until he received the blessing, and we can hold on in prayer until we receive an answer from God concerning our requests. We can get answers to prayer. Jacob prevailed because he would not let go. He was very persistent. If we expect to get our prayers answered, we must learn to be persistent also. God does hear His children and He will answer in His timing.
Listen to the Song "In His Time" by clicking play below.
I was reading in a book today and it inspired me to make this blog
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post for you.
Every church wants (or should want) visitors! Always be wanting to grow.
So, to help in this area, Here are some tips for the members to remember.
1. Smile at people. A smile can change a person's day and make them feel connected. When you don't smile, people can assume you are too arrogant or mean, even though you may be just thinking about something else. So do your best to smile at people you meet, walk past, or look at. 2. Look them in the eyes. Looking people in the eyes is kindness. It says to them, "You count." And it reminds them that we are all part of the same human race. When you avoid looking people in the eyes, you seem cold and unattached, and that doesn't help to spread the love of Christ but hides it! 3. Offer a hand. When someone is struggling with something heavy, offer them a hand. When someone looks lost, ask them if you can help. When you offer to help people, you share kindness with them and lighten their load. 4. Say hello. In today's busy world it's easy to become isolated from the others, oblivious to the pain and concern of the people around us. But kindness gets involved; it steps into the lives of others, even if only to say hi. It WILL make a difference. Say hi to anyone that looks you in the eyes. Even if they don't look at you, interrupt their isolation and say hello. Remember, People remember Kindness!
5. Go above and beyond the normality. Here are 'rituals' visitors usually do at church. Go into the building, find a seat near the back, (they wouldn't dare sit up front!) sing, listen to the preacher, get up and go. Do they ever re-visit? Rarely. It depends on a number of factors. Make your church visitors Experience something different! The church should be Alive! Members, don't go find "your clique"... ...Instead, meet someone new! Get out of your shell yourself. If there's time, show them around the church. Introduce them to your pastor or to someone around their age. I'm not saying that it's wrong to go say hi to your friends, just don't be exclusive to others around you that you may not know. Make them feel like they are welcome! Cause they are... Aren't they? Be friendly, courteous, kind, happy, (Don't act like a dead-Christian!) Being a Christian is fun so don't make it look boring by your countenance and austere demeanor. (Be sure to get their address and go visit them sometime during the week if they're interested. You should want your visitors to return and be glad they were there.)
Make sure your church is Alive in Christ! Be Joyful in the Service of Your Lord and King. We need each other to do this! We're all important and can be used by God if we let Him.
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