In and Out

Why won't my parents let me do what I want to? Why do we have to spend so much time with God? Why does it matter what shows I watch or what music I listen to?

I'll tell you why. It's as simple as this: what goes in is what comes out. I know you think that you know when stuff is right and wrong so it doesn't matter what goes in, you can control what comes out. That is partly true, but partial truth is basically a lie. Am I right?

Watching all the coolest shows and listening to all the new music just isn't good for you. These things are of the world and if you keep letting them in, how long until it comes out? It's like filling a jar with dirt and saying you can make sure none of the dirt comes out. This may be true, but if you keep filling it with dirt eventually dirt will have to come out of the jar. It's the same with us, if we fill our lives with all this world has to offer, we are going to begin to act just like the world. Why did you think most people can't tell the difference between Christians and non-believers? It's because we act the same because we fill our lives with the same things they do!

BUT, on the other hand, it can be the other way around. If you fill a jar with water it will spill over pure and clean. When we fill our lives with Christ and His Word, it's going to show. Just the thought should excite you! Spend time with God and you will begin to act like Him. THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT! Christian means little Christ so acting like Christ is being a Christian. Then people will finally see the difference, and guess what, when people see the difference between Christians and them they can't help but want what we have. That's how people get SAVED! Now that's something to get excited about!

So I encourage you to think about what you are filling your life with and if you need to, make a drastic change! I promise you will never regret it.

Are you filtering what comes in so you can TRULY control what comes out?

Stars

Stars by Switchfoot

"Maybe I've been the problem, maybe I'm the one to blame

But even when I turn it off and blame myself, the outcome feels the same

I've been thinkin maybe I've been partly cloudy, maybe I'm the chance of rain

Maybe I'm overcast, and maybe all my lucks washed down the drain

I've been thinking 'bout everyone, everyone you look so lonely

But when I look at the stars,when I look at the stars,when I look at the stars

I see someone else

When I look at the stars,the stars, I feel like myself

Stars lookin at our planet watching entropy and pain

And maybe start to wonder how the chaos in our lives could pass as sane

I've been thinking bout the meaning of resistance, of a hope beyond my own

And suddenly the infinite and penitent begin to look like home

I've been thinking bout everyone, everyone you look so empty

But when I look at the stars,when I look at the stars,when I look at the stars

I see someone else

When I look at the stars,the stars, I feel like myself

everyone, everyone we feel so lonely

everyone, yeah everyone we feel so empty

When I look at the stars,when I look at the stars,when I look at the stars I feel like myself

When I look at the stars, the stars

I see someone else..."

This isn't some long, deep lesson, but it is something I want to say:
Life can be overwhelming so take a break one night and just look at the stars. It can change you.

Regrets

We all have regrets, whether you chose to admit that you have regrets is up to you. Most people believe you can live life with no regrets and if you have any you aren't living the right way. The dictionary definition for regret is to feel sorrow or remorse for. So for all of you who believe you can live without regrets I am here to tell you you're wrong.

Now I'm sure you are thinking 'well thanks I feel better now' but I'm not done. Just because you have regrets doesn't mean you have to keep them. Recently I've been clinging to a regret of mine and it was eating me up on the inside. The thing that is so hard for people to wrap their minds around is a simple truth: the past is the past and you can't change it now.

A thing to remember is that whatever happened was God's plan so don't feel bad for something that was planned that you can't change, that's just silly. Also, holding on to regrets is a little selfish if you think about it, then you are spending all that time feeling sorry for yourself when you should be giving your time to God. Rephrase: you should be giving His time to Him. Have regrets, we all do. Don't keep them.

What regrets are keeping your mind off God?

Listen

Why doesn't God talk to us like He talked to people in the Bible? They could know with out a shadow of a doubt that God was speaking to them. We pray and talk to God, but He doesn't answer. LIES! That is all lies! God speaks to everyone then and now. Have you heard God speak to you? Or a better question, are you listening?

Picture this:

You look at your best friend and see them talking to people. You start to wonder why they aren't talking to you. You're confused and hurt. You know what would help? Pull out the earplugs!

What does all that mean? It means you may know God and love Him and talk to Him. Did you ever stop to think He's trying to talk to you and to answer your questions? The earplugs are symbolic to things of the world, things keeping you from hearing God. Put all things aside and just truly listen to God. The things He will tell you will AMAZE you, but to be amazed you have to hear what He's saying.

What are your earplugs?

Trust

In Christ you learn many things. I've learned a lot lately and I want to share a couple lessons with you through blogging. Here is one I learned tonight:

God comes first, always. If God calls you to do something, do it. Don't even hesitate. What if something is holding you back? That can be hard, or rather confusing. It doesn't matter though, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords will help. It isn't up to you to break free and live fighting alone. God is there and He will fight your battles. God will make a way whether you see it or not, so don't quit looking for it. Keep seeking God and you'll find Him. He loves you and is looking out for you, so don't worry. Give your burdens to God.

A question to ask yourself: Am I trusting God?

First Post.

This is my first post, so have mercy on me. I grew up in church and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was very little. That means that I decided to hand my life over to God and let Him do with me as He chooses because I know He loves me and I trust Him. I was your average luke-warm Christian. I went on all the mission trips and to all the camps and came back the same. Not until recently did I learn the power and love and grace of God Almighty. He's changed me and I'll never be the same.

The most recent lesson he has taught me is to be joyful. That doesn't mean slap on a smile and keep walking, it means I needed to give all my troubles up to God and just know that He will take care of me. You know what that means? I can just be joyful and have peace of mind. All I need to do is live for Him and He will take care of the miniscule things.

So I have to ask, have you traded your sorrows for joy?