"Worrying is arrogant" and more quotes

~Saturday Stories~

"Worrying is arrogant because God knows what He's doing." -Barbara Cameron

"Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God." -Max Lucado

"A sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on." - C. S. Lewis

"Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us." -David Platt

How about you? Which quotes do you like best? Are there some quotes you can share?

Let us love

~Friday for Friends~

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7 (NIV)

We can't love without knowing the One who loved us. The love the world offers can't even begin to compare with His love. But when we know Him we can start really loving others. Sometimes it might be hard, but "let us love one another, for love comes from God." (1 John 4:7).

How about you? Have you experienced God's amazing love? How can you share it with others?

The One we can always trust

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth." Psalm 71:5 (NIV)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Our God is our hope. He is our stronghold. We can trust in Him - even if others let us down. Amen!

How about you? Have others let you down and got you discouraged of ever trusting anyone? What was a time when you trusted in God?

How can it be?

~Monday Movies & Music~ 

"How Can It Be" is a song by Lauren Daigle. Here are the lyrics.

We were so dirty, so sunk in our sins. And then He came and saved us!!! Hallelujah!

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (NIV)

I Like Giving by Brad Formsma

~Saturday Stories~

Have you ever felt like you just "had" to give? There are so many people out there who need it so you reluctantly stick your hand in your pocket and reach for a few bills. But what if we actually wanted to give? If we thought of it not as an obligation, but as an opportunity? What if we woke up in the morning brimming with ideas on how we can help someone today? 

I Like Giving's main idea is that if we give freely we will feel more joyful and alive than if we just live for yourself. It explores the topic of cheerful giving - no strings attached - and how that can be contagious and just awesome. Many real stories are shared - everything from buying nail polish for some girls to renovating a single mom's home. It makes one think "what can I do?" And if we don't have much ourselves, we shouldn't worry: giving doesn't have to big. "I Like Giving" got me thinking of creative ways I can give. 

However, I was disappointed with the book in a number of ways. Although this is a Christian author, very very little is said about the One who gave the biggest gift ever. The emphasis is continually placed on the giver; he gives because it makes him feel more alive. The world's real situation of those desperately in need is rarely if ever given as a reason to give. Also, it is stressed that we live to give. Although giving is indeed very important, I believe telling others of the good news of Christ is even more so. 

Even though not the best book ever, I Like Giving can encourage us to be more spontaneous in your giving. Giving is a privilege.  

For more on Brad Formsma, visit his Facebook page. For more on the I Like Giving movement, visit the Facebook page and the website. 

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7  (NIV)

Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books in return for a review. 

It's hard to trust

~Friday for Friends~

It's hard to trust. Really - at least for me. Maybe there are people who trust others easily. Maybe. But, probably, for most of us trust is something hard, scarce, and, honestly terrifying. The idea that we should tell someone something that's dear and important to us and he'll laugh in our faces -or behind our backs - isn't too encouraging. But...

Trusting in someone can be worth all the fears that might come along. 

Sure, there are people who we shouldn't trust with something important. And we might make a mistake or two in picking our confidants. But the rewards of trusting can truly be amazing!!!

Also, we have Someone we can trust no matter if the whole world's against us.

And no matter how great our friends are they just can't beat God. Isn't it wonderful that you can trust the Almighty so much?

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10(NIV)

How about you? Do you have friends you can trust? Are you someone that others can trust in? What are some ways your trust in God has proved worth it all?

God completely controls nature

~Tuesday Thoughts~

Our Lord controls nature. He spoke it into existence and controls its every act. He performs mighty things through it. 

God spoke and created “the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). He made the light, sky, the land, the seas, vegetation, the sun, moon, and stars, the creatures of the sea, the birds, and the living creatures (ch. 1:3-25). He formed man and woman on the sixth day (v.26-28). 

God controls the ground and water. When Adam and Eve sinned, He cursed the ground because of man (Genesis 3:17-18). Years later, He sent a flood on an earth full of corrupt men (ch. 6:5, 17; 7:11-12). However, God spared Noah (ch.7:1). After the flood, He gave the rainbow as a sign that He will never again destroy the world with a flood (ch. 9:8-17). 

God controls all physical occurrences. He employed them as He freed His people, the Israelites, from Egyptian slavery. In Egypt He executed many miracles, such as turning water into blood (Exodus 7:14-24) and the plague of flies (ch. 8:20-32). God parted the Red Sea so that the Israelites walked on dry ground (ch. 14:21-22) and then closed it on the Egyptians (v.26-28). He turned bitter water sweet (ch. 15:22-25); He gave water from a rock (ch. 17:1-7). He provided manna and quails to eat (ch. 16:11-15). 

God controls the land and its productivity. In Leviticus and other passages He promised fruitful land if the Israelites obeyed Him (Leviticus 26:3-5) and infertility if they disobeyed (26:14-20). 

God controls the weather and used it to fight for the Israelites. In one battle He brought hailstones on their enemies and stopped the sun (Joshua 10:11-14). In another He “thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines” and the Israelites won (1 Samuel 7:2-11). 

God controls rain and rivers. He parted the Jordan for the Israelites (Joshua 3:7-17). By His word, rain did not shower on the land (1 Kings 17:1, 7). Only in the third year did He send rain (ch. 18:1, 45). The Jordan parted for God’s prophets Elijah (2 Kings 2:7-8) and Elisha (v.13-14). 

God controls storms and fish. When Jonah ran away from Him, God sent a great storm (Jonah 1:3-4). When the sailors threw Jonah overboard, a big fish swallowed him (v.15, 17). Inside it, Jonah prayed and God had the fish spit him out (ch. 2:1, 10). 

Jesus controls nature. Throughout His years of ministry, Jesus healed the sick (Mathew 4:23-25; Luke 17:11-19 and more). He predicted two large catches of fish (Luke 5:4-7 and John 21:1-6). Jesus calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25). He raised people from the dead: a widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17), Jairus’s daughter (Mathew 9:18-19, 23-25; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43, Luke 8:40-42, 49-56), and Lazarus (John 11:38-44). Jesus walked on water (Mathew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21). The fig tree withered at His words (Mathew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, 20-26).

God controls natural disasters and can use them as punishments. While the Israelites were in the desert, the ground swallowed up those who “treated the LORD with contempt” (Numbers 16:28-33). In Revelation God shows John numerous punishments that will come on unrepentant people in the last days. These include earthquakes (Revelation 6:12; 8:5; 11:13; 11:19), hail (ch. 8:7; 11:19), the sun turning black (ch.6:12), and mountains moved from their places (ch.6:14). 

Jesus’s triumph over death (Mathew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, John 20) remains the greatest instance of God controlling nature. Our Christ is alive (Hebrews 7:23-25)!

Our God, the Almighty Creator, controls each and every aspect of nature.

How about you? What instances of God controlling nature have you found in the Bible? 

If He can calm a storm, He can definitely calm the storm in us. If He can raise people from the dead, He can revive our souls. 

Blessings, children of the King!

He's by our side

~Monday Movies & Music~

"By Your Side" is a song by Tenth Avenue North. Here are the lyrics.

God is always there and we can completely trust Him. Hallelujah!

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Purple Moon by Tessa Emily Hall

~Saturday Stories~

Typical Selena: If people really got to know me—my weaknesses, my pain, my “bad habits”—they’d reject me in a heartbeat. That’s what I fear. But whether or not it’s true, it’s just safer not giving them the chance. Easier for me just to allow people to only know what I reveal to them about myself. Nothing deeper... Once I begin to trust people enough to give them the key to my heart, they have access to knowing all about me—and permission to make fun of my flaws. That’s when I get hurt. Then I’m scarred forever.

Her father rejected her. Her boyfriend hurt her. Now Selena longs for a new start. She and her mom move from New York City to a small town named Lake Lure for the summer - a new beginning for both of them. But can it really work this time? Can Selena find something new and refreshing in this life that has only thrown her problems? Will there ever be a fairy tale just for her?

Purple Moon is a story of healing, a story of learning to trust again. Selena's father is a pastor and after he throws her mom and her out of the house, Selena finds it hard to even come near Christians. They're way too "perfect" for her. Anyway, it's God who caused all the problems, right? With the help of new friends and experiences, Selena comes to learn more of the awesome God who has a very special plan for her future.

Selena's back story affected who she became; believing in Christ wasn't easy for her. I admire that Tessa Emily Hall wrote a story so full of brokenness and yet spilling over with hope also. I felt that the beginning was slow and the ending was stretched. Also, Austin sometimes seemed to perfect of a guy. But, overall, this is a story of someone who was broken healing - with Christ. Because Christ's the only One who can truly heal.

For more on Tessa Emily Hall, visit her website, Facebook page, and blog.

Just a question

~Friday for Friends~

This time I want to ask you guys something. 

When you hear the word “friend” what is the first thing you think of? Openness? Laughter? Hugging? A goodbye at the airport? A football game? The chance to say "life's so hard" and having someone understand? 

Please share! God bless you all!!!

Rebuke and discipline? Why do I need THAT?

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19 (NIV) 

We as human beings don’t like being rebuked or disciplined. Punishment doesn’t come in a natural “oh, you want to punish me? sure” way. We go kicking and screaming – almost every time. 

But God says he disciplines and rebukes those He loves. He knows what is better for us and guides us each day. We get to choose if we want to listen right off or go the other way. And when we do go the other way He “rebukes and disciplines.” Isn’t that just so much better than letting us go our own way (which, btw, would lead us straight to hell)? 

How about you? Has God been rebuking you lately? What have you learned from that? 

He loves us anyway

~Monday Movies & Music~

“You love me anyway” is a song by FFH. Here are the lyrics. 

God loves us even though He knows we make mistakes. SO many mistakes. He invites us back into His arms. Oh, the mercy and forgiveness of our Savior! 

  “Come now, let us settle the matter,”

    says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

    they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

    they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

Grace

~Saturday Stories~

This week I wrote a paragraph for Tessa Emily Hall's Monday Minute Challenge. Here it is:

I glance in the telescope again. “I never stop being amazed by Saturn. It’s beautiful.” “Ye alway say tha, Henry” Jack chuckles and I chuckle back. Memories wash over me as I find one constellation after another. “You know, Jack, I used to think these planets and stars somehow effected our lives.” I smirk. “I was the most fervent believer in that there ever was.” “Nah, Henry. Others maybe, but ye – ye always was a Christian. I can’t think no different.” I laugh and rip my gaze from the telescope. Moonlight blinds me for a moment. Jack sits beside me smiling. “Oh, that would have been splendid. But it’s not how it works.” I hear a couple cars whiz by on the closest road about a half-mile away. And then again silence. I shake the stillness off before the tears start. “Pass me a chocolate bar, will you?” “Sure.” I look up into the stars and again wonder at the thought that the God who shaped them all would take my life and change it. That’s what I call grace. Too bad she didn't know it. 

How about you? Are you amazed at God's grace toward you? What are some ways you can share the news?

Who should I be friends with?

~Friday for Friends~

 "Walk with the wise and become wise,

  for a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

Fellowship and friendship with Christians who share your burning desire to know God better and better is- usually-a great thing. All of you can grow in Christ together and encourage each other. 

It's a tough decision, though, if you should or should not be friends with someone who's not a Christian. The question to ask is: Are they pulling you down? Or are you pulling them up?

Is God using you to witness and let them know of his everlasting love or are you slowly sinking farther and farther down? It's tough. It's case-by-case, friendship-by-friendship. 

Let's pray God leads us and helps us understand which friendships we should cultivate and which we should drop. 

How about you? Do you have friendships you grow in and friendships that make you slip? What can you do about it today?

Our tempers

~Tuesday Thoughts~

Sometimes stuff happen that anger us. Our siblings make noise when we're doing our homework. Mom interrupts our activity to remind us for the n-th time to do our chores. Our friends plan something and leave us out.

And sometimes we want to scream and yell and tell them all to go away. We give our mouth too much freedom and say way too much. We lose our tempers.

The Bible says a lot about controlling our tempers.

Love is patient, my friends, and we are called to love. It will be hard at times, but we can do anything when we're with Christ.

How about you? Do you lose your temper often? What verses do you know about keeping your temper?

A lighthouse

~Monday Movies & Music~

"Lighthouse" is a song by Anthem Lights. Here are the lyrics.

Sometimes it's awfully scary to tell the world what we believe in. But it's worth it.

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14 (NIV)

How about you? What is one way you can tell someone about our Savior-today?