The Lie of Self Esteem

  

 


"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name that stirreth himself to take hold of thee for thou has hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities." Isaiah 64:6-7

   Self esteem is pushed by many in our society today. It is especially strong in regards to children. Scholars encourage parents to push their child's self-esteem, let them know just how special they are, and that they must believe in themselves. If you think about it, however, this really goes against what it says in scripture. The Bible teaches that, without God, we are nothing and He is everything; but there is a great joy and rest in this.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (Corinthians 5:17)

   We can attempt to produce a confidence in ourselves, but we will constantly be disappointed. Man will fail us. Sin is rooted deep and no matter how hard we may try to be good, evil will creep up in our lives. So what is our only hope for redemption from ourselves and our flesh? Christ! He, being the only perfect man to walk this earth, has brought us redemption and conquered death. This we can rest in, without fear, no matter what comes our way. We will stumble, but the repentant sinner will always find forgiveness in Christ, and will use these errors to change their lives for the better.

"But now, O Lord, thou art our Father ; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thine hand. be not wroth very sore, O Lord neither remember iniquity forever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people" (Isaiah 64:8-9)

We are nothing, and can do nothing, but with God all things are possible and we can place all our confidence in Him. We will fail. Man will fail. But God will never fail us and his Word shall stand forever.

"Praise the lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people." Luke 1:68

What I Learned At TeenPact Survival Part 2

Often when you are about to experience something new, you come up with your own expectations of what it will be like. The week I spent up in Glorieta exceeded my expectations! It was exciting, challenging, and I learned so many things, as well as being reminded of other things I had forgotten.

Real quickly, I’d like to share with you something that may not seem like a big deal, but really touched me. During TeenPact Survival, the students were taught many different things, such as navigation, how to make a water still, using and sharpening knives, making a sun compass, how to create a solid shelter, and so forth. The day came, later that week, when we were to apply a lot of what we had learned, by “setting up camp“. Some of the staff took the different teams to various places they had chosen, a bit farther out in the woods (more secluded then we were, when by our cabins) and left us for a while, as we prepared our campsite. Our team of eight seemed to work really well together, (Of course, I am biased) and we finished our set-up early. While making sure everything was just right and waiting for the staff to show up and check on us, one of the members of our team suggested we pray together, for our week, that the rest of it would go well,  we would work well as a team, and glorify God as we work together that whole week. We gathered by the shelter we had made, and had sort of a mini “prayer meeting”, since most of our team members ended up praying as well. I think it really helped our team bond together, whether we realized it or not. There we were, out in the woods, among all of this beautiful creation, and offering up our own simple prayers to the Maker of it all; what a blessing!

Here are some other thoughts I brought back with me from Survival.

• Working As A Team

When you get some people together, they could be referred to as a gang, community, assembly, team, group and so forth; so what marks the difference between a group of people and a team of people?

Think about it for a moment. Anyone could gather together a group of people-but it takes some effort to build a good team. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you have a common goal in site, and everyone in your team knows what they are to do, and does it cheerfully.

-1 Corinthians 12:5-11


Now, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

So what are some ways to build a good team?


When you work as a team we all need to know each others strengths and weaknesses. God has a purpose for where he has put us, and we need to fulfill that purpose, to the best of our ability. The Team mentality applies to many things in life, such as siblings, the work world, marriage,the church and so forth. Right now though, I'd specifically like to mention the church.

- 1 Corinthians 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

As I previously mentioned, we have all been given gifts from God, but they are not going to be the same gifts. Although this may seem basic to you, I think it’s important to say this; God made us all different. We are given talents to use to the glory of Him, and we should not spend time looking around at others and their “wonderful talents and gifts.”


When you complain about the gifts you have been given, you condemn the God who gave them.


Strive to glorify God with the gifts you have been given, and look around you at the strengths and weaknesses of others. In the church, we are to work together as the body of Christ. Each member should do their job as we all work together to further the kingdom of God. Let’s take a  look at:

1 Corinthians 12:27-31


“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.


Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

Something else mentioned during my week at Survival, was that we shouldn’t be only willing to fill the place in the area that “we are good at.” Maybe “your” position is already filled. Be teachable and willing to serve others in a place that maybe you don’t think you’re the best at. God knows what He’s doing and the body of Christ won’t function if we have two or three of the same member, and at the same time, lacking of another member.


I would now like to talk a bit about cohesion. In Webster’s 1828 dictionary, “cohesion” is defined as:


“The act of sticking together; the state of being united by natural attraction, as the constituent particles of bodies which unite in a mass, by a natural tendency; one of the different species of attraction.”


Cohesive is defined as:


“That has the power of sticking or cohering; tending to untie in a mass, and to resist separation.”

Something we talked a lot about at Survival, was how to work together as a team. Team members are to be unified together as a group that is cohesive. Or, “glued” together. An example used was, one piece of wood being held off of the table by two other pieces of wood on either end. A student was called up to break the wood. He successfully karate chopped it in half. The student was then given two pieces of wood, of which he broke as well. Then, he had the task of breaking three pieces of wood in half, and although a bit more difficult, he was able to do this as well. Then, he was given two pieces of wood, only this time, they had both been glued together; the student had a harder task of breaking the two pieces then before. Lastly, he was given three pieces of wood, all of which, were glued together.


These three glued pieces, cohered together,he was unable to break.


The point of this demonstration? The closer you are as a team, and the better the members work together, the stronger you will be, simple as that. When little pieces of wood were stuck in between the blocks of wood, about five pieces at a time,  they were more easily broken. There were large gaps in between each piece.


A team, the body of Christ, siblings, couples, and even families in general, will encounter occasional difference of character and disagreements and conflict or strife. This comes with being human, unfortunately. The important thing is knowing how to work through these conflicts in a way that honors and glorifies God.


How do we respond when accused of doing something wrong? How do we respond when there is conflict that we have involuntarily been brought into, or maybe had nothing to do with at all?


When accused of something we have or have not done, what we should not do, is get uptight, angered and defensive. Instead, talk with your accuser and, if wrong has been done on your end, make it right.


Sometimes though, we have nothing to do with the conflict; but maybe, as a leader, it is your job to get involved before great disruption and separation creates those nasty little wedges in your team. In this case, talk with the person one-on-one, and if nothing is resolved, bring one or two people, who both disagreeing parties respect, to help resolve the conflict. Almost nothing breaks a team faster, then one, rife with disagreements, or people who do not know how to properly, and biblically deal with them.


Let me give you a warning though, taken from Proverbs 26:17 :


“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”

In other words, be prudent in the arguments you choose to step into. We are to be wise as serpents, gentle as doves. Pray that God gives you the wisdom to know when you should speak out, versus when you should step down and choose to settle into a meek silence.


Something else we discussed at Survival, was witnessing. What are some ways we do this? Do we throw out a bunch of “good arguments”, statistics, proof and data to “convince” this person that the Bible is real, and God exists? Do we convince the nonbelievers that if they ask Christ in their heart everything will be “sunny days and rainbows"-happy all the way? Now, I don’t want to go around, telling you “the sure-fire way to witness to a nonbeliever” because, quite frankly, none exists. There is no “formula” for witnessing. We should be careful however, with our words. Facts and data have their place, but you don't want to go overboard.

If you can "convince" someone into Christianity, they can be convinced out of it.

Also remember, this person has a heart, and we are no better, if not worse, then they in our sin. Thankfully, we have been introduced to a God who can help us overcome these sins, or He will work through us despite them. (And even using our sin to bring about His perfect will!) But I don’t want to get off track here, (as I am very good at doing!) and this topic could lead into a whole other paper.

Most of all though, make sure your life is one that pleases and honors God, giving glory to Him in all that we do. We are reflecting Jesus Christ, and our light will show only if we are living a life that is pleasing to God.


Since we’re on the subject of witnessing, there’s something I’d like to mention.


There have been times when I feel God gently tugging at my heart to witness to someone and tell them about the gospel. Some of those times I have listened, and, although I can’t think of specifics now,  shamefully, I know there have been times when I did not respond to that gentle call. Why? Is it fear? Pride? Probably both. Something that I must remember though; If I feel the Lord is telling me to witness to someone, then I shouldn’t worry about what words will come out, or how I will sound. God presented the need, and gave me the job to fill it. If I don’t, or make excuses, I become a disobedient child, a quivering Moses, a proud and conceited individual, unwilling to yield to God's call, as well as, in my eyes, a person who is wholly inadequate to fill this need; Well, I AM inadequate and I cannot do it on my own! What pride must be lurking to think that it is all of my doing, when telling others about Christ?


No! May I be a willing child, teachable, in the hands of a God I am not worthy to serve. May we all be humble- moldable as clay in the hands of the potter.

So to sum up my week at Survival- Challenging, engaging, thought-provoking, entertaining, inspiring, and much, much more! You’ll just have to go and check  it out for yourself!

God Bless,

Kelsey Anne

Should Young Ladies Earn a Degree "Just in Case"?

. Before you read this though, I want to say that I am not attempting in any way to "condemn" or "judge" those who go to college. It is a decision  you and your parents need to make. This is simply my thoughts on the subject. Also, continuing your education is not a bad thing. Take every opportunity to learn what you can from the home. (Online courses are another option!)

My 15 Reason's/Comments Why I Think it is Unbiblical.

1. If you trust in the sovereignty of God, you shouldn’t have to worry about all of those “What if’s”

2. Prepare for the “most likely” scenario, not the unlikely ones.

What would life be like if we went through it worrying about all the possible "bad things" that could happen. We would be miserable. Be prepared-yes, but don't be unwise and rash.

"Some of your hurts you have cured,
And the sharpest you still have survived,
But what torments of grief you endured
From the evil which never arrived."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


3. We should strengthen our arms for work and prepare at home.


4. It is not the ordinary neither a fitting role for women to work alongside men in public as their equals, or in their same sphere of dominion.


5. The Word of God is full of biblical examples on how to care for the widowed, sick or needy. For the young lady-preparing to be a potential widow and earning a degree based on that-is not the right thing to do.


6. Women are creative. You can easily find ways to make money from the home


7. Staying at home had a different meaning/connotation in the past, then it has today.

The phrase "staying at home" in our modern world today usually comes with a bad connotation. We picture idle hands, or girls "wasting" their time away learning how to do laundry and bake cookies. A keeper at home, or a stay at home daughter, however, provides great opportunity for service, work, education, and so much more, all from the home!


8. You should develop and use your life skills in everyday life-not something useless stored away “Just in Case”


9. Learn how to be a successful entrepreneur; and don’t be afraid to try new things!


10. Learn and develop skills that can benefit others in your day-to-day-life, as well as skills that you can use for your own entrepreneurial spirit.

11. Being a single young lady in the home is not a time to be idle. Find work for yourself around the home, or in your sphere of dominion.

12. You don’t need a degree to make money. 

Although simply stated, it is very true. You can make good money without a degree.

13. Obtaining a degree generally cost’s you 100,000 + dollars. (Not counting the time involved)

Think about it. Really and truly, can you honestly say all the time and money it takes to receive a degree is worth it? Especially if it will be simply sitting on the shelf for in case of a "what if" situations?

14. Fathers will often send their daughters off to college because they don’t trust them to be useful nor diligent in the home.

Daughters, home is not a place to be idle! It is a place where you can be creative, learn to work well with your family, make your hands busy, and get first hand experience with things you wouldn't normally be able to do!

15. Even a degree is not a “foolproof plan“, and it will bring you either to poverty great debt, or both, getting a back-up plan.

I will now end my list by quoting from an article by Anna Sophia, and Elizabeth Botkin, on which my list was based. (You can visit their blog by clicking here. )


“ The times certainly are uncertain, and more may be required of us as things become more unstable. Three things, however, remain certain:


- We cannot rely on earthly promises of security (degrees, “stable” jobs) - only on biblical promises of security (the blessings of God upon obedience and diligence) In these unstable times, we will need to rely less on those things that will change and more on the things that will never change. The benefits of government accreditation, paychecks, personal peace and affluence, and the illusion of stability could pass away; the value of hard work, ingenuity, and faith will not.


- Faithfulness is blessed; compromise is not. We will not deserve the blessing of God if we respond to fear.


- Work is noble, and required of every person - “Not having to work,” or eating the bread of idleness, are not for Christian women. Every girl in every situation should strive after the example of the fruitful Proverbs 31 woman.


- Both those who put their trust in a comfortable, easy lifestyle and those who put their trust in worldly pragmatism have reason to fear “what ifs“; but a productive, creative woman full of faith will have no lack of gain. Let us then strengthen our arms, work willingly with our hands, and smile at the future ”

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
 

 
I am well aware that this is a very controversial subject, so if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask and I'll answer them to the best of my ability! I would also really appreciate any imput you have on the subject.



God Bless you all on your journey to glorify our Lord Jesus!



Kelsey

A Poem by William Cowper and Some of My Own Ramblings...

 Isaiah fifty three, verse six says "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."  
 WE are the sinners.
WE deserve to pay the price ...  It was
OUR sins...  Yet
CHRIST brought them upon himself, and willingly took a punishment that should have been OURS.

Jesus had no sin. He was perfect, and yet he did that for us. 

Isaiah fifty three verse seven: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." 

Christ uttered no murmur or complaint, and yet we, as humans, are so quick to whine and cry about various things that happen day-by-day, which, most likely in the long run, mean nothing.  I know I'm certainly to blame.

Have you ever stopped to really think about what Christ did for you? I mean really think. I find it too difficult for my simple mind to comprehend; The amazing love that Christ has for us, to be willing to die for everyone- for me.  

Below is a poem by William Cowper. I don't know much about him, but when I found this poem of his, I thought it should be posted. Let me know your thoughts after you read this.

The Heart Healed and Changed by Mercy


               by William Cowper


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sin enslav'd me many years,
And led me bound and blind;
Till at length a thousand fears
Came swarming o'er my mind.
Where, I said in deep distress,
Will these sinful pleasures end?
How shall I secure my peace,
And make the LORD my friend?


Friends and ministers said much
The gospel to enforce;
But my blindness still was such,
I chose a legal course:
Much I fasted, watch'd and strove,
Scarce would show my face abroad,
Fear'd, almost, to speak or move,
A stranger still to GOD.

Thus afraid to trust his grace,
Long time did I rebel;
Till, despairing of my case,
Down at his feet I fell:
Then my stubborn heart he broke,
And subdu'd me to his sway;
By a simple word he spoke,
"Thy sins are done away."

 

 
 
What an awsome, mighty, loving God we serve!
May we strive to glorify Him in all we do!
 
Hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week.
 
God Bless,
 
Kelsey

Why Eagles Fly, and Chickens Flutter

by DON WILDMON,
AFA founder and chairman emeritus

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, the eagle and chicken were very good friends. Everywhere they went, these friends went together. It was not uncommon for people to look up and see the eagle and chicken flying side by side through the air.


One day, while flying, the chicken said to the eagle, “Let’s drop down and get a bite to eat. My stomach is growling.”


“Sounds like a good idea to me,” replied the eagle.


So the two birds glided down to earth, saw several animals eating, and decided to join them. They landed next to the cow. The cow was busy eating corn but noticed that the eagle and the chicken were soon sitting on the ground next to her.

“Welcome,” said the cow. “Help yourself to the corn.”

This took the two birds by surprise. They were not accustomed to having other animals share their food quite so readily.


“Why are you willing to share your corn with us?” asked the eagle.


“Oh, we have plenty to eat here. Mr. Farmer gives us all we want,” replied the cow.


Well, the eagle and the chicken jumped in and ate their fill. When they finished, the chicken asked more about Mr. Farmer.

“Well,” said the cow, “he grows all our food. We don’t have to work at all.”


“You mean,” said the chicken, “that Mr. Farmer simply gives you all you want to eat?”


“That’s right,” said the cow. “Not only that, but he gives us shelter over our heads.”


The chicken and the eagle were shocked! They had never heard of such a thing. They had always had to search for their food and work for shelter.


When it came time to leave, the chicken and the eagle began to discuss the situation: “Maybe we should just stay here,” said the chicken. “We can have all the food we want without working. And that barn over there sure beats those nests we have been building. Besides, I’m getting tired of always having to work for a living.”


“I don’t know about all this,” said the eagle. “It sounds too good to be true. I find it hard to believe that one can get something for nothing. Besides, I kinda like flying high and free through the air. And providing for food and shelter isn’t so bad. In fact, I find it quite challenging.”
Well, the chicken thought it over and decided to stay where there was free food and shelter. But the eagle decided that he loved his freedom too much to give it up, and he enjoyed the consistent challenge of making his own living. So, after saying goodbye to his old friend the chicken, the eagle set sail for the wild blue yonder.


Everything went fine for the chicken. He ate all he wanted. He never worked. He grew fat and lazy.


But then one day he heard the farmer say to his wife that he was yearning for fried chicken. Hearing that, the chicken decided it was time to check out and rejoin his good friend the eagle. But when he attempted to fly, he found that he had grown too fat and lazy. Instead of being able to fly, he could only flutter. So the next day, the farmer’s family sat down to chicken dinner.


When you give up the challenges of life in your pursuit of ease and security, your ability to fly turns into a flutter.


And that’s the reason eagles fly and chickens flutter.

Christian Speech

Today, in the United States of America, people seem unable to clearly articulate what they need to say.

Something will be, like, cool ya know, whereas something else really neat, is hot! We say-you know- a sentence, and it might end with “Yeah” although that, ya know, word, has nothing to do with what you were previously, like, talking about. Yeah.


We say something is "bad!" when we mean it is wonderful, "wicked!" if we see it as good. So, should we like, say something great is bad, but being bad isn't, like, good? Say something amazing is, ya know, wicked, but if we really are being bad it isn't wonderful? Or if we are wicked, it's bad, but not like, good? Yeah.


How are we to teach the younger generation proper grammar and usage of words, when cold is “hot“, and hot, is “cool“, sweet means “cool“, and cold things can be “sweet“, or sweet things can be “hot“. Something outstanding is “neat“. (Something messy is not!) We say the word cool means “fairly cold“, hot means “very warm“, sweet means “full of sugar” or, “pleasing to the senses” and yet we use these words as exclamations of “amazement“, “shock“, or “wonder“, and then say "This is totally, ya know- like, “bad grammar'?"  

We say “We like to eat, we like to play, he looked like he needed some sleep, we would like to leave,” and yet, none of these examples of proper grammar seem, like, “cool” enough for us to, ya know, like, use them?

As a light shining for God, amidst darkness, I think it is very important to learn how to say what we mean, and mean what we say. Using all the modern vernacular and slang of today is not at all “cool”. Show the world that you don’t have to follow every common fad or trend, and you don’t feel the need to “Fit in” with the world.



Be different.


Stand out.


And be a light shining in
this present darkness.


For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” and made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 4:6

Revelation 3 With A Commentary

I thought this was a particularly good chapter In Revelation.

Revelation 3


"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

I think it's important for us to remember that God knows everything about us! He not only knows us better then we could know ourselves, he knows what will happen in the universe around us because it is HIS awesome creation!
 Recently, we had some pretty chilly days, and our family jokingly passes it off as global warming. :) Even to those who think that is true, or to those who are worried about all these helpless creatures that are dying, or all the polution that American's cause today, we have a God who's bigger than all of that! (Good thing for us!) Of course, we shouldn't ignore the problems, but we should keep our priorities straight. 
 *Just as a side note, I certainly don't have a problem with people who try to help the inviroment, (so long as their helping not worshiping it!) but I think it's wrong when people put so much time and energy into "Saving the whales!" when they have no problem with something such as abortion.* 

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God."

We most certainly are not perfect creatures! Yes, God values us as his treasured child, but that is because he chooses to, not because we did something special to deserve his amazing love and affection.


"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

As I've mentioned, we, as humans, will sin! We need to be willing to admit this DAILY and be constantly looking at our lives for sins we need to repent for, and improve. We do not know when Christ will come! I don't believe anyone can "find out", although people may try. We need to be ready for when he comes. It could be tommorrow, or it could be in another million years!
 Have you ever had a "suprise guest"? As soon as you saw that car drive up, or heard the doorbell ring, you were rushing around to pick up the toys all over the living room floor, scoop up the spilled cheerios, and unfinshed bowls of cereal in the kitchen, and make your house look as nice as possible for your visitor. (Come on and admit it. You've done this before!) :)  Maybe you did clean fast enough, and your were somehow able to get everything picked up. But what would your house look like if your guest peeked into the nearest closet? Would he be instantly covered with a pile of trash, dolls, blocks, books, and random pieces of lego? Well guess what: God can see in all your little closets. He doesn't even have to open them up, but he can see them.
 The fact is, we don't know when he will come, but we need to be ready for Christ when he does.. Don't just do it for the sake of "When Christ Comes!" He see's your life now, and he cares about how you use it and the things you fill it with.
"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

What an amazing thing to think about! Jesus,  confessing your name before God, the Father and all the angels. Do you want it to be said of you that you are known for giving up, or do you want it to be said that with God's help: "You Overcame!"


"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;


I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.


Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

It may not be easy to stand strong in the day of trial, but Christ will be there to guide us through our hardships. Do not deny Christ!


"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.


So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.


Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.


As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Maybe you feel you are going through hardships. Have you considered the idea that it may be because God is trying to teach you something through the trial? Maybe it's because you needed to be chastised. As it says above, those who Christ loves, he will chasten. I love the last part of that verse: "Be zealous therefore, and repent!" [Exclamation added] It could also be because God wants to strengthen you and your faith. (James 1:2)


"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Christ wants to spend time and have a relationship with you, but you need to be willing to accept his gift of salvation! Maybe you've been trying to find him but it all seems in vain; you just can't seem to succeed. The problem could be you're looking up, when he's standing by you the whole time.


"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

We can overcome through Christ! May we look into our lives at what we need to change, and then go out and preach the gospel to others. We do not know when we will die or when Christ will come.
 We not only should get ourselves ready, but take some others along with us!

Psalm 91 With A Little Commentary

Psalm 91 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

We need to stay close to the Lord and seek Him; He will protect and comfort us!

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

We can trust Him to keep a watch over his children, no matter what.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

It may be so tough sometimes, but we need to just rest in the Lord and know that we are in his hands! It says above "He shall deliver thee". We spend so much time worrying over many little things, that God has already taken care of, and is working out for his all-greater plan.


Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Once again, a promise that we should not fear when times get rough or scary. We should never stop trusting Him, especially when it seems we are being attacked spiritually. Submit our fears up to the Lord and with the Lord's help we "Shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor the arrow that flieth by day;"

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

All around us, we may think things seem impossible to turn around for the better, but with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

There is great reward for trusting God. I love this promise. God is caring for us and our small problems. What great love he shows his children. I know I sure don't deserve it!

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Not only will we "Make it out alive" of our tough situations, it says we "Shall trample the lion and adder".
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Call upon the Lord and He hears your cry. Tell him your thoughts, fears, feelings, desires... anything! The Lord Promised that if you call, He will answer. No, he does not always answer in the way we expect, or answer in the way that WE think is best or WANT, but He will answer, and we should just rest in his loving arms, knowing that He has, and always will have, everything in His control. He knows the answer to your problem before the problem even comes to you! Not only that, but he is willing to hear our little fears and worries; The God of the whole Universe! He loves us that much. Isn't that  such a comforting thought? 
 I love the last verse. "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Thank-you Lord!

Some of your hurts you have cured,


And the sharpest you still have survived,


But what torments of grief you endured


From the evil which never arrived.
Ralph Waldo Emerson


Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~Author Unknown

You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list. The longer your list, the smaller your God. ~Author Unknown

Remember to keep trusting in God. He'll work everything out for His glory. He has a special plan for each and every one of you, and he will orchestrate our lives to fit that plan.
I Hope you all have a great week.
Kelsey~