Baptism

This past Sunday I got baptized.
And I truly do not know how to explain how amazing it is. I feel clean, refreshed, calm and totally not in control (which is sooo nice).
I gave my life to Christ going on 6 years ago. It wasn't until this past fall, four months ago, that I was realized I needed to be baptized. I grew up in a church that baptizes(sprinkles) you as an infant/very young child and then again when you are "Confirmed" in 6th grade. But neither of these go according to scripture (unless of course you truly repent as a 6th grader and give god your life). Scripture says "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins..". So according to the Word we are to repent (1.To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it, 2. To be sorry for sin as morally evil, and to seek forgiveness; to cease to love and practice sin) and then be baptized.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit"

Matthew 28:19

Love Stories

I just finished reading a friends blog about mushy love movies and girls living in dream land, and am now inspired to let you know my thoughts on this topic (since I feel mine are rather different then most … and I want to explain why they are the way they are)

First off; for the most part I hate love stories. It’s not that they are bad or unreal, but rather I feel they encourage girls to dream up their own stories and believe that nothing close will really ever happen to them.
Honestly I know more than a handful of guys who are amazing and treat girls wonderfully. And I know that whom ever each of them marries will be blessed.

Second; too much physical contact!! I know that most people think its okay to kiss, hold hands, and have sex (hopefully not most on that one) while dating, but I don’t (holding hands … thats just a personal thing). And I really do not enjoy watching others. I think it would be okay if it weren’t for the nice close ups while couples are in mid kiss (come on! thats just awkward) or the delightful scenes of nudity (most are brief, but still, I don’t want to see it!). This is also coming from me, a girl who will cover her eyes if anything on tv shows a guy in boxers (happened a lot during the Super Bowl commercials:/) or without a shirt. This is all because I believe that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and I don’t think that looking at someone else half naked is glorifying to my eyes or them. God has created us in His image and I don’t think He wants us showing it all off for everyone one to see.
In 1 Corinthians 3:17 Paul writes that “if anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple”. The greek word used for “destroys” actually literally means to destroy, corrupt, spoil … “so if anyone destroys, corrupts, or spoils God’s temple, God will destroy him” … ouch. I’m not taking my chances with what I think will or will not corrupt myself, my body and/or mind. Obviously the Lord is very serious.

And third; all of these love movies are of this world. Not only does Jesus tell us to NOT love the things of this world (1 John 2:15), but He goes even further to say that we are not OF this world and “…don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (John 17:16, John 15:19, 1 John 3:13). He also says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”, Romans 12:2. What love is portrayed in these movies/stories? Is it godly, selfless, caring and respectful? Sadly, no. It usually is very lustful, selfish, obsessive and degrading, but “oh so romantic and beautiful” … bull crap. God tells us not to copy the behavior and customs of this world; well the typical love is definitely of this world. And as strange as it may seem to go by a different set of standards, that is what the Lord wants for us … because it is of Him, it is “good and pleasing and perfect”.

I’ve been told before that I’m too literal with scripture and that I expect way too much from others. That God doesn’t want me to impose my feelings on others. And I’m not saying that all love stories are bad, just that there are very few I do like because the three things I discussed apply to most. And I know that when it comes to some things there is a gray area, but I do know that if a couple started doing some of the things that we watch in movies, almost everyone I know would tell them to either stop or get a room (totally don’t agree with the later). So why is it okay when it’s on film? Shouldn’t it be worse when it is, for the most part, people who don’t even like each other/are getting paid to do it/have someone else they are dating (is this technically cheating?? why does money make it okay?)

Sorry this is so long … I just need people to understand why I cover my eyes/walk out of the room/in general don’t watch some movies. Sometimes I do judge people when they watch stuff, but for the most part I stand by the fact that this is what God has shown me and that there is no point in judgment (cause nothing good ever seems to come out of it anyway … and Jesus tells me not to).
And I do watch stuff that has these things in it, love stories are just a lot more condensed in my opinion and it overwhelms me. Plus I don’t like getting caught up fantasizing about love (movie love = not what God has in store for me), which usually happens when I watch them.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, 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 never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

ps: I love how most leave out the last part of verse 8

Love Stories

I just finished reading a friends blog about mushy love movies and girls living in dream land, and am now inspired to let you know my thoughts on this topic (since I feel mine are rather different then most … and I want to explain why they are the way they are)

First off; for the most part I hate love stories. It’s not that they are bad or unreal, but rather I feel they encourage girls to dream up their own stories and believe that nothing close will really ever happen to them.
Honestly I know more than a handful of guys who are amazing and treat girls wonderfully. And I know that whom ever each of them marries will be blessed.

Second; too much physical contact!! I know that most people think its okay to kiss, hold hands, and have sex (hopefully not most on that one) while dating, but I don’t (holding hands … thats just a personal thing). And I really do not enjoy watching others. I think it would be okay if it weren’t for the nice close ups while couples are in mid kiss (come on! thats just awkward) or the delightful scenes of nudity (most are brief, but still, I don’t want to see it!). This is also coming from me, a girl who will cover her eyes if anything on tv shows a guy in boxers (happened a lot during the Super Bowl commercials:/) or without a shirt. This is all because I believe that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and I don’t think that looking at someone else half naked is glorifying to my eyes or them. God has created us in His image and I don’t think He wants us showing it all off for everyone one to see.
In 1 Corinthians 3:17 Paul writes that “if anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple”. The greek word used for “destroys” actually literally means to destroy, corrupt, spoil … “so if anyone destroys, corrupts, or spoils God’s temple, God will destroy him” … ouch. I’m not taking my chances with what I think will or will not corrupt myself, my body and/or mind. Obviously the Lord is very serious.

And third; all of these love movies are of this world. Not only does Jesus tell us to NOT love the things of this world (1 John 2:15), but He goes even further to say that we are not OF this world and “…don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (John 17:16, John 15:19, 1 John 3:13). He also says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”, Romans 12:2. What love is portrayed in these movies/stories? Is it godly, selfless, caring and respectful? Sadly, no. It usually is very lustful, selfish, obsessive and degrading, but “oh so romantic and beautiful” … bull crap. God tells us not to copy the behavior and customs of this world; well the typical love is definitely of this world. And as strange as it may seem to go by a different set of standards, that is what the Lord wants for us … because it is of Him, it is “good and pleasing and perfect”.

I’ve been told before that I’m too literal with scripture and that I expect way too much from others. That God doesn’t want me to impose my feelings on others. And I’m not saying that all love stories are bad, just that there are very few I do like because the three things I discussed apply to most. And I know that when it comes to some things there is a gray area, but I do know that if a couple started doing some of the things that we watch in movies, almost everyone I know would tell them to either stop or get a room (totally don’t agree with the later). So why is it okay when it’s on film? Shouldn’t it be worse when it is, for the most part, people who don’t even like each other/are getting paid to do it/have someone else they are dating (is this technically cheating?? why does money make it okay?)

Sorry this is so long … I just need people to understand why I cover my eyes/walk out of the room/in general don’t watch some movies. Sometimes I do judge people when they watch stuff, but for the most part I stand by the fact that this is what God has shown me and that there is no point in judgment (cause nothing good ever seems to come out of it anyway … and Jesus tells me not to).

And I do watch stuff that has these things in it, love stories are just a lot more condensed in my opinion and it overwhelms me. Plus I don’t like getting caught up fantasizing about love (movie love = not what God has in store for me), which usually happens when I watch them.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, 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 never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

ps: I love how most leave out the last part of verse 8

After God's Heart

"I believe strongly that one thing the devil seeks to do is to sneak in and subtly distract our attention from the purity and simplicity of loving God. He doesn't mind if we exalt revival, healing, or anything else, as long as we lose our focus on the simplicity of heart-level lavish devotion to the Son of God.” Mike Bickle

What is the primary focus/ambition of your life?

Is it to be a man or woman after God's heart (you really must read this entire article)? to behold the beauty of the Lord?

To me God's heart is the best part of my life. I don't understand how people can get by a day without taking time to just be with Him. To soak up His love.

Practicing

Yesterday while painting at the Boiler Room I had to put what God is teaching me (you know loving your enemy) into practice. I was enjoying the Jesus music I had playing and was just really relaxed and happy as I was working. Then someone else started talking ... and though they weren't even in the same room, never mind the same floor, as me, I could hear almost every word (most of which was profanity).
So instead of just turning up my music to cover them I decided to pray for them.
I can't explain to you how good it felt. I was overwhelmed with joy and peace.

Why don't I always do thing Gods way?!

Trust

"Beautiful Mercy do what You have to do

Jealous Lover do what You have to do

I trust You, Jesus

Just have Your way in my life

I submit to Your glory

Just have Your way in my heart"

I need to say this to the Father more often. All of us need to say this more.
It's now Global Bridegroom Fast. A time when I spend hours on end in prayer, but my point isn't that, it is that I hand over my life to the Lord during this time. These days tend to be my best during the month and I have realized that my life should be like this every day. I need to trust, submit and have Him do what He has to do with my life.

Man do I love IHOP-KC