During the school year, my friends (I am not so sure if they should be... they don't exactly help me become more Christ like) asked me what I thought about The Battle for Christian Music by Tim Fisher, the book we were reading in music appreciation class. I told them that I wanted to learn what Tim Fisher had to say about music. When I said it though I didn't seem interested outside... I was scared that they would make fun of me for being eager about it. That was really dumb of me. I should've stood for my faith and accepted that as a true child of God, I will get persecuted. I really want to learn what the right music is. I want to learn how to identify music in categories. One of the temptations I have been trying to conquer is singing worldly music. It's hard for me to say this but yes, I'm no perfect goody two shoes. Any music I hear (especially from tv or stores) gets stuck in my head. Music is not neutral and when I sing certain songs, they make me feel good and happy. But is God happy with what is coming from my mouth and heart? No.
We've got to remember what brings joy to our Father in heaven.
One of my friends mentioned to me that she liked a certain CCM song and I scolded (not really... I was smiling the entire time... I just don't know how to be firm and guiding at times) her and she just mocked me (and God) that "oohh.. she was sinning". At that time, I only smiled even though I wanted to say, "Yes, yes you are." I was just scared of what she would think of me... there I go again=/ I really need to stand for my faith!
Please pray for me as I decide on my friendships, battle temptations, stand for my faith, and bring glory to God.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Beautiful People
"We all, with open face beholding as in a lass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory." II Corinthians 3:18
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be one of the "beautiful people"? Fans swarming the stage. People asking for your autograph. The satisfaction of accolades and trophies. The rush of knowing that others imitate the way you walk, dress, and speak. What a life that would be!
But perhaps that lifestyle isn't quite as glamorous, as we might think. Consider what it would be like to have photographers hound your every step, hoping to catch you in less-than-beautiful activities. Think about the hassle of having to wear a disguise at the ballpark or your favorite restaurant.
Being one of the "beautiful people" comes at a price. Many celebrities hire bodyguards to keep the adoring public at arm's length. Most live behind secure gates in homes protected by surveillance cameras. Being beautiful means being very careful about associating with others.
In contrast, out beautiful Savior welcomes us into His presence- always! Jesus doesn't hole up inside a secure compound or wall himself off behind impenetrable security. No, he enfolds us in His grace, inviting us to come close and to stay close, forever!
As Jesus lived here of earth, He made Himself accessible to all who came to hear the message of God's unending love for them. He healed the sick. He touched the lepers. His inexhaustible mercy made Him beautiful beyond words in their eyes.
Still today, Jesus is present with us, accessible at any and every moment. We can call out to Him with any need, any concern. He gladly invites us to spend time with Him, to share our lives with Him. He longs for us to stay near, to nestle close to His heart secure in His love.
What's more, the more time we spend with Him, thinking about His acceptance, pouring over the promises in His Word, reflecting on His compassion, the more like Him we become. We are transformed- changed- into His very image, with ever-increasing glory.
~taken from Reflecting the Beauty of the Lord, 25 devotions for women
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be one of the "beautiful people"? Fans swarming the stage. People asking for your autograph. The satisfaction of accolades and trophies. The rush of knowing that others imitate the way you walk, dress, and speak. What a life that would be!
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| Photo Credit: FotoSearch |
But perhaps that lifestyle isn't quite as glamorous, as we might think. Consider what it would be like to have photographers hound your every step, hoping to catch you in less-than-beautiful activities. Think about the hassle of having to wear a disguise at the ballpark or your favorite restaurant.
Being one of the "beautiful people" comes at a price. Many celebrities hire bodyguards to keep the adoring public at arm's length. Most live behind secure gates in homes protected by surveillance cameras. Being beautiful means being very careful about associating with others.
In contrast, out beautiful Savior welcomes us into His presence- always! Jesus doesn't hole up inside a secure compound or wall himself off behind impenetrable security. No, he enfolds us in His grace, inviting us to come close and to stay close, forever!
As Jesus lived here of earth, He made Himself accessible to all who came to hear the message of God's unending love for them. He healed the sick. He touched the lepers. His inexhaustible mercy made Him beautiful beyond words in their eyes.
Still today, Jesus is present with us, accessible at any and every moment. We can call out to Him with any need, any concern. He gladly invites us to spend time with Him, to share our lives with Him. He longs for us to stay near, to nestle close to His heart secure in His love.
What's more, the more time we spend with Him, thinking about His acceptance, pouring over the promises in His Word, reflecting on His compassion, the more like Him we become. We are transformed- changed- into His very image, with ever-increasing glory.
~taken from Reflecting the Beauty of the Lord, 25 devotions for women
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