So first I want to say an early happy New year's to every one reading this. I know that 2012 has been a rough year for many to different extents. I just want to say some things about the new year that will be upon us in just a few hours. I see how most of you mention on twitter how you plan on turning this year and how 2013 is THAT year when everything is going to be great etc. Well this year I think that it is time to make it THAT year. We all know how New Years resolutions go... we make them and stick to them for about the first week and then after that we go back to the same ole same ole. Not really to interested in doing anything different because we have done it a certain way for so long. How about this year we actually change that, why not put in a little initiative and discipline into this year.
I want to direct this blog towards resolutions we definitely want to have for this up coming year.
1. Positive Speech
To often many of us have such negative things to say about not only others but about our own lives. we constantly talk about our selves in such a negative light and then wonder why our life seems so bad. In Proverbs the bible talks about our speech and how it affects us, everyone has head this scripture at least once in their life.
"death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [ for death or life] Proverbs 18:21 AMP
When it comes to school we constantly joke about how "o I'm just gonna fail that test anyway" even our little phrase "I'm weak" in just that alone we wonder why we give into temptations so easily. You want to stop dealing with something but in you bring up this term often. even though it is not directed towards a temptation you fight your STILL claiming weakness. Now I know some may say "Chelsee its really not that deep." and yet it is THAT deep. and example of how powerful words are, many of you remember in Mark where Jesus curses the fig tree because it was not producing in the time that it should have been. Jesus says to the tree in verse 14 of mark 11 " No one ever again shall eat fruit from you" later on when Jesus and his disciples were leaving jerusalem the disciples noticed that the fig tree has withered away by the roots. although that scripture is commonly used for how faith works it also shows how our words work especially when we believe in our heart what we say.So it still ties in.
2. Single-mindedness
From what I have seen many of us want to stop being so confused and complicated about how we live and how we want to live. So many are sitting on the fence what we want to do this year is to officially make the decision to be on GOD's side. Take this New Years for example so many will go to church and be at church until like 12 and the next stop is not home, the next stop might be a party or a club, to do what? Strut your stuff, risqué dancing. How is it that you pray to God and present yourself as holy and then take Gods temple and defile it? "double mindedness" if you truly honored God and his temple which is your body you would have given up all of that. Now I'm not saying you have to be boring and not go anywhere but I'm just saying understand your surroundings and how that affects you. How being in those situations can compromise the integrity of your relationship with God. Just be aware of that. But I digress. Don't let people talk you into feeling like you serving God is not good enough and that your missing out if your not out there living a worldly life. Remember we are in the world not OF the world. Your not missing out.
let's talk briefly of what the bible says about double mindedness.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways James 1:8 KJV 9 double minded people have a hard time committing to one thing. they want to be in the church and in the world at the same time. They are are easily influenced by what the world says even though they know in their heart and spirit that what ever it is, is wrong. They are unstable because you never know what they are going to do.
3. Forgiveness
This probably should have been first but thats ok as long as its here. This one is MEGA important. We like holding grudges against people for what ever reason and yet that only affects us. It just burns us up on the inside, While the other person is still living a carefree life. But you know what. God does not take your unforgiving lightly. Jesus says in Matthew 6:14 and 15
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
basically your refusal to forgive another cause God to not forgive you. and realize that if God does not forgive you that means that you are not in Gods will therefore God wont be able to bless you. It causes a domino effect. So forgive, get over your pride and talk to that person. Go and ask that person to accept your forgiveness after you actually forgave them, and if they don't accept its ok you will be good in God's eye and thats what matters.
ok Im trying to speed this up I didn't realize how long this got but its all important.
4.Self-Esteem
(sigh) there is SOOO much that can go with this but I'll try to keep this short.
1. Dont compare yourself, your life, your relationship status,etc. with anyone else doing that causes your self-esteem to drop way down. You dont have to worry about your life God has your life. Everything will be in his time if you let it be. Dont believe me just read what God himself had to say about that in Jeremiah.
"i know what I'm doing. I have it planned out plans to take care of you,not abandon you plans to give you the future your hope for" Jer 29:11 MSG
2. know who you are God's child. " I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well" Psalms 139:14
under all of that if your trying to get in shape then get in shape. find a person to go with you to they gym to eat with you so you chose healthy foods and so forth. Remember your body is the temple of God keep it up and keep it clean.
5. Singleness
I am going to write a blog on this later but just for now know that its not bad that you are single for the moment. Just because all of your friends got engaged or started relationships during this holiday season doesn't mean that you are behind in life God has his own plan for your life. remember the scripture that I used above about his plans for you. Trust him. If you start having ring envy then just go buy you a ring put it on your finger and get over the hype. I decided that my purity ring would have a double meaning because even i had a moment. trust me it helps. Also know that this time for you is to do what you can for God and the kingdom with out being tied to a significant other. You can also grow your relationship with him. Which is the ULTIMATE relationship.
Ok i believe that I have said enough for now LOL there is way more but I think these are good enough. I will probably do another five in the next few days. well I pray that you have a great New Years and I hope that you run with this. This year will be as great as you allow God to let it be, Be obedient to God. If your partying tonight please I beg be safe out there. Drink responsibly and dont drive drunk, and dont let your friends drive drunk call a taxi or AAA to come and help out if you must. if you have to go as far as a police officer then do it. Lets get as many people into 2013 as we can.
<3 Chelsee HAPPY NEW YEAR (2013)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween: The emotion, the cover up, and the environment
Many of us at one point enjoyed Halloween but in your walk with Christ its time to learn and to grow from those days.Check your motives and how this holiday can possibly affect you.
1. FEAR
This is what halloween especially nowadays plays off of. This is probably the biggest one. It completely cancels out the whole affair all together. The bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
This means that fear is not of God, said in another way fear is in no way Godly, God is not in it. Now if your claiming to be saved why would you put yourself in a situation to be OUT of the presence of God? If God is not there then anything you do in that moment he is not obligated to make sure that your ok when you willingly step away from you. Fear comes in this moment because you do get that emptiness/helplessness feeling inside of you. Your jumpy because your spirit man detects that it is somewhere that God is not. In my opinion thats a terrible place to be.
2. The Costume
Where to begin. I think this is more focused towards us ladies but guys a lot of it applies to you too. For some the costume aspect really isn't that big of a deal. But for others it REALLY is. Personally in my opinion I believe that some costumes or chosen because of a self esteem level that has been failed to be obtained. Why is it that on this ONE day that ladies feel the need to find the outfits that cover the LEAST amount of skin? Why is it that you have to be seductive on this ONE specific night? What is it doing for you? We know you have that "banging body" but do you really think that it is acceptable to have it all exposed? How exactly are you representing God with your chest and your backside all out. Halloween is NOT a big 1 night stand. Not saying that, that is the intent but are you really helping to avoid the situation especially when drinks are added in for the "grown folks" population. (we will talk about the parties later). I always here how people say they are classy this and classy that....how is that classy?
1Peter 3:3-5" Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves...."
Does that mean dress in boring things? No definitely not but be considerate of the guys who are trying to live their lives the right way. Think about this
matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[a] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Ladies the reverse of that is true to. You may not be married but its still applies and its still wrong. Lust is a sin wether you want it to be or not. Those sexual thoughts are not good things to have about a woman or man that is not given to you by God. i.e. YOUR spouse.
3.PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!
Our generations BIGGEST hang up really. The environment for these can get way out of hand. Yes, you do have like parties for the little kids and the school parties. Then you have the "grown" parties that come with drinking and things that just probably shouldn't be done. I haven't been to these parties but I have heard enough stories about them to last me a life time. If you do go to these parties then you probably understand. For a night I know its all for fun but really it is not something that if your living saved that you should be entertained by. Your getting beyond drunk at these parties.1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.sleeping around with people Hebrews 13:4Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Things just get way to out of hand and rowdy
Ephesians 5:7-12
Don't participate in the things these people do. For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Don't participate in the things these people do. For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.(NLT)
Dont let the "spirit" of the Holiday take you out of what you know is right in christ. I Promise if you don't go your not missing anything its the same ole same ole every year and it doesn't change. Dont you get tired of doing the same things over and over again? This halloween why not go out and do something you have never done before.. This year halloween in on a Wednesday.. why not try going to church instead?
~Chelsee
Thursday, October 18, 2012
God is on your side
Romans 8:28-39
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified;those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I couldn't pick a good place to stop so I decided not to. I was listening to a song this morning and the artist stated "That all in all things God works for the good of those that love him. That just stuck with me I just felt so empowered to go out and just achieve!
If your like me you might be going through a time where you have been sitting and wondering how are things going to go. How do I know that what Im doing is even going to work. Why is that there are certain things that I am going through that hurt me. well here is your answer. God has called you to a higher calling and a higher purpose. That day that you felt God move on your heart and you gave your life to him that was his calling for you. Dont worry if things will work out. Matthew 6:34 says
" Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Dont spend so much time worrying. The very first scripture says that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God and as long as God loves us then he will always handle our needs when we let him.
God has already written your story so dont be afraid to act it! I know that times can get kind of hard right now especially for those of us who are in school but you know what Don't worry. God has plan! Your struggle is ONLY temporary. All of the challenges you face will resolve themselves for your good. Everything always goes back to keeping your eye on God though Matthew 6:33 says
"But seek you first the Kingdom of God and all its righteousness and these things shall be added unto you"
The more you focus on God and do his work the more he will do and give you the things you want and need.
So dont give up keep pressing always keep your faith in action!
God wont let you fail in the things that he has written for your life.stay encouraged
~Chelsee <3
Friday, September 28, 2012
Priorities
Its been a little while since I have posted anything on here but I was asked the other night to start up again so I figured that I would go ahead and do so. Some of you have been waiting on me and I have just been dragging my feet to do the things that I know that I need to do. Not only does it hurt me but it hurts you too. So first I would like to start off by apologizing for not having my priorities in check. Speaking of which I decided to make this quick post about priorities and how crucial it is to put what God has for you first.
Matthew 6:33 says " But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you".
Now this scripture happens to be my favorite, yet its still one that I have to work on myself. I get focused on a day to day bases on trying to do things my way when God wants my focus on him so that way he can do what he needs to do with out my messy uncoordinated hands being in the way. So lets talk about what a priority is:
a priority is something given special attention. it is also a preferential rating.
Lets do a little thinking. Sit and think of about 5 things that you place as priority in your life right now at this very moment. And be HONEST (no one knows but you and God what you place as your priorities) I hope that Jesus came in the #1 spot. If he didn't then that would be a great place to start. I can honestly and shamefully say that somedays I FAIL at putting Jesus at number one. (honest moment) I just like you have to be reminded that my earthly situations should NEVER come before God and his rightousness. Besides how much easier is it to think on God, serve God and just love God and have him handle your everyday toils and torments. Is education important? It sure is! Is it more important than God? It sure ISN'T with out God there would be no "education" so how dare any of us put it before him right? That goes with other things that we deal with daily. Colossians 1:16-17 says:
Matthew 6:33 says " But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you".
Now this scripture happens to be my favorite, yet its still one that I have to work on myself. I get focused on a day to day bases on trying to do things my way when God wants my focus on him so that way he can do what he needs to do with out my messy uncoordinated hands being in the way. So lets talk about what a priority is:
a priority is something given special attention. it is also a preferential rating.
Lets do a little thinking. Sit and think of about 5 things that you place as priority in your life right now at this very moment. And be HONEST (no one knows but you and God what you place as your priorities) I hope that Jesus came in the #1 spot. If he didn't then that would be a great place to start. I can honestly and shamefully say that somedays I FAIL at putting Jesus at number one. (honest moment) I just like you have to be reminded that my earthly situations should NEVER come before God and his rightousness. Besides how much easier is it to think on God, serve God and just love God and have him handle your everyday toils and torments. Is education important? It sure is! Is it more important than God? It sure ISN'T with out God there would be no "education" so how dare any of us put it before him right? That goes with other things that we deal with daily. Colossians 1:16-17 says:
16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
So you don't have to worry about if I take my focus off of my life then my life will fall apart well first the bible tells that we were bought with a price therefore we are to honor God with our bodies and in our spirit which are his. I paraphrased that but you can read it in 1 Corinthians 6:20. If you are Gods do you think he is gonna just leave you hanging? Of course not he ALWAYS has something planned for you. But if you don't put him first then your gonna be a confused mess because your plans make work temporarily but they eventually fall apart. Think of a time when you had a plan succeed when you finally just threw your hands up and said "Lord, you take it because I can't do it on my own any more." Things came together didn't they? So don't just think your gonna be hanging out there. :-)
(I said this would be short and it clearly keeps growing) Ok so back to priorites. Being a college student it is pretty easy to get caught up in the "campus life" that we tend to forget where our priorities lie. Since we know now that jesus should come first ALWAYS lets talk about some things under him.
For most of us EDUCATION( your job can be applied in its proper context) would be next on our lists. So im going to speak on that but I find one topic that should be truly be above education, that I will try mention next. Now I know that college is so much fun and what not but its more than that. Your schooling should be more important to you then always wanting to hang out and socialize. Am I saying not to socialize? No. But you should know when you need to stop and get serious about your work. Don't let that time come to late. Remember it doesn't matter what your friends are doing right now. If your life isn't together you will very well get left behind while your friends graduate and move on. Handle your business FIRST and then take breaks to socialize. know your limits. If you have to get a planner or in our technologically advanced days get your smart phone and plug in specific times for studying, socializing, "you-time", time to eat (if it takes that to get you on track), sports schedule if play sports, so on and so forth.Don't get left behind because your not putting your focus where it needs to be. trust me this is something that everyone needs to work on INCLUDING myself. It really does work though. Organization is KEY. I was able to get assignments completed on time, had time for friends and time to relax, which in my opinion are all necessary. Remember You ARENT going to be in college for the rest of your life and if your like me your already almost done with that. So get your stuff together now while your still young and can do so. There is a saying that says "youth is wasted on the young" If you work hard now while you have the faculties to do so, when your faculties ever being to stop working then you won't have to work so hard to enjoy life.
Ok so i have kind of gone long so Im gonna stop at this point. FAMILY. Family is REALLY number TWO. It doesn't matter that your in school. They should always be a top priority no MATTER WHAT! so what if you have hard times with your family. So what if your mad that when you go home your parents expect you to care for the house as though you still live there everyday. DO IT. So what if your younger siblings get on your nerves. LOVE THEM ANYHOW Your family BY far will be the best things that has ever happened to you. I do realize that some families may not be perfect but everyone has a family SOME WHERE. You should never ever try to burn bridges with your family because they are going to love you the most. They are gonna help you make WISE decisions, and they are going to be there to support you through all that you go through. NEVER let school or anything out side of that get in the way of your relationship with them. If anything you should be constantly working on building that unit. God is obviously BIG on family. Because here we all are today. Children of a great and mighty king. our mother being the earth of which our fleshly bodies where formed. and our brother, friend, and bridegroom, a man that loves us like he loves the church and gave his LIFE for the eternal forgiveness of our sins JESUS CHRIST. Never EVER forsake your family. What ever family God has blessed you with. They should always come first. YOur time with them is so precious, and to lose it would be so terrible.
Ok, I don't even know if I hit the Priority part good enough but for a "just getting started again" post I think its good enough. So to recall. Keep God First seek him, love him, learn him. And any problems with the the above stated will and can be fixed if you just keep seeking the father and putting him first. So now hopefully I will try to blog more but we will see how that goes. Your not the only one that has to make sure their priorities are straight! I hope that you are all doing well!
Chelsee <3
So you don't have to worry about if I take my focus off of my life then my life will fall apart well first the bible tells that we were bought with a price therefore we are to honor God with our bodies and in our spirit which are his. I paraphrased that but you can read it in 1 Corinthians 6:20. If you are Gods do you think he is gonna just leave you hanging? Of course not he ALWAYS has something planned for you. But if you don't put him first then your gonna be a confused mess because your plans make work temporarily but they eventually fall apart. Think of a time when you had a plan succeed when you finally just threw your hands up and said "Lord, you take it because I can't do it on my own any more." Things came together didn't they? So don't just think your gonna be hanging out there. :-)
(I said this would be short and it clearly keeps growing) Ok so back to priorites. Being a college student it is pretty easy to get caught up in the "campus life" that we tend to forget where our priorities lie. Since we know now that jesus should come first ALWAYS lets talk about some things under him.
For most of us EDUCATION( your job can be applied in its proper context) would be next on our lists. So im going to speak on that but I find one topic that should be truly be above education, that I will try mention next. Now I know that college is so much fun and what not but its more than that. Your schooling should be more important to you then always wanting to hang out and socialize. Am I saying not to socialize? No. But you should know when you need to stop and get serious about your work. Don't let that time come to late. Remember it doesn't matter what your friends are doing right now. If your life isn't together you will very well get left behind while your friends graduate and move on. Handle your business FIRST and then take breaks to socialize. know your limits. If you have to get a planner or in our technologically advanced days get your smart phone and plug in specific times for studying, socializing, "you-time", time to eat (if it takes that to get you on track), sports schedule if play sports, so on and so forth.Don't get left behind because your not putting your focus where it needs to be. trust me this is something that everyone needs to work on INCLUDING myself. It really does work though. Organization is KEY. I was able to get assignments completed on time, had time for friends and time to relax, which in my opinion are all necessary. Remember You ARENT going to be in college for the rest of your life and if your like me your already almost done with that. So get your stuff together now while your still young and can do so. There is a saying that says "youth is wasted on the young" If you work hard now while you have the faculties to do so, when your faculties ever being to stop working then you won't have to work so hard to enjoy life.
Ok so i have kind of gone long so Im gonna stop at this point. FAMILY. Family is REALLY number TWO. It doesn't matter that your in school. They should always be a top priority no MATTER WHAT! so what if you have hard times with your family. So what if your mad that when you go home your parents expect you to care for the house as though you still live there everyday. DO IT. So what if your younger siblings get on your nerves. LOVE THEM ANYHOW Your family BY far will be the best things that has ever happened to you. I do realize that some families may not be perfect but everyone has a family SOME WHERE. You should never ever try to burn bridges with your family because they are going to love you the most. They are gonna help you make WISE decisions, and they are going to be there to support you through all that you go through. NEVER let school or anything out side of that get in the way of your relationship with them. If anything you should be constantly working on building that unit. God is obviously BIG on family. Because here we all are today. Children of a great and mighty king. our mother being the earth of which our fleshly bodies where formed. and our brother, friend, and bridegroom, a man that loves us like he loves the church and gave his LIFE for the eternal forgiveness of our sins JESUS CHRIST. Never EVER forsake your family. What ever family God has blessed you with. They should always come first. YOur time with them is so precious, and to lose it would be so terrible.
Ok, I don't even know if I hit the Priority part good enough but for a "just getting started again" post I think its good enough. So to recall. Keep God First seek him, love him, learn him. And any problems with the the above stated will and can be fixed if you just keep seeking the father and putting him first. So now hopefully I will try to blog more but we will see how that goes. Your not the only one that has to make sure their priorities are straight! I hope that you are all doing well!
Chelsee <3
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Why Chick-Fil-A
EVERYONE should be in a rush today to get to the nearest chick-fil-a! Why? It has nothing to do with the fact that they don't support gay marriages (which that should NOT be a surprise to ANYONE they are a Christian business that has been honoring their beliefs since they opened by not having work on Sundays. What do you think would make this any different? Besides they were ASKED what they BELIEVED, how you gonna get mad when they answer and it's not favorable to the answer you believe you should get? Its their opinion!) it has EVERYTHING to with the fact that they STOOD on their beliefs, they didn't hide the fact that the business stands firmly on the Lord. Look how far their business has come. They STILL have the BEST quality of food, best customer service by far (at least whenever I go) and they are one of the biggest restaurant chains. You can't say God hasn't blessed them.
This also shows you that if the company deals in truth, you can trust them! They choose stand on their belief even in the midst of the heat of the situation. With it being something as serious as this, you know that minor things are treated the same way. Everyone wants to look at the fact that they don't support gay marriage, but no one wants to look at the fact that this is one of few companies who will stand up and take advantage of their freedom of religion and their freedom of speech! That in my opinion deserves a trip for an 8 piece nugget! The government is trying to stop Chick-Fil-A from placing their business in certain areas, thats absurd. Not once did they ever say that gays couldn't come and eat at their business, or that gays couldn't work there. Everyone is so quick to criticize what they are doing.
The fact that people are mad is ridiculous. People in the world want for everyone to flow in their ways and do like they do. NO DON'T DO IT! This is a lesson for anyone, don't let the world tell you how you should live your life. They are gonna get mad anyway when ever you do anything unfavorable that is against the "flow". Don't let that discourage you! They don't pick the standard God does.Stay on the path that God made for you! So now today when you get ready to go have your breakfast, lunch, or dinner today make sure you stop by Chick-Fil-A and remember your supporting a business who is standing up in their constitutional rights, and who is unashamed of God. The Christian community should be all over this in support of standing for Christ! This is what it's about! Standing up and and standing out!
-Chelsee
This also shows you that if the company deals in truth, you can trust them! They choose stand on their belief even in the midst of the heat of the situation. With it being something as serious as this, you know that minor things are treated the same way. Everyone wants to look at the fact that they don't support gay marriage, but no one wants to look at the fact that this is one of few companies who will stand up and take advantage of their freedom of religion and their freedom of speech! That in my opinion deserves a trip for an 8 piece nugget! The government is trying to stop Chick-Fil-A from placing their business in certain areas, thats absurd. Not once did they ever say that gays couldn't come and eat at their business, or that gays couldn't work there. Everyone is so quick to criticize what they are doing.
The fact that people are mad is ridiculous. People in the world want for everyone to flow in their ways and do like they do. NO DON'T DO IT! This is a lesson for anyone, don't let the world tell you how you should live your life. They are gonna get mad anyway when ever you do anything unfavorable that is against the "flow". Don't let that discourage you! They don't pick the standard God does.Stay on the path that God made for you! So now today when you get ready to go have your breakfast, lunch, or dinner today make sure you stop by Chick-Fil-A and remember your supporting a business who is standing up in their constitutional rights, and who is unashamed of God. The Christian community should be all over this in support of standing for Christ! This is what it's about! Standing up and and standing out!
-Chelsee
Monday, July 30, 2012
To Judge or to Not Judge: That is The question!
I always hear a lot about this subject and I always get a lot of heat for it as well. People believe that it's a terrible thing to judge. Using “judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) as their justification. In some cases they are right. Judging is bad, but over all its not. We make judgments everyday, that’s how we know what is good for us and what is bad for us. Judging in life is very important and God and the authorsof the bible stress it greatly. We have to not be afraid to do what the bible tellsus to do. So lets get into this.
So first lets talk about what judging is dictionarywise:
Judging:
1.To form an opinion through careful weighing ofevidence and testing of premises
2. To form an estimate or evaluation of;especially: to form a negative opinion about
3.To hold as an opinion
(Those were all taken from http://www.merriam-webster.com)
Of course many will go directly to number four where it talks aboutnegative judgment, but lets open our minds and explore the truth that lies within it biblically.
There are 3 different types of judging (judging ourselves, judging others, and God's judgement on us) so lets break them down.
1. Judgingourselves:
we should always, ALWAYS spend time on this. Actually its like the MOST important and the most stressed
But if we judged ourselves, we should not be judged (1Corinthians 11:31)
What this means is that if we judge ourselves and correct us then no one will be able to come back and say, "well how are you gonna tell me about me and your doing the same thing?" when you judge yourself then you can avoid that, because you wouldn't be doing it in the first place! judging yourself takes away peoples ability to judge you.
So what things about OURSELVES should we judge?
1. The way we talk, A lot of people believe that what they say really doesn't matter but they do, and they mainly affect yourself. What you say towards others hoping to hurt them could turn back to you. You keep cussing your boss, dont be mad the day he says "YOUR FIRED!'
"You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation." (Matthew 12:34-37)
2. Your attitude, I think the above scripture kinda touched on that indirectly, but we need to stop being such HOT HEADS. You popping off every 5 seconds isn't cool. If you fix that people will want to be around you more. Don't let this be what keeps you from being successful. Judge your attitude, is it positive or is it negative? Don't be like moses who was mad at the people complaining about water ( I mean low key who wouldn't be thirsty after walking around the desert for FOURTY years?),he was so affected by it he went totally against God and beat the water out of the rocks instead of speaking to them like God said to. He even called the peoples rebels. You could hear it all in his voice Im sure when he spoke to them saying "hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water or of this rock?" Number 20:10. Its funny I was just looking on twitter and someone posted a tweet saying "Don’t confuse my personality with my attitude , my personality is who I am, my attitude depends on who you are !" thats so not true! you determine what your attitude is. Someone only annoys you or makes you act out of character if you let them. You have COMPLETE control over what affects you or not.
3. The things you do ( I really need to speed this up HA!)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
I think this is self explanatory, you should be doing everything to honor God, and nothing less of that. Are you a good steward of your time and money ( this is judging by definition one that we discussed before). Are you utilizing the time you have been provided to accomplish everything that you need to for the day rather than wasting it doing nothing? Are you using your money wisely,paying your tithes and offering and buying things you NEED before things you want? Are you keeping your self in good standing, if you still have your chastity or are celibate are you judging the situations you place yourself in as to not violate those lines? ( I really hope and pray that you are being very careful *STAY STRONG, God will bring you who he has for you when you both are ready. Be patient!*) Do you weigh the outcomes to taking drugs if you do them and how will they affect your life? Do you even think of how what you do will affect your future children? Cause it will. Are YOU being the example for the next generation to thrive off of?
4. Judge your heart. You should abstain from listening to your heart. Your heart will definitely lead you in the wrong direction every time if it isn't filled with Gods word, will, and love (read your bibles, spend time with him, and meditate on his word) and even then you should still judge what it does.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander Matthew 15:19
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9
The last one basically means that if you choose to "follow your heart" just know that you will be judged by what you do, especially if it complies with the first verse. The bible tells us to guard our heart in proverbs 4:23. The bible TELLS us to TRUST in the Lord with all of your heart, your heart doesn't naturally trust. Jesus even told us to"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" matthew 22:37 You have learn to love or else Jesus wouldn't have to tell you to do it thats important that it says that, you can deduce that the heart is not naturally in a state to lead you into the right decisions. You have to actively make your heart do right.
These things all benefit you, the only thing that may be hard with it is being able to look at yourself and tell yourself the truth. If you lie to you then self-judgement is of no use and you end up making rash decisions, or put yourself in terrible positions/situations. So don't be afraid to judge yourself. You have to look with in you if you want to change you. Im gonna end this part with the verse that I mentioned in the very beginning
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV
~Chelsee<3
4. Judge your heart. You should abstain from listening to your heart. Your heart will definitely lead you in the wrong direction every time if it isn't filled with Gods word, will, and love (read your bibles, spend time with him, and meditate on his word) and even then you should still judge what it does.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander Matthew 15:19
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9
The last one basically means that if you choose to "follow your heart" just know that you will be judged by what you do, especially if it complies with the first verse. The bible tells us to guard our heart in proverbs 4:23. The bible TELLS us to TRUST in the Lord with all of your heart, your heart doesn't naturally trust. Jesus even told us to"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" matthew 22:37 You have learn to love or else Jesus wouldn't have to tell you to do it thats important that it says that, you can deduce that the heart is not naturally in a state to lead you into the right decisions. You have to actively make your heart do right.
These things all benefit you, the only thing that may be hard with it is being able to look at yourself and tell yourself the truth. If you lie to you then self-judgement is of no use and you end up making rash decisions, or put yourself in terrible positions/situations. So don't be afraid to judge yourself. You have to look with in you if you want to change you. Im gonna end this part with the verse that I mentioned in the very beginning
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.(B) 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.(C)
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5NIV
key- "FIRST take the plank out of your OWN eye, THEN you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye"
In the next part I will talk about how we are to judge others. Sorry this was so long, it could have been longer but i figured this would be enough to get the point across. I cant promise the next one wont be short either, cause there is definitely a lot to cover. But until then remember:
~Chelsee<3
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
My Testimony: As of Now
It took me some time to realize the significance of being what most call the "golden girl." I never thought that I would ever be able to relate to others outside of that because " I haven't gone through what they have been through." Often times I have even been told that, and frankly its a little disheartening, only until you realize that your in a wonderful situation. With the fact of me not being a partier, drinker, smoker, etc. I don't have to worry about some of the things that many others worry about..I still have fun its just all in how you do a thing. This has saved me from many heartaches and lots of drama. I have come to the realization that I don't have to have gone through the things that this world has gone through in order to:
My life is still progressing and there is a lot a head of me, but everyday I pray that grow more and more perfect in God, through love. There is still more to come!
~ Chelsee
- teach people the way to go
- be happy
- be cool
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech youby us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Do ambassadors mess up sometimes? Most Definitely, at the same time though they spend their time advocating for God. I am learning that not everyone can understand the type of life that God blessed me to have. Yes, many have endured hardships and did things that they didn't want to do. I just wish that many would realize that once you sin once you don't have to do it again. You have full power over yourself, and I have tried to cultivate that as much as possible. I believe that if Jesus could lead a perfect life, then I can lead a close to perfect life as well!
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~ Chelsee
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