Resurrection Day!

So last night my family and I were up late watching The Passion of the Christ. I honestly really liked the movie. I must say that it was WAY to graphic for what I usually like to watch, but without it the point would not have been reached. In other words, without the bloody gore I probably wouldn't feel the way that I do, the sorry feeling for Him, the wishing 'If only I wasn't a sinner.'

 

But I can't keep living in if's. I am a sinner. But I'm going to do my best in this life, I'm going to tell others of His great Unfailing Love, and I will preach His word for as long as He has me in this world. And most importantly, I will love Him always.

And I pray that you will do the same.

Easter + Week 17 :-)

My family and I recently started a new movie series, you may have heard of it before, Once Upon A Time. It's really good, yet very addicting. :-/ (Honestly, I try to avoid those kind of movies. It's all I ever think about during the day)

Anyways, in the movie Emma Swan is supposed to be the "savior." Her job is to make the happily-ever-after's come back. My sister and I really enjoy figuring out who and how she "saved" people. Cinderella is a good example of what I mean. If it weren't for Emma, Cinderella's boyfriend wouldn't have come back and her baby would have been taken. But because Emma was there she got to keep her baby and she doesn't have to raise the baby on her own.

While my sister and I enjoy finding the "clues" in the movie, we are oblivious to what God is doing- in our world- to save us. Constantly we are hearing about the miracles that happened to (example:) Rachel and James and how God restored there marriage. Or how Steve lost his job and was afraid to tell his wife and kids the news, yet new he had to. Then a job opportunity came up only a week later, Hallelujah! But we don't pay any attention to those things. Just the addicting things, such as TV.

Do you see what I'm getting at? So what I'm going to do is change our way of thinking. This world can be good, it just depends on which way you look at it. You can look at it as a world full of sin or you can look at it as a world full of Miracles. Look through God's eyes, not your own.
Jesus died to make that difference. He gave Himself up so that you may see through God's eyes. So that you may have hope. So that you may live with the love God is so willing to give. So that you may love others with God's love, which is Unfailing.

 

 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

And death, it couldn't keep Him. <3

What are you doing this Easter, and why do you celebrate it?

Week 15-16

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Luke 12:22-23

This verse, like most of them in the Bible, makes a great point. Why do we worry about these things? I'm constantly afraid we won't be able to provide these things for our family, when really we aren't the ones providing. God is.

 

 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Luke 12:24-25

God provides things for animals. You know that. But what about those going extinct? You know about the hundreds of dying animals too, but personally I think it's because of all the gas and garbage they mistake as food. Humans, though, make that mistake also. They eat junk food (or garbage) instead of real food... God's food. But I'm not going to go into a health lesson right now.

 

If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! Luke 12:26-28

I buy my clothes at Goodwill or Savers, in other words I buy used clothes. I find it a waste to buy new clothes, not only because the style these days are full of bologna (very inappropriate), but also they cost a lot. Though we don't go shopping more than twice a year, otherwise for fun. God provides these things for us, because if it were up to some of my family we wouldn't go shopping ever!

And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Luke 12:29-31

I don't know about you, but I've never really looked at it that way before. Millions and millions of people eat everyday, and somehow we have enough. And if you look in my refrigerator right now, we have extra. It's amazing how much God truly provides for us. But why do we hoard this kind of thing rather than share it with those who have none, I don't know. Why not ask yourself that? I'm glad to share mine, are you?

Week 13-14 -Updated

My friend and I were talking the other day and the Book of Genesis popped up. I've been reading Genesis for the past weeks and I find it only appropriate to be talking about that this week.

When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” he answered. (Genesis 27:1 NIV)

Isaac's wife, Rebekah, had twins, Esau and Jacob, not long after they married. Esau, the older of the twins, was about to get Isaac's blessing because he was old and going to die soon. But Rebecca didn't like Esau as much as she liked Jacob (people really shouldn't pick favorites) and she over heard there conversation...

Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death. Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.” Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” (Genesis 27:2-10 NIV)

See what I mean? So Jacob goes to the flock and picks two of the yummiest looking goats he can find and he gives them to his mother to cook for his father...

So he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and she prepared some tasty food, just the way his father liked it. Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins. Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty food and the bread she had made. (Genesis 27:14-17 NIV)

Now strangly this plan of there's worked quite well, but as soon as Esau found out about this, he was furious!

After Isaac finished blessing him, and Jacob had scarcely left his father’s presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting. He too prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him, “My father, please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” “I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn, Esau.” Isaac trembled violently and said, “Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed he will be blessed!” When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father!” (Genesis 27:30-34 NIV)

(I know he doesn't sound furious now, just wait and you'll understand) What a deceitful boy (and mother)!

Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” (Genesis 27:41 NIV)

See? Well, to sum everything up, Rebekah found out about Esau's sceem and sent her son, Jacob, to her brothers house and he stayed there and married both his daughters Leah and Rachel and both there maidservants. All together he had twelve boys and one girl (Poor girl).

The point of me preaching this is because I wanted you to think about it. What lesson did you see in all this?
This weeks challenge is to read Genesis 27. I know I read most of it to you already, but I did skipped some parts. :-)
Have a wonderful week!
God Bless, Amy

Sorry!

Good afternoon friends! I want to apologize for missing two weeks of the challenge (I feel really bad). I just got wifi from a friend (I've been on vacation in Arizona for two weeks) and I'm just now starting to catch up on a few things. I will be posting both challenges from last week and this week on Wednesday. I know it seems silly to post last weeks, but I'll just post it anyways.

Week 12

Venturing through the book of Psalms:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalms 46:1-3

This verse tells us not to be afraid of anything that may come before us. We must believe and trust that what God is doing in our life is right. God planned our life from the way beginning, before your parents even knew you were coming. Trust God just as you would trust your friend, whom you can plainly see. Ask God to open your eyes and your heart so that you may see His presence, which is everywhere.

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10

So do not fear. You are loved. You can be saved, even if you are currently falling down a giant mountain.

Save me God!

 

It won't take your life to say these three words and mean what you say. Do not be afraid of what trials may come your way because God will be there too. He is there to guide you and help you. All you have to do is accept it.

 

For God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalms 48:14

 

So this weeks challenge is to NOT be afraid. Know that God is with you at all times. So step out of your comfort zone, and into the open air of trying new things.

New Weekly Challenge

Due to electronic restrictions newly enforced upon me by the queen bee (my mother), I am no longer able to post daily (also because I will be on vacation for a month). But do not fear, friends, I will be posting weekly challenges that will replace the daily challenges. They will be posted every Sunday, and I pray it will still change the lives of those in need all the same as before.
I hope you enjoy the new switch over!

God Bless, Amy

Day Seventy-Three

One thing that I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalms 27:4

Amen. What more can I say? Todays challenge is to read Proverbs 3

Day Seventy-Two

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42


Todays challenge is to forgive someone who has once wronged you. I know most people hold on to these things, but I tell you, just as Jesus has told me, forgive them. You will be surprisingly relieved at the end result. So forgive.

Day Seventy-One

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

Todays challenge is to undo an old habit; No more bad language at all, what-so-ever. I know it is a hard habit to break, not that I have experience with such bad habits, but I've broken challenging ones before and I know it's possible. God doesn't approve of such terrible words, and I agree. They only put those around you down. If you already don't use such language, then good, but try to break some other bad habit. Good luck, and God Bless.

Day Seventy

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

Today's challenge is to know the Lord is God. Tell others of your knowledge. Remind them that you are a God Girl/Boy!

Day Sixty-Nine

The heart of the righteous weighs it's answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. Proverbs 15:28

God doesn't like the evil ones or his ways. He know His children are in danger and He wants to save them and that's why He sent us. He sent many of us to come and be the hands and feet of Jesus and tell others about a god better than the one they praise. Our God is always better. So todays challenge is to not turn an evil eyes towards the one who deserves it, but send a loving heart towards him/her. Everyone can be saved.

Day Sixty-Eight

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:9

Today's challenge is to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. God doesn't like it when you don't listen to His or others orders or lessons. He wants you to learn His Word and be taught by others who know more than you so that you may grow up to be the man/woman God created you to be. So challenge yourself. Listen. Be calm and listen happily.

Day Sixty-Seven

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalms 34:4-7

 

Today's challenge is to thank God for what He's done in your life. Even if you can't see what that special thing is, just know that it's there somewhere. God works hard to do special things in your life, open your eyes to see the good in all things, and thank Him for those Blessings.

Day Sixty-Six

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4

 

Todays challenge is to read Psalms 19
I want to be in perfect peace. I truly do! I can't stand to be a hectic person who is always frustrated. I want to be peaceful. I know in my heart how to be in perfect peace, and my way is not death. My way is God's way. He can give me Peace, true long lasting Peace. All I have to do is ask.

Day Sixty-Five

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

We are not slaves. We are God's followers. We are His fragile jewels. We are the hands and feet of Jesus, which means we need to do what's right. We need to help other get to know Him. We need not to look at others in shame, but with loving and kind eyes. Just like a child when they get into trouble, you can't yell at them and not forgive them afterwards. God forgave you, so reach out to those in need and forgive them too.

Day Sixty-Four

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

Do you have any bad habits that you'd like to get rid of? Go to Jesus. He died on the cross to take those bad habits off of your shoulders so He could wear them instead. And He's okay with taking them. So I challenge you to give those bad habits to Jesus. Become a new person. Become the person God created you to be.

Day Sixty-Three

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalms 62:6

 

Let's pretend for a moment that you are a king. Think of all the wonderful things you could have, all the food in the world to make you full every night before you go to sleep in your ginormous and comfortable bed. Think of all the money. Would you give that up for a life full of hunger and sin and murder?
(Dramatic pause)
God did that. He came from His Kingdom to come into this sinful world. All to save you. Would you do that? Could you possibly love the people of this world so much that you would die for them? Only to be called cruel names 21 centuries later? Todays challenge is to not use His glorious name in vane. You should only use it when you are teaching someone else about Him, or your praising Him. Do not use it as bad language.
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:8

Day Sixty-Two

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

God loves you more than anything in the world. He gives you the things that you need to live, even if all it is is food every few days. But the things you want you only get every once and a while. If your one of those people who have lots of things, then give it to the poor. I'm not saying give all you own to the poor, just enough to make a little girl or boy, or even an adult smile. Todays challenge is to give something. But do it with love, because if you don't then it means nothing.

Day Sixty-One

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

The Spirit is God. Jehovah is God. Jesus Christ is God. God is God. Do not forget that. What do all the (greek) "gods" this world likes to talk about do? They take charge. They control the world. (supposedly) But those "gods" aren't real. God is real. Jesus is real. Would any of those faux "gods" send there son to die for you? Do they really think your special? That answer is no. They don't even glance at you for a moment. They don't care. Would the kings and queens of this world care? Would the pharaohs this would praises care? No. No. No! God loves you. A King; a God non-the-less, LOVES YOU TO THE FAR ENDS OF THIS WORLD!!!! Each and every one of you. Todays challenge is to keep that in mind. NEVER FORGET THE TRUTH! And most importantly, don't forget God. Because He never forgets you.