I Worship Jesus

 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

It's better to be good with God than to fight being misunderstood by a world who could never understand. But let it be understood, I do not worship man - I worship JESUS.
 -Clayton Jennings "Jesus Is"

If the world labels you and persecutes you, rejoice! It means that your light is shining, and men are seeing your good works. They hate you, because you are the light of the world and they live in darkness. Scripture tells us that your light exposes their evil deeds and it makes them uncomfortable. (John 3:20) 
But don't shut up, back down  or give in, even when the pressure is too much for you to take! God is faithful, and HE will give you the strength to continue to proclaim HIS truth and to give life to a dying culture. As Christians, we have knowledge of an indescribable gift, don't hold it back! 

"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19-20

Know Your Direction, not Destination

"Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established." Proverbs 4:26

I heard a preacher once say, "You don't need to know the destination of God's will, as long as you know the direction he wants you to go".
I've thought of that often since then. How often have you prayed "Lord show me Your Will" ? I have many times. However, now that I look back, I am beginning to see where in some cases, the Lord didn't want me to know his Will at first. He showed me which path to take, which direction to go, and asked me to simply be obedient so HE could show me the end result. Sometimes it's hard to discern God's Will. However, if you keep walking in the right direction, He will guide you.
Take it as a test, and learn to be faithful even in uncertainty.
  
"In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death." Proverbs 12:28
 
"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,
And He ponders all his paths." Proverbs 5:21

A Vision for My Life

We attended a discipleship conference last week in Florence, KY. It was so good! The bible teaching and spiritual training were excellent...so refreshing! I went to one of the young adult classes, the title "A Vision for Your Life" by Kevin Swanson. I thought I would share a few of the highlights I wrote down from his talk. It too was excellent!

1. Delight in the Lord and He will direct your paths. Where should I get my vision and purpose? God’s word!

I will not survive if my life purpose is for money or fun. I cannot serve two masters.

As Christians we do not seek money or fun. We should get out of bed in the mornings to seek the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness. All the other things will be added when we seek his will. REFUSE to serve materialism and its idols.

If I don’t get my purpose for life from God, I don’t have a purpose!

Three steps for living my life: 
    -Deny myself

             -Take up my cross daily
       - Follow Jesus through the valley of humiliation

God had made me to be a help-meet to my future husband. I am called to get married and manage my home. How can I prepare? What habits do I need to be developing now in order to be prepared for marriage? 

It's never too early to begin preparing! Don't wait until you become an adult and realize you should have started years ago! Ask the Lord to give you HIS vision for your life, not your own. 

Delight yourself also in the Lord,And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6