Resolution Solution

New Years Eve 2012 (Photo credit: okchomeseller)

Goodbye 2012 with your drama, disappointments, dilemmas and down right crumminess. Hello 2013! Year of….

Year of what?

Whether your 2012 was epic or an epic fail, there’s a real sense of anticipation as a new year rolls around. What will it be like? What will happen? Who will I be? We get excited, full of wonder and hope at what the new year will bring.

So, of course, we make giant resolutions. And we do really good…for a month or so. Then they slowly fade to a memory as 2013 starts looking a whole lot like 2012. And 2011. And every year before that.

How can you make 2013 different? Allow me to offer some different kind of resolutions.

Instead of just saying you want to “read your Bible more,” make an actual plan to:
-Daily read your Bible (find a plan to follow – here are some ideas), journal, and pray
-Weekly go to church and some sort of youth group, small group, or Bible study
-Bi-weekly meet with an accountability partner
-Monthly read a Christian book

Instead of just saying you want to “be healthier”:
-Make plans with a friend to work our two or three times a week
-Start eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-Give up soda for the year
-Do some sort of outdoor activity once a week, no matter the weather

Instead of justing saying you want to “be a better friend”:
-Create a prayer lists of your closest friends and pray for them every day
-Cut back on texting and Facebook and increase actual phone calls and face to face conversations
-Never eat lunch alone…and never eat with the same people two weeks in a row
-Pick one friend to intentionally go deeper with this year and make an effort to do something with them once a week
-Pick one person who doesn’t know the Lord and make an effort to do something with them once a week

Instead of just saying you want to “be more organized”:
-Simplify your closet by giving away a large chunk of your wardrobe
-Make your bed every morning and take 15 minutes to pick up your room every night
-Do your homework first thing when you come home
-Daily do something to help out around the house

In all of these resolutions and whatever else you come up with, always remember:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Don’t set resolutions to make yourself a better person, to make yourself feel better, or to look good in the eyes of other people.

Do it for the glory of God.

Question: Where do you hope to grow in 2013? What’s your plan to help make that happen? How did you do on your resolutions from this last year and how can you do better this year? How does doing all of this for the glory of God change your attitude?

How To Deepen Your Roots

2011.01.01 Bible (Photo credit: Gerard’s World)

I could re-stat the obvious by extolling the virtues of personal quiet time, Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and service. But I’m going to give you more credit than that, tough girl, and assume you already understand the vital importance of those things.

So here are some other ideas for how to deepen your roots. I hope you’ll take one or two and really run with them.

Deepen your quiet time. Make it last longer. Try being outside. Or go in a closet with a candle and nothing to disturb you. Have it multiple times a day. Actually write in that journal you’ve had sitting around forever. Read a Christian book along with your Bible. Become an expert on a Christian hero of the past.

Deepen your Bible reading. Increase the amount you read. Memorize a book of the Bible (James, Titus, and Colossians are popular ones). Practice “scribbing” – writing out Psalms word for word. Read the Bible out loud. Write down things you don’t understand and actually talk to someone about it. Tell someone what God is teaching you and ask them to keep you accountable regarding it.

Deepen your prayer life. Write out a prayer list and be faithful to pray every day for certain people and things. Gather friends and pray together. Volunteer to pray out loud at youth group. Attend prayer meetings at your church. Read a book on prayer. Pray for every single person you see mentioned on your Facebook newsfeed. Practice being silent before God and learning to hear His voice. Pray through the Psalms.

Deepen your church attendance. Start going to Sunday School or a Bible study. Meet with an older woman outside of church. Get together once a week with a friend to pray together, read the Bible, and keep each other accountable. Volunteer to help with children’s ministry. Tithe. Learn what missionaries your church supports and start communicating with them. Go on a mission trip.

Deepen your service. Make a goal of doing one selfless act a week. Take over one of your parents chores around the house. Keep your room clean. Give away some clothes. Then give away some more. Bring your teacher coffee. Take time away from your friends to spend time with someone who needs some love.

Question: What are you doing to deepen your roots? What do you think you will apply from this list?

Related articles

• There’s more to Bible reading than… Being on your own (meetjesusatuni.com)
• Lesson 5 – Prayer – Assignments (christiansareus.wordpress.com)
• “Coffee Time” with God (tomvanderwell.wordpress.com)

When You Need To Be A Little More Serious

How would you describe yourself?

Energetic?

Immature?

Social?

Awkward?

Crazy?

Irresponsible?

Teenagers and young adults don’t have the best reputation in our culture. Just look at any show on ABC Family and you will see that you are painted as dramatic, inconsiderate, rebellious, selfish, hormone-driven, short sighted, and slightly stupid.

Yes, you should be offended.

But here’s my question for you, tough girl. Are any of those negative stereotypes true for you? Do people at your school think you’re just like everybody else? Do your parents? Does any part of your life reflect those girls on TV and at your school that you find so disgusting?

Truth is, you could probably afford to be a little more serious. I’m not talking about not smiling or laughing. That’s boring, not serious. It’s about much more than that.

Serious conversations. Having real heart-to-heart talks with friends where you talk about things that are deep. Being vulnerable and open, even if it is hard or embarrassing.

Serious school time. Not goofing around or playing with your phone. Actually respecting your teacher and your education.

Serious family time. Not taking your parents and all that they provide for granted. Helping out without grumbling. Occasionally choosing them over your friends.

Serious thoughtfulness. Thinking through the things you say and how they will be received. Thinking through what you wear and what message it sends. Thinking about how you spend your time and if it is best.

Serious Jesus love. Reading your Bible. Praying. Giving of your time and money. Making sacrifices. Reading Christian books. Talking to people about your faith.

If you’re itching to look different – to be different – than the typical young girl, maybe it’s time you started being a little more serious about…well, everything.

 

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” – Colossians 3:2-3, 5

 

Question: Do people look at you think you’re different than everyone around you? Are you seen as dedicated, focused, and mature? Where in your life do you need to be a little more serious?

 

How To Win Friends and Influence People For Jesus

Jesus is So Cool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We’re all suckers for hype. That’s why it’s called hype. People go all crazy over something or someone and, pretty soon, we’re wanting to know what the big deal is. So we read the book, see the movie, visit the place, eat the food, or do the thing that they’re all doing.

So…do you get people hyped up about Jesus? Here’s some ideas how.

Rock The Jesus Music. I will admit, I don’t always listen to Christian music. I find a lot of it sounds like something that would be played in an elevator. Or like something my mom would listen to. Or like something my mom would listen to in an elevator. All that said and done, there is a lot of good Christian music out there, too. So, when you find it, blast it. Play it all the time and talk about why you like it so much. Sing. Dance. Worship. If you know me, you know there’s no denying how much I love Switchfoot and The Supertones. I get people listening to it. And then we talk about it. And then they think about it. And then they think about Him.

Rock The Jesus Books. I read my Bible almost every day. I have one sitting on my coffee table, one in my car, a digital one on my iPod, and about five on my bookshelf. They are torn, tattered, coffee-stained, and falling apart. But there’s no denying that there’s much Bible love in my house. Don’t you love talking to people about what you’re reading? And for me it’s not just the Bible, but Christian books! (Summer Intensive, anyone?) I read biographies, spiritual growth, theology, and (my favorite) Christian fiction. I want to be as hyped up about Christian books as I am about The Hunger Games. Are you?

Rock The Jesus Clothes. No, I’m not talking about cheesy Christian T-shirts with a Coke logo that says a Bible verse (sorry if you own that shirt…just a matter of preference.) It’s more about modesty. Dress well and dress excellently. Cute tops that don’t show skin. A skirt or a pair of shorts that no one could call too short. Jeans that don’t hug in all the right places. Show off your beauty without showing off your body. And when you walk around all fabulous and confident, people will notice there is something different about you. And you can tell them why.

Rock The Jesus Talk. Yes, quoting Scripture is good. But Jesus is big into using love. Kindness. Encouragement. Forgiveness. Joy. Use your words to love people in the name of Jesus. Be a listening ear and an encouraging friend. Don’t gossip, slander, or complain. Instead, use kindness, thoughtfulness, and humor to make yourself (and Jesus) the kind of person that people want to be around.

Rock The Jesus Walk. Your attitude speaks volumes. The way you respond when your parents and teachers ask you for something. The way you drive. The way you react in the midst of conflict. The way you spend your time. Each moment you are around other people is a chance to influence them for Christ. Are you?

Question: How are you influencing your family and friends for Christ? How can you do it better? Which one of these is the easiest for you? Which one is the hardest?

When PDA’s Are Good For Christians

Boys are blue. Girls are red. Together, they make purple. And purple is not allowed.

Well, at youth group events, anyway.

But apart from awkward two week teenage relationships, there is an affection that Christians should not only desire and strive for but show no matter what. Actually, twelve of them.

Jonathan Edwards, known as the most important American Christian in history, wrote a work called Religious Affections. In it, he talks about how there are certain things which every Christian should display. Evidences which reveal the change inside of us from Jesus who changes us for His glory.

In other words, things that make it obvious if someone loves Jesus or not.

Are you wondering how affectionate you are? How passionate, zealous, and devout?

#1 – A new inward perception. You are created. You are not alone. You were fearfully and wonderfully made by Someone wonderful and worthy of holy reverence and fear. Yes, there is a God.

#2 – A pure love for God. Not a half-hearted, when it makes me feel good, “Hey, there’s a cute boy at that church so I’ll go there,” kind of love. But a consuming, heart stopping, can’t stop smiling kind of love for the God of the Bible.

#3 – A sense of beauty for God’s holiness. Realizing just how big and perfect God is and how little and imperfect you are isn’t a sad thing. It’s an amazing thing! It causes you stop and bust out in song and dance because He’s so worth it!

#4 – A spiritual understanding. The Bible is real. What it says is real. Jesus is the star and everything points to Him. And as a result…

#5 – A true conviction based on Scripture. The things that the Bible says aren’t distant and arbitrary. They’re for you personally.

#6 – A deep sense of a person’s insufficiency. You are a sinner. If you were Eve in the garden, you would have been making forbidden fruit pie on day 1. You are in desperate need of salvation and a Savior. Like, seriously, desperately, can’t hardly breathe in need.

#7 – A growth in becoming Christ like. You aren’t the same as you were last year. You are kinder, more generous, more bold, more loving. Bottom line – day by day you are becoming more like Jesus.

#8 – A Christ centered gentleness. The way you treat people reeks of Jesus. You stand apart from every girl around you because of how kind and gentle you are. And it isn’t something based on their likeability or your own good mood. It’s because you love Jesus.

#9 – A horror and sensitivity for sin. Sin disturbs you more than the idea of the Hangover III. When you sin, you are quick to repent and long to change. And there’s no justifying sin because you know your Bible well enough to call sin sin.

#10 – Consistency and constancy. Good days. Bad days. Busy days and Saturdays. 24/7 you are a Christian.

#11 – An intensified spiritual longing. You seriously get Scripture when it talks about hungering for God. No matter how much of Him you get, you want more. You want to be closer. You want to be more like Christ.

#12 – Holy practices. Commitment to reading the Bible, prayer, and going to church. Generosity, sacrifice, service, and purity. These are just a few of the many, many life-style changes that consume the affectionate Christian.

 

Question: Which of these affections are evident in your life? Which would you like to make grow? Do you have any friends who you think need to see this list and work on their PDA’s?

Related articles

• Why I Love Him (spiritualprayers.wordpress.com)
• What is a Christian? (samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com)
• Living in “Less Than” Guest Post by Stefanie Lein (iwokeupyesterday.com)

5 People Who Will Fail At Reading Their Bible – Are You On The List?

No one sets out to not read their Bible. I’m sure you didn’t open your eyes this morning and think, “You know what? I know I committed to trying to read my Bible every day. It’s January first. Nah – I think I’ll just skip today.” When it comes to Bible reading, we all have good intentions. But there are a few ladies out there who are set up to fail from the beginning.

 

Round-to-it Rudy

Rudy is a typical girl. She goes to school and plays a sport or two. She really likes hanging out with her friends and spends a lot of time texting and liking things on Facebook. Her room is kind of clean, she does the dishes after dinner, and has certain times when everyone knows they better not disturb her because her favorite show is on.

So when does she read her Bible? She always plans on doing it when she gets around to it. Once everything is done. Once the house is quiet and she can really concentrate because there isn’t anything else to do. She doesn’t want to set a quiet time because, well, she had too much to do.

Hate to break it to you, Rudy, but you’ll never read your Bible regularly if it’s at the bottom of your priority list.

 

Nighty-Night Nelly

Nelly actually has a set time that she plans on reading her Bible every day. She’s got it sitting right on her night stand. Her plan is that, when the day is done, she’ll pull on her jammies, slip under the covers, turn on a little lamp, and end her day basking in the Word of God.

How long until Nelly falls asleep? I give her two minutes, tops.

I am a huge advocate of reading your Bible in the morning. There’s just something amazing about starting your day off with Scripture. But I’ve also know people who genuinely enjoy reading in the evening – and they are committed to it. But never ever have I met a Nighty-Night Nelly who can climb into bed after a long day and regularly read and engage in the Bible. Beds are way too comfortable for that!

 

Distracted Denise

Denise sees her friends Rudy and Nelly and knows she doesn’t want to fall into their same traps. So she plans on reading her Bible right when she gets home from school. So she does. In her living room. With the TV on. And the computer open. And her phone sitting face up beside her.

Denise gets about two sentences in before she’s distracted.

There’s a reason we call it quiet time. Godliness and wisdom aren’t something we just absorb. We don’t grow closer to Jesus through osmosis. We have to sit down and…wait for it…concentrate! We have to focus. We have to turn off the world and turn on our brains and hearts. That can’t happen when everything around us is so noisy, it draws us away from God.

 

Perfect Polly

Polly not only knows she should read her Bible every day, she genuinely wants to. So she sets out to do it perfectly. She has forty minutes carved out each day. She has a study Bible, her journal, her journaling pen, her highlighter, and a cup for coffee. She has a devotional that’s at the top of the Christian best seller list. She is ready to go…

Until a day goes not so perfectly. And she suddenly has twenty minutes instead of forty. Suddenly, Perfect Polly is Panic Polly. How can she have her quiet time when her routine is messed up?

It’s easy to become religious with our Bible reading – to fall into a pattern of doing it the same way every time. The problem with that is, when life throws us a curve ball, we refuse to be flexible. And curve balls do come. The Pollys of the world get discouraged and give up when things suddenly don’t go their way.

 

Excuses Ellen

Ellen has committed to reading the Bible in a year. She even starts the year off great, reading every day for two weeks straight. Then comes a weekend where she’s hanging with her BFF the whole time. And she forgets to read. “But that’s okay,” she says, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

But tomorrow is Sunday. She helps out in Sunday school and goes to youth group that night, finishing homework in between. Again, her Bible gets neglected. “But I spent most of the day doing church stuff, so that counts.”

“I spent the day praying as I went along, so that counts.”

“I’m only reading to say that I read, so I need to take a break and get excited about reading the Bible again.”

“Oh, I’m not reading anywhere in particular. Just kind of skipping around.”

Ellen – get over yourself. Not only are you not reading your Bible, you refuse to be humble enough to admit it. So you make yourself feel better and try to make yourself look better by layering on excuses.

 

The Bottom Line

Nobody is perfect. We’re all going to struggle to be consistent in Bible reading. But that doesn’t mean we should be okay with that. Want some tips to help you succeed?

-Set a time to read. Treat it like an appointment that you can’t miss.

-Have someone keep you accountable.

-Talk with friends about what you are reading.

-Have a Bible translation that makes sense to you.

-Journal – even if it is simply a verse that you read and liked and why you like it.

-When you fall off the Bible train, hop back on. Don’t fall into the habit of not reading.

 

Question: What are your weaknesses when it comes to reading the Bible every day? Have you told someone so they can keep you accountable? What methods have you found help you stay in the Word of God? What are your goals for staying committed to reading the Bible this year?

The Top Ten Reasons You Should Do Bible In A Year (Even If You Epically Failed Last Year)

Image via Wikipedia

10. No matter how you finish, you start well. Many people set out to do Bible in a year. Not as many finish. But pretty much everyone starts off well, reading the Bible more consistently than they do the rest of the year. Even if you only make it a month, that’s a whole 30 days of regular Bible reading!

 

9. It makes you read stuff you wouldn’t normally read. When is the last time you thought, “I think I’ll spend some time in Nahum today? How about a little Philemon?” Going through the Bible in a year make you read the whole thing, not just the stuff you “like.”

 

8. It creates balance in your Bible reading. Let’s be honest – the New Testament is a lot easier to read, understand, and apply. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t incredible value in the Old Testament. Bible in a year helps balance out your reading so you don’t spend all your time in certain sections of the Bible – but still get that “easier” time in the NT each day.

 

7. It prevents laziness. We all get lazy in our Bible reading. We read a paragraph and think, “Hey! I spent time in the Bible today!” Bible in a year forces you to read a couple of chapters a day, which is something we all need.

 

6. It gives you something to talk to your friends about. One of the things I loved this last year was talking to my husband about what God was teaching us through what we were reading because we were reading the same thing. It’s amazing how deep conversations go when you talk with your friends about the different things God shows you through the same passages of Scripture.

 

5. It teaches perseverance. When you fall behind (and there’s a 99.9 percent chance you will at some point) will you give up? Or will you persevere, working hard, giving up time, in order to complete your goal? Our natural reaction is to give up when things are hard or we start to fail. But God calls us to more than that.

 

4. Many heroes in the faith have done it. One of the reasons I started doing Bible in a year was because I read that John Piper did it. There are few people alive I admire as much as him. If it’s good enough for him and all the other godly men and women that have gone before us, we should realize there’s value in it.

 

3. The amazing feeling on December 31st. If you set out to do Bible in a year and you actually finish, it’s an incomparable feeling of having accomplished something totally amazing!

 

2. The guilt that comes with it. When you commit to Bible in a year and then don’t read, you feel guilty. Believe it or not, that’s a good thing! It’s much better than feeling apathetic at not reading the Bible. It means you actually care.

 

1. It’s the Bible. The Bible has several verses speaking to the importance of, well, the Bible.

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32

 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” – Joshua 1:8

 

So, what do you say? Are you ready to try it again, even if you failed this last year? Think you can get farther than you did before? Let me know if you are committing for the first time or recommitting! I will post the readings for the week each Sunday (this year, it will be once through the OT and once through the NT). I also have a Facebook group where I post the readings day by day. It’s amazing how much accountability clicking “like” each day gives you!

A NOTE ABOUT THE WORST EXCUSE: Several people who set out to read the Bible in a year and then don’t have this excuse: “Well, it started to feel like I was doing it for the wrong reasons. I was doing it just to get it done and not really getting anything out of it.” The bottom line is, no matter what you are reading, you always go through seasons like that. It’s a battle to read the Bible every day and actually enjoy it. So please don’t let that stop you. Let that be a chance to persevere, to set aside sin and selfishness, and to cherish the Word of God even when you don’t really “feel” like it. I promise, if you persevere, you won’t regret it and will see that God has done an amazing thing in you as you stay committed to Him!

Finding Joy In The Bible

Image by Toban Black via Flickr

On Monday, I posted that joylessness is a sin because God’s Word says so. Want to see?

Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord…”

Psalm 100:1-2
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!”

Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope.”

Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say: Rejoice!”

1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Rejoice always.”

Rejoice! Have joy! Jump up and down, scream, dance – do what you need to do to let the world and yourself know that you have a joy that can never be shaken!

Write these Scriptures down. Put them all over your room. Share them with your friends. This is great news! We’re commanded to be joyful because we have Someone to be joyful about.

Related articles

• Spirited Fruit: Joy (inchristus.wordpress.com)
• Rejoice Always in His Presence! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
• 2nd Fruit of the Spirit: JOY (thegoldcommunity.wordpress.com)

The Daily Set List For Finding Joy

Image by koalazymonkey via Flickr

 

Are you convicted yet about seeking out joy and working hard to make it happen? (If not, read my post from Monday and maybe you will be.)

 

What are some ways that you can make it happen? If joy had a daily set list, it might look something like this:

 

Set your alarm

Okay, maybe you’re sick of me saying this blog after blog. But, tough girl, it’s the truth! God has blessed us with twenty-four hours a day. Six to eight of those are spent sleeping. But we need to do awesome things with the rest of them! Setting your alarm and getting up at a decent time (I’d say between 8 and 9am…7 if you’re super tough) is the best way to start off your joy seeking day.

 

Set goals

What do you want to get done this summer? If you haven’t made goals already, you should. (Can I make a plug for the Tough Girl Summer Challenge here? It’s not too late to start!) Don’t waste this time. Here’s a quick tip: Write your goals down! You are far more likely to follow through on something if you write it down.

 

Set a to-do list

Each day, write down what you want to do. A kick-butt girl I know starts off every morning with getting a list of chores from her mom. She does them right away, then has the rest of the day to do whatever she wants. Write down what you need to get done that day, then do it! Check them off and revel in the beauty of responsibility and the wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

 

Set time apart for Jesus

The first thing on my daily to-do list is reading my Bible. Before I check my email. Before I turn on the TV. Before I do anything, I try and read my Bible. I’m certainly not perfect every day, but I can guarantee that your day will feel a whole lot more joyful if you start it with Jesus.

 

Set your DVR

Seems silly, right? Well, how many of your days are sucked up by watching junk TV? Set your DVR to record one or two shows a day that you want to watch. Watch them only when your to-do list is all checked off. Save your brain cells from the destruction of vegging out on the couch. If you don’t have DVR, then make it a goal to not turn on the TV until what you really want to watch is on.

 

Set dates

Schedule hang out times with your friends ahead of time. In face, make Monday McKenzie day, Tuesday Tabitha day, Wednesday Whitney day (you know what I mean). It can be disappointing when you try and make spur of the moment plans and no one is available. It can also be disappointing when you get together with your friends and suddenly realize you have nothing to do. So set dates, make plans, and schedule in some fun!

 

Set your mind on things above

The last and most important part of the set list is the motivation.

 

“Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

 

Remember why you are doing the things you are doing. What eternal impact are they having? How are they helping you grow? How are they glorifying Christ?

 

Joy is right at your fingertips. Set your mind to make it happen.

Related articles

• 7 Ways to Have Fun and Joy in Your Life: No Currency Needed (lifeprocoach.wordpress.com)
• Daily Promises – July 15 (sharinhislove.wordpress.com)
• Joy in Everything? (jimf.wordpress.com)

Setting The Bar High

Today, you’re in for a treat. My wonderful and fantastic husband decided he was sick of me having all the fun of blogging to you awesome ladies and wanted to share something that was on his heart. Trust me, this guy knows what he’s talking about.

 

 

Have you ever had one of those teachers that, on the first day of school, you absolutely despised and then, by the end of the school year, you loved?

 

You know- that teacher who, on the first day of school, hands you a forty-seven page syllabus and then proceeds to read it out loud to you as if you couldn’t read for yourself.  By about the third day of syllabi, you want to rip your hair out as you ask yourself, “Why does this stupid teacher have so many rules?”

 

Why do you think it is that you love them by the end of the year?

 

I want to suggest that the reason is something that you probably have never thought of…you need structure! Yep I said it. You actually thrive when the standards are higher and the rules are more structured. I know we love to hate rules and high standards, but our success rate is always higher when we know what is expected of us.

 

Why do you think that is?

 

 

Sin keeps us from desiring to achieve and to pursue the standard of doing right, but God has built into each of us a need and to love the high standard He has set.

 

Look at a few verses from Psalm 119.

 

“…I delight in your law.” (Psalm 119:70)

 

“Let your mercy come to me that I might live, for I delight in your law.” (Psalm 119:77)

 

“I long for your salvation O Lord, your law is my delight.”  (Psalm 119:174)

 

The Christian who is fighting (like a girl…haha) to grow closer to Jesus Christ will actually thrive and succeed better as they live within His very, very high standard, namely the Bible.

 

Do you love the Bible?

 

I don’t mean worship it, because we only worship Jesus.

 

But do you love what it says? Do you love and take great delight in God’s Words?  Have you learned to thrive in the structure that God has given us in His Holy Word?

 

Here is a bit of advice…as you have to learn to give that school teacher a chance to win you over by the end of the year, you need to give God’s Word an opportunity to win you over as well. Delight in His Word…take it in…love the Bible…taste and see!

 

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.”  Psalm 34:8

 

-Nate Mazzuca (Crystal’s exceptionally white and awkward husband)