Will Work For Jesus

“Nor is it needful that we should have great things to do. . . We can do little things for God; I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God.” – Brother Lawrence

I came across this quote while preparing a Sunday School lesson and it really caused me to stop and think.

Is it enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God?

Okay, I don’t exactly have an abundance of straw lying around. But I sure do have a lot of Legos. I have a ton of laundry to do and more than a few dishes to wash. Beds to make, floors to clean, groceries to shop for. Your list might include things like chores to do, school to attend, homework to get done. Life is full of the mundane and the tedious.

And, as tough girls, we get the chance to do it all for the love of God.

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

It’s easy to work for Jesus when we’re volunteering, singing on the worship team, teaching Sunday School, or telling someone about Him. It gets a little bit trickier when it’s something secular, something we don’t want to do, or something that feels pointless.

But, don’t you see? That’s the amazing thing about working for Jesus! When we do all that we do for the love of God, there’s no such thing as secular – it’s all holy, divine, and special! There’s no such thing as something we don’t want to do – we’re submissive to and trusting of the perfect will and plan of God! There’s nothing pointless – it’s all for Him!

Working for Jesus is an all day, every day, every moment of every day thing. It’s an honor that we way too often take for granted. As much as we deny it, we put our “work for Jesus” heart in a box labeled “when I’m at church” or “when I feel like it” or “when other people will be able to see me.”

But it all matters. It all matters.

Is it enough for you to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God?

Do you want it to be?

Question: When is it easiest for you to “work” for Jesus? When is it hardest? How can you incorporate more of a Jesus focus in the way you live your every day life?

 

Zombies Vs. Aliens: Which Side Are You On?

English: Front Cover of “The Do-it-Yourself Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

No, I’m not advertising some up and coming B Horror movie.

No, I’m not pitching a new sci-fi novel idea (though, come to think of it…)

This is real life. Really real life.

On one side are the zombies. Despite the way that movies and video games have portrayed zombies, they aren’t gray, cold, drooling, dismembered creatures who can only groan and desire the sweet taste of human flesh. But it is fair to say that they’re the walking dead. And aliens are hardly little green men. Rather, they are otherworldly, living each day in eager anticipation of going home. Here are the comparisons. Which side are you on?

 

 Zombies want what they want and they want it now. Brains! Money! Success! Popularity! Happiness! Whatever it is, a zombie’s appetite is insatiable and they will spend their entire lives pursing it.

Aliens want only those things they can take back home with them. Things in this world just don’t satisfy them, so they don’t spend their lives chasing after things that don’t matter.

 

Zombies look like zombies. There’s no mistaking them because they all look the same – just like every other zombie around them.

Aliens look like alien and different. The way they dress. The way they talk. The way they live. It’s obvious that they’re different.

 

Zombies only care about themselves. Everything they do is for their benefit. And they’re zombies, so they don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

Aliens care about each other and the mothership. They want nothing more than to go home. Their life is spent preparing for that homecoming – they take care of each other and they try and get as many people to go along with them as they can. They do that by caring, serving, and loving.

 

Zombies think they’re alive, but they’re dead. The walk, talk, and spend their lives thinking they’re just fine. But when push comes to shove and this world is over, so are they.

Aliens live for something else. This world is not their home. They know, when it is over, they are going somewhere infinitely better – in a galaxy far, far away.

 

So, what do you think? Are you a zombie, mindlessly going through life, pursing everything you want, putting yourself and your desires first? They’re accepted, well-liked, popular, and portrayed as the norm.

Or are you an alien, living on the hope of the life after this one, knowing this world isn’t your home, and doing everything you can to experience the homeworld now as you eagerly await your homecoming? You won’t fit it. You’ll be rejected, ridiculed, and mocked.

^“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – 1 Peter 2:11-12

You weren’t meant to look like everyone else. Don’t be like the living dead. Be a stranger to this world and a lover of God. Live life in a way that makes you stand out, above reproach, anticipating the return of our Savior.

Zombies may be the majority, but aliens will be the ones to win the war.

Question: What are differences you notice between zombies and aliens? What zombie tendencies do you have? How can you better live as an alien in this world?

 

 

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?

Why You Should Own A Tiara

This is me in my pretty purple princess tiara.

Yes, I know I’m not really a princess.

Or a six year old girl.

I bought this $3 tiara to celebrate the fact that I am two years cancer free!!!!!! It’s a big deal because, honestly, I didn’t think I would make it this long. Having gone into remission twice before only to have the Hodgkin’s Lymphoma come back within a couple of months, I didn’t have a lot of faith that the remission would stick this time.

I love when God proves me wrong.

So I bought a tiara. I plan on wearing it proudly when I go out to celebrate with my friends. It’s a symbol of victory and life. The fact that this day is a gift, meant to be celebrated and enjoyed.

Then I realized…isn’t that true of every day?

And everyone?

So I’m not just going to wear my tiara on celebration day. I’m going to wear it every morning when I start my quiet time. When I start the day off with Jesus, I’m going to remember that it is a special day. A gift. A one-of-a-kind day to do something awesome and amazing.

And I think we should all be like that. It shouldn’t take a devastating illness to make us appreciate life. It’s Jesus! It’s knowing He holds us, gives us breath, and designs our purpose. It’s knowing that He doesn’t have to give us today – He chooses to give us today. Every single day. Every single moment. Every single breath.

Wow.

Doesn’t that make you want to celebrate? To do something to mark today as special? Do it!

And then do it again tomorrow.

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

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

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

What ways do you rejoice daily? How can you make today special? What Bible verses or worship songs remind you to treat every day as a gift?

Zombies Aren’t Sexy

I’m just waiting for it. Or maybe it’s already happened and I just haven’t caught wind yet. Some best-selling YA book about a lonely but beautiful and awesome sixteen-year-old girl who falls head over heals for a handsome, sweet, alive-yet-dead zombie.

Seriously! Seriously?

There is nothing sexy about a zombie – even if he was played by Channing Tatum. Their flesh is decomposing (unattractive both to the sense of sight and smell…and probably touch, too), their sole desire is to feast on human brains, and they aren’t exactly lyrical gangstas (“Brains…must eat brains…”)

The thing is…we all have our zombie moments. It’s like we’re the walking dead. Faces slack. Eyes glazed. Little to say.

Ugh. So not sexy.

Girl, get out of zombie mode! Quit living each day like it’s just another. Today is a gift from God. And you know what? Tomorrow will be too!

He didn’t have to give you this day, you know. But He did. He gave you that blue sky dotted with clouds, those pretty green trees, and that sweet smell of spring in the air. He made those birds sing and that dancing on your window. He blessed you with that bed you rolled out of, those super cute jeans, and those fantastic Skittles you’re keeping hidden from your friends.

Music. Oxygen. Laughter. Education. Chocolate. All gifts from a God who could have chosen to let you live a plain, boring, completely unexciting life.

Don’t live today like the walking dead. Don’t be a zombie. LIVE!!!!!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” – Psalm 118:24

Question: When do you most often find yourself slipping into zombie mode? Find some verses to help you snap out of it – and ask a friend to keep you accountable.

 

Know Your Worth

You deserve better than what you have right now.

Now, that may seem contradictory to things I’ve written in the past regarding contentment, but stick with me for a minute.

You deserve better than what you have right now because you have so much to look forward to in the future – namely, a perfect blissful eternity with Jesus. Which you aren’t going to get right now.

But what you do deserve right now is the glorious, God-glorifying life He has planned for you.

Do you believe that?

You deserve joy

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:11

You deserve love

“By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” – 1 John 3:16

You deserve a super godly guy

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from Your commandments!” – Psalm 119:9-10

You are worth all of that, tough girl. The problem is, not enough ladies believe this. They are willing to compromise and settle because they don’t know they are worth more. But they are.

You are.

You are worth daily living that feels like best day of summer vacation. A joy that won’t be shaken by anything or anyone. A hope that gets you through the toughest of times.

You are worth love that moves mountains. Friendships and friends that refresh you like lemonade. Love that fills you up so much, you can’t help but love other people because, if not, you’ll just burst!

You are worth a guy who reminds you of Jesus. He’s strong, sensitive, wise, considerate, thoughtful, and godly. He treats you like you are a princess, the daughter of a King. He’ll fight for you, protect you, and life you up.

You. Are. Worth it! Not because of anything that you’ve done, but because you have a Father in heaven who wanted to give it to you so badly, He died for it.

Question: Where do you most struggle with your value? Do you have any Bible verses that help you when you struggle? How does knowing your worth and value change the way you live your everyday life?

 

Passionate About Purity

A water drop. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Have you ever wanted something so badly, you would do anything to get it?

Maybe you wanted to buy something or go somewhere and you worked your pretty little tush off to earn the money. You avoided lattes, movies, and vending machines because nothing was going to deter you from that something.

Or maybe it’s a fitness thing. A sports goal or a desired weight. You disciplined yourself, pushed yourself, punished yourself until your crossed that glorious finish line.

Can you imagine if all tough girls were like that about their purity?

Imagine valuing your purity above anything else. Like a priceless treasure. A one-of-a-kind painting. Something of so much value and worth, you would do everything in your power to protect it.

You guard your eyes, not wanting anything that you see to mar your purity even a little. That might mean not watching certain TV shows or movies. Or maybe even avoiding hanging out with certain people who don’t believe in modesty (that goes for girls and guys).

You guard your body, knowing it’s been bought with the precious blood of Jesus. You know you’re walking on this earth, filled with His Holy Spirit, and the last thing you want is to bring Jesus into an unholy situation. So you draw the line at not even a hint. No compromise. You are precious and worth waiting for.

You guard your heart, knowing it is the very center of everything you feel and do. You don’t let lies, compromise, or negativity taint it even a bit. Instead, you fill yourself up with things that build you up, encourage you, and grow you in godly ways. The Bible. Books. Music. Friends. Time. It’s all pure.

Can you imagine being so passionate about your purity, it shapes everything you do? Can you imagine fighting for it?

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 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: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:1-5

Question: Is there any impurity in your life? Any compromise or shame? What do you need to change? Do you fight for purity, seeking it in every area of your life? What are you actively doing to cherish purity?

 

Related articles

• How to Pray for Purity (purehopeblog.net)
• “Purity Sucks” (procrastinatingtomorrow.com)

Are You In Need Of A Smack On The Head?

Blessed Are They Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness (Beatitudes #4) (Photo credit: loswl)

What’s one word that describes you?

And, no, I’m not looking for the word “Christian.” Or the much cooler “Jesus-follower” (dash added to make it one word)

There are lots of things to describe us tough girls. But there is one that should stand out above all else.

Righteous.

right·eous [rahy-chuhs]

adjective

1. characterized by uprightness or morality

2. morally right or justifiable

3. acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous: a righteous and godly person.

Regarding righteousness, you might be in desperate need of a smack upside your head. As Christian girls, we tend to lean in one of two ways.

-Self-righteous. You think you’ve got it all together. You’ve curbed the swearing. You don’t watch anything with an R rating (and even PG 13 can be pushing it…the exception being The Passion Of The Christ because Jesus makes R okay.) Not only do you have it all together, you criticize, judge, and put down others who aren’t as righteous as you.

-Lazy righteous. You don’t feel like you have to have it all together because, hey! That’s what grace is for! You know Jesus will forgive you, so you let out the occasional bleep word. You don’t care what you watch as long as certain people don’t know you’re watching it. And if someone does call you on your lazy righteousness, you laugh at their naivety, religiousness and…well, self-righteousness.

Which camp do you tend to set your tent up in?

The Bible gives us a very different idea of what righteousness should look like.

“But that is not the way you learned Christ! – assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through evil desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:20-24

So here’s the question: Do you look like Jesus?

Righteousness is humble (meaning you don’t brag, boast, or pump yourself up about it)

Righteousness is virtuous (meaning it permeates every part of you 24/7)

Righteousness is moral (meaning it holds up to the standards of the Bible, not what you want them to be)

Righteousness comes from submitting ourselves to the will and ways of God – not from making a giant list of do’s and don’t. Not from doing whatever we want and only putting on righteousness when it seems fit.

Question: Do you need a smack on the head regarding how self-righteous or un-righteous you are? Which way do you tend to lean? What habits do you need to break or start in order to daily put on the righteousness of Christ?

Related articles

• Tough Issues of Christianity: Morality vs. Righteousness (ptl2010.com)
• Day 23 – Righteous (divinelydefined.wordpress.com)

How Do You Spell JOY?

Jesus

Others

You

Have you heard that Christian camp inspired acronym before? Apparently it’s an easy way to remember how to find joy. And it’s less about the words themselves and more about the order. Jesus first. Others second. Yourself third. It’s the magic, do-all formula to lasting joy.

Here’s the thing – I’m not a formula girl. I don’t think there are 1, 2, 3′s to spiritual life and living. There is one.

Jesus.

“…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy.” – Psalm 63:5-7

“The hope of the righteous brings joy…” – Proverbs 10:28

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9

Joy in Jesus. That’s the secret formula. Love for other people, peace within yourself, all that other stuff flows naturally when you have a never ceasing, always flowing, never changing solid joy in the person of Jesus.

So how do you find joy in Jesus?

Think of it this way – what makes you find joy in other people and things? Time. Desire. Affection. Talking. Laughter.

Time with Jesus equals joy in Jesus. Talking with Jesus equals joy in Jesus. Finding love in Jesus equals finding joy in Jesus.

Question: Is Jesus your starting point when it comes to finding joy? How can you better make Him the source of your joy?

The Best of How To Fight Like A Girl: 1

 

So, as you read this, I am walking where Jesus walked in Israel! A life-long dream is coming true right NOW!!! Needless to say, I don’t exactly have internet access. So, for the next two weeks, enjoy a re-post of some of the most popular blogs from How To Fight Like A Girl.

 

Hot Or Not (Part 1)

This is Kindra (the one with the icky, sticky hands), a junior from our youth group who loves mentoring younger girls, acting, and singing. Kindra is pretty, super bubbly, and one of the nicest girls you’ll ever meet.

She also might be slightly insane.

You see, this weekend Kindra went to her closet, grabbed about half her clothes, and gave them away.

Yes, you read that right. Half.

 

And why did Kindra do something so drastic? It’s a little something we like to call: conviction.

On Wednesday, I’ll write more about the specifics about the conversation. But today, let’s talk about why modesty is a must for every kick butt girl. Yeah, it has to do with not making guys stumble. But there’s something so much more.

Let me ask you, what’s going through your head when you get dressed in the morning? Are you imagining who you’re going to see and what they will think about what you’re wearing? Do you size up certain areas of your body, hoping to look “cute”?

Why is all that so important to us? When it comes to modesty, you’ve probably heard the verse:

“Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” – 1 Peter 3:3-4

 

It essentially tells us what not to wear and what to work on.

But again – why?

That last part of the verse really hints at it. So does this:

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of God.” – Galatians 1:10

 

Why does modesty matter? It’s the same way that the way we spend our money matters. Or the same way that the way we spent our time matters.

It shows where our heart is.

It shows that we don’t need the approval of our friends or the attention of guys to make us happy – we have Jesus. It shows that we care more about what God thinks of us than what the culture thinks of us.

Modesty matters because God tells us that His approval is all that we need. And, when we trust that, it shows in the way we dress.

So take a look at your outfit. Take a look in your closet. Do your clothes reflect a kick butt girl who is totally satisfied with the ravishing love of her Savior? Or a girl who wants to fit in and get attention?

This blog was originally posted on January 24, 2011