Today I stumbled across this poem about abortion by Sarah Ann:
Wait and please just think about this
You will never feel your baby’s kiss
Or be able to touch her silky soft hair
Abortion is murder, but you don’t care
You made a mistake when having fun
But why must your baby be the one
What did she do to deserve this death
You killed your soul, taking her breath
A sweet child's face you will never see
A wonderful mother you will never be
You will never feel her tender touch
Or have the chance to love her much
Another murderer is what you would be
We all know it; it is just too plain to see
When she first tries to open her shut eyes
You will muffle out all of her loud cries
Your baby deserves a whole life to live
Something like this I will never forgive
And you will never sing a lullaby song
Killing an innocent is just plain wrong
I couldn't agree more with this poem, and every time I read it, tears invade my eyes. I just can't understand how our society thinks it's okay to kill babies, and yet it is horrible to kill once the baby is outside of the womb. No matter how I try to see it, it just doesn't make sense to me.
Abortion is murder,and there's no other way to look at it. Yes, it could make life easier for you, and it gets rid of an inconvenience, but it is wrong.
Psalm 139:13-16 says,
For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
When I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
Were written in your book
Before one of them came to be.
If God knit every baby together, even in the mother's womb, do you really think He would approve of you destroying it? If God has personally written out all of our days for us, would He want us to be killed before we could experience even one?
According to this link, almost 40% of teen pregnancies end in abortion. This fact completely overwhelms me. 40% of God's perfect creations, who haven't sinned once in their short lives, are murdered in teen pregnancies. The bible says that God has a plan for every child before they are even born. Do you think it is His plan for them to be murdered?
If you are thinking about abortion, think about the life your child will never live because of your selfish choice. Think about how you are destroying God's perfect creation. If you really think about this, you won't murder your child. If this post saves even one child's life, I will rejoice.
-N
I too feel that abortion is wrong, that all life is precious wether it has taken a breath outside the womb or not, but if you have had an abortion we don't judge you for it. God is always ready to forgive, all you have to do is repent and ask Him to forgive you.
That doesn't justify anything, it doesn't mean we can screw up as many times as we want to and then tell God "I'm sorry, please forgive me!", but it is reassuring to know that God will always forgive us so long as we forgive others, repent, and ask.
-T
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 33
Yesterday, as I was reading Matthew 4, verses 18-20 really stood out to me:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman, "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him.
They left their nets at once. Not after they had caught their fish, not after they got everything in order, at once. They were fisherman, so they were probably catching their food for the next few days or weeks, but when Jesus told them to follow him, they left their food and obeyed without hesitation. They had faith that Jesus would take care of them, and he did.
So, this got me wondering that if I was in that same situation, would I have dropped my nets and followed. I would like to say that I am completely sure that I would, but, to be honest, I don't know. I don't know if I would be able to let all of my fish go away without catching them. I don't know if I would be able to trust that God would provide for me.
It's difficult when you know that you have to give up everything for God but you still find yourself clinging to the little security you have. I know God will provide for me and take care of me, but there's still that part of me that wants a back-up plan, just in case something goes wrong. But God never goes wrong.
I know that when I am in God's hands, he will take care of me like the perfect Father He is. When you get scared and want to have a back-up plan for God, just remind yourself that He doesn't fail. He is perfect.
Prayer: God, help me to be like Peter and Andrew. Help me to have faith that you will take care of me and provide for me. Help me to trust in you. Amen.
-N
I am excited to announce that we received 4 views from Thailand this week! Another country reached through the blog!
We have also received 900+ views:
USA 785
Russia 62
Canada 18
Germany 10
Ukraine 8
United Kingdom 4
Thailand 4
Romania 1
Singapore 1
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman, "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him.
They left their nets at once. Not after they had caught their fish, not after they got everything in order, at once. They were fisherman, so they were probably catching their food for the next few days or weeks, but when Jesus told them to follow him, they left their food and obeyed without hesitation. They had faith that Jesus would take care of them, and he did.
So, this got me wondering that if I was in that same situation, would I have dropped my nets and followed. I would like to say that I am completely sure that I would, but, to be honest, I don't know. I don't know if I would be able to let all of my fish go away without catching them. I don't know if I would be able to trust that God would provide for me.
It's difficult when you know that you have to give up everything for God but you still find yourself clinging to the little security you have. I know God will provide for me and take care of me, but there's still that part of me that wants a back-up plan, just in case something goes wrong. But God never goes wrong.
I know that when I am in God's hands, he will take care of me like the perfect Father He is. When you get scared and want to have a back-up plan for God, just remind yourself that He doesn't fail. He is perfect.
Prayer: God, help me to be like Peter and Andrew. Help me to have faith that you will take care of me and provide for me. Help me to trust in you. Amen.
-N
I am excited to announce that we received 4 views from Thailand this week! Another country reached through the blog!
We have also received 900+ views:
USA 785
Russia 62
Canada 18
Germany 10
Ukraine 8
United Kingdom 4
Thailand 4
Romania 1
Singapore 1
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 32
This past Sunday at church, we were watching a short video/lesson. At one point it showed a poor community here in America. It was talking about how you don't have to go overseas to be a missionary, how there are plenty of opportunities all around if you'll just look for them. I'm not saying being an overseas missionary is bad, I feel called to be one, but it got me thinking.
It made me think that there are tons of people living in horrible conditions, and plenty of people who aren't. And that made me think, "Why am I in a position that those people would give anything for, and not poor or starving or sick. Why did God let me have wonderful opportunities and food and resources and medicine and not them?"
And this is what I believe to be the answer. I am in this position so I can help those who can't help themselves, to be part of the body of Christ, to change lives, to help save souls. To provide love to those who never new such a thing, to give and renew hope in those who have none left or never had any at all. I am here to serve.
That doesn't explain exactly why I'm in this exact position, only God knows that. But realizing this has made me want to serve more, to do all I can and more, because I'm in this position for a reason. And the whole reason I'm here at all is to glorify God, and that is exactly what I want to do.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life in Christ Jesus. John 3:16.
That's probably a mix of a few versions, but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to be born on Earth, live a perfect, sinless life, and then die on the cross, a death for criminals, as a sacrifice for all the sins of the world that ever have been or will be made. He was whipped and spit on, mocked and forced to wear a crown of thorns on His head. He was forced to carry His own cross but was too weak to do it, so another carried it for Him. He was nailed to that cross and died with the weight of all our sins on His shoulders, and He didn't even have to. At one word the angels would have flown down and rescued Him. He could have destroyed His enemies with a simple thought, but He didn't. Because HE LOVES US.
And that is why I will serve and use the position God has given me to lead others to know about, trust in, and follow Him.
What about you?
-T
It made me think that there are tons of people living in horrible conditions, and plenty of people who aren't. And that made me think, "Why am I in a position that those people would give anything for, and not poor or starving or sick. Why did God let me have wonderful opportunities and food and resources and medicine and not them?"
And this is what I believe to be the answer. I am in this position so I can help those who can't help themselves, to be part of the body of Christ, to change lives, to help save souls. To provide love to those who never new such a thing, to give and renew hope in those who have none left or never had any at all. I am here to serve.
That doesn't explain exactly why I'm in this exact position, only God knows that. But realizing this has made me want to serve more, to do all I can and more, because I'm in this position for a reason. And the whole reason I'm here at all is to glorify God, and that is exactly what I want to do.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life in Christ Jesus. John 3:16.
That's probably a mix of a few versions, but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to be born on Earth, live a perfect, sinless life, and then die on the cross, a death for criminals, as a sacrifice for all the sins of the world that ever have been or will be made. He was whipped and spit on, mocked and forced to wear a crown of thorns on His head. He was forced to carry His own cross but was too weak to do it, so another carried it for Him. He was nailed to that cross and died with the weight of all our sins on His shoulders, and He didn't even have to. At one word the angels would have flown down and rescued Him. He could have destroyed His enemies with a simple thought, but He didn't. Because HE LOVES US.
And that is why I will serve and use the position God has given me to lead others to know about, trust in, and follow Him.
What about you?
-T
Monday, July 16, 2012
Day 31
In the last paragraph in Day 30, I confessed that I was not reading my bible as often as I should, and I would like to elaborate on the importance of reading your bible.
In most cases, God doesn't talk to His children verbally, or through dreams, or through a burning bush. This may make you feel like God has abandoned you or He just doesn't care. Perhaps He's too busy with his other children to worry about you. Does that sound right? Wrong.
God loves each one of us just as much as He does another. He has undying love, so much so that He knew He had to make a way for His children to know what He expected from them. He also knew that they needed a way to know that He cared. So, He wrote the bible. Alright, so He didn't physically write it, but He wrote it through His children. They could never have written it themselves, or do anything else for that matter.
So, when you read the bible, you are reading what God wrote to you, like a big love letter. You learn more about God, and therefore build a better relationship with Him. You can't have a close relationship with someone you know nothing about.
I challenge you to read seven chapters of the bible a week. That's only one chapter a day! If you find yourself forgetting what you read about, take notes. If you think it's boring, read harder. The only way to have interest in God's word is if you are specifically looking for what he is trying to teach you. Let God teach you. Be that student that always has their hand up to ask a question. Then, let God show you the answer.
-N
In most cases, God doesn't talk to His children verbally, or through dreams, or through a burning bush. This may make you feel like God has abandoned you or He just doesn't care. Perhaps He's too busy with his other children to worry about you. Does that sound right? Wrong.
God loves each one of us just as much as He does another. He has undying love, so much so that He knew He had to make a way for His children to know what He expected from them. He also knew that they needed a way to know that He cared. So, He wrote the bible. Alright, so He didn't physically write it, but He wrote it through His children. They could never have written it themselves, or do anything else for that matter.
So, when you read the bible, you are reading what God wrote to you, like a big love letter. You learn more about God, and therefore build a better relationship with Him. You can't have a close relationship with someone you know nothing about.
I challenge you to read seven chapters of the bible a week. That's only one chapter a day! If you find yourself forgetting what you read about, take notes. If you think it's boring, read harder. The only way to have interest in God's word is if you are specifically looking for what he is trying to teach you. Let God teach you. Be that student that always has their hand up to ask a question. Then, let God show you the answer.
-N
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Day 30: In God's Presence
Yesterday, I just got back from the best summer camp in the world: Crossroads Summer Camp. It was an amazing experience! N and I went with our church and had so much fun. At the first session, 35 people came to Christ, and that hadn't even been a full day! So many people were saved that week, it was amazing! This is a link to the website, Crossroads.
The last night session was the best by far, I really felt the presence of God. It made me want to get in His word and stay in it. It made me want to do everything possible to spread the gospel. It made me want to do everything I possibly can to help the Kingdom and have no doubt that I could do it. And that feeling can only come from the presence of God.
That doesn't mean I'll always feel Him, there are plenty of times when I don't, but that doesn't mean He's not there beside me, guiding me through every step of the way. But to feel Him like I did that night set my heart on fire for Him, and I want to keep it that way. I know N felt it too, and so did one of our friends, H. We cried and prayed together, but not because we were sad. We cried because we were amazed and thankful and in awe of the presence of God.
All that reminded me of what God can do, how He can use anyone or anything for His glory, and how much He loves us. How much He loves me.
And that's my heart.
-T
As T said, we just got back from Crossroads Summer Camp. Not only did we have the opportunity to bond with and learn more about friends, but we were able to bond with and learn more about God.
One thing that Clayton King, the founder and president of the camp, said was "You are not worthy, but you are not worthless." This really stuck with me because I know that whatever I do, I will never be worthy of God's grace. The only requirement of receiving God's grace is to see that you need it, and I need it so badly.
It breaks my heart to know that while I am sinning, God is saving. His children sin against Him, hate Him, turn away from Him, but He still loves them. He still reaches out to them, always ready to forgive. All we have to do is ask Him into our heart, and He is there.
On the other side of what Clayton said, we are not worthless. Would God send His own perfect son to die for a bunch of worthless beings?
We are here to serve God. Clayton said it like this, "God is the head, He makes the calls. We are the body, we do the work." I am willing to work for God for the rest of my life, do huge, incredible things for Him, but Clayton made it clear that we need to start small. We need to start by honoring our parents, picking up trash for people, doing our chores without being told, we start by serving others. When we serve others, we serve God.
As more proof that we are not worthless, Jesus prayed for us.
John 17:20 says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but for all who will ever believe in Me because of their testimony.”
Every time I read this, I have to re-read it. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, prayed for us. We are not worthless.
Once we accept Jesus in our hearts, we don't just stop there. Christianity is more than just getting into Heaven and out of Hell. We were made to serve God, and God will show you how to serve. It might not be clear now, but it will be eventually. Jesus will not give you anything you can't handle. Whatever Jesus tells you to do, you will be able to do it, it just might not be as easy as you want it to be.
The last day of camp was very emotional for me. I went to the alter to pray with T and H, and we clung to each other and literally cried a puddle. I don't know how long we stayed there, but it was time well spent. I have never felt God's presence so strongly. All of us had become aware that we weren't reading our bible as often as we should, and we decided that we were going to hold each other accountable for reading our bibles. We need to dig into God's word to know what He expects from us, and learn more about him. I am very glad that I went to Crossroads, and I will definitely be returning. The messages taught there couldn't have come at a better time.
-N
I am also very excited to say that we have received 11 views from Russia and 4 from the United Kingdom (UK) this week. We have possibly impacted 15 people overseas, just this week!
The last night session was the best by far, I really felt the presence of God. It made me want to get in His word and stay in it. It made me want to do everything possible to spread the gospel. It made me want to do everything I possibly can to help the Kingdom and have no doubt that I could do it. And that feeling can only come from the presence of God.
That doesn't mean I'll always feel Him, there are plenty of times when I don't, but that doesn't mean He's not there beside me, guiding me through every step of the way. But to feel Him like I did that night set my heart on fire for Him, and I want to keep it that way. I know N felt it too, and so did one of our friends, H. We cried and prayed together, but not because we were sad. We cried because we were amazed and thankful and in awe of the presence of God.
All that reminded me of what God can do, how He can use anyone or anything for His glory, and how much He loves us. How much He loves me.
And that's my heart.
-T
As T said, we just got back from Crossroads Summer Camp. Not only did we have the opportunity to bond with and learn more about friends, but we were able to bond with and learn more about God.
One thing that Clayton King, the founder and president of the camp, said was "You are not worthy, but you are not worthless." This really stuck with me because I know that whatever I do, I will never be worthy of God's grace. The only requirement of receiving God's grace is to see that you need it, and I need it so badly.
It breaks my heart to know that while I am sinning, God is saving. His children sin against Him, hate Him, turn away from Him, but He still loves them. He still reaches out to them, always ready to forgive. All we have to do is ask Him into our heart, and He is there.
On the other side of what Clayton said, we are not worthless. Would God send His own perfect son to die for a bunch of worthless beings?
We are here to serve God. Clayton said it like this, "God is the head, He makes the calls. We are the body, we do the work." I am willing to work for God for the rest of my life, do huge, incredible things for Him, but Clayton made it clear that we need to start small. We need to start by honoring our parents, picking up trash for people, doing our chores without being told, we start by serving others. When we serve others, we serve God.
As more proof that we are not worthless, Jesus prayed for us.
John 17:20 says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but for all who will ever believe in Me because of their testimony.”
Every time I read this, I have to re-read it. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, prayed for us. We are not worthless.
Once we accept Jesus in our hearts, we don't just stop there. Christianity is more than just getting into Heaven and out of Hell. We were made to serve God, and God will show you how to serve. It might not be clear now, but it will be eventually. Jesus will not give you anything you can't handle. Whatever Jesus tells you to do, you will be able to do it, it just might not be as easy as you want it to be.
The last day of camp was very emotional for me. I went to the alter to pray with T and H, and we clung to each other and literally cried a puddle. I don't know how long we stayed there, but it was time well spent. I have never felt God's presence so strongly. All of us had become aware that we weren't reading our bible as often as we should, and we decided that we were going to hold each other accountable for reading our bibles. We need to dig into God's word to know what He expects from us, and learn more about him. I am very glad that I went to Crossroads, and I will definitely be returning. The messages taught there couldn't have come at a better time.
-N
I am also very excited to say that we have received 11 views from Russia and 4 from the United Kingdom (UK) this week. We have possibly impacted 15 people overseas, just this week!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Day 29: Passed Halfway Point!
That's right! We have officially passed our halfway point to our goal of $1,000. We are at $620. That amount of money can save 62 souls, or save 42 lives. That could also purchase 6 house kits, or 13 farms kits. Before we know it, we'll be at $1,000. I have to, again, express my wonder and amazement at the power of our God. We have only received money from the people in our little town and our family. Imagine what God could do if we spread it around even more.
Keep in mind that this is all happening in God's power, not our own. God has broken our hearts for these people, and made us determined to help. If God has called you to the same cause, you don't have to get in contact with us, just go to the Samaritan's Purse Website and donate online.
-N
Keep in mind that this is all happening in God's power, not our own. God has broken our hearts for these people, and made us determined to help. If God has called you to the same cause, you don't have to get in contact with us, just go to the Samaritan's Purse Website and donate online.
-N
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Day 28: 4th of July
Happy Independence Day, America!
Today, think of how blessed you are to live in a free country. You are free to serve God without fear of punishment. May God bless America.
-N
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