Victorious Declarations

Two months ago, I wrote an article about the power of words, if you haven't read it - you can find the post here.

Just a few weeks ago, my dear friend sent me something called "Victorious Declarations".  What it is, is a list of Scriptures that you read over yourself.  It helps you refocus your thoughts to the mind of Christ, and to speak godliness over you, your life, your thoughts, etc.

It is amazing!  So amazing, I just had to share it with you all :)
Please feel free to copy this list, print it off, and add other Scriptures to it.  Make it yours!

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~ I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:14)

~ I am like a green olive tree planted in the house of God. (Ps. 52:8)

~ My life has been redeemed from destruction and I am crowned with loving kindness and tender mercies. (Ps. 103:4)

~ I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me. (Song of Songs 7:10)

~ I have been given the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:16)

~ I have been bought with a price, I am not my own, I belong to God. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

~ I have been made righteous by Jesus who became sin for me, that I may become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21)

~ I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ loves in me. (Gal. 2:20)

~ I was chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love. (Eph. 1:4)

~ I am accepted in the beloved. (Eph. 1:6)

~ I have been made alive together with Jesus. (Eph. 2:5)

~ I have been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14)

~ I have been made complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10)

~ I am of Abraham's seed in Christ, and an heir according to the promise. (Gal. 3:29)

~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

~ I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. (2 Tim. 1:7)

~ Not by works of righteousness that I have done, but according to His mercy He saved me, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

~ I am kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:5)

~ I am a new creation, old things have passed away. (2 Cor. 5:17)

~ I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18-19)

~ I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)

~ I am a living stone in God's house. (1 Pet. 2:5)

~ I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)

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What are some Scriptures you like to speak over yourself?

Comment the Scriptures below.  Maybe others would like to add them to the list ;)

I Tried Making It Pleasing to You Lord!

As I was looking through some of some old papers the other day, I came across a "short story" I wrote five years ago (while I was supposed to be doing school).  I thought I'd share it with you ... so enjoy :)

Hey how's it going?  My name is Stephen, I'm an 18 year old Senior in high school.  Looking back on the way I lived my life a year ago, makes me sing praises to God for saving me.  Allow me to share my story with you.

I had it all going my way...all the way to my girlfriend, down to the car I drove.  However, I lived in a broken family, my dad dumped my mom back in '07.  He dumped my mom because she was a devout Bible believing woman after God's own heart. I used to love living at my dad's house 'cause I could get away with anything!  He was always out late at night with a new girlfriend, spending time with his buddies at the local bar and so forth.

I dropped out of school in '08 and got an apartment of my own, my dad could honestly care less if I was living with him or not.  As for my mom, well like all other devout Christians, she was constantly praying for me and Dad.  Now for the exciting part...the day that changed my life forever!

One afternoon as I was hanging out at my place, I received the most bizarre phone call ever, that went something like this:

"Hello."

"Hello Stephen, how are you?"

"I'm sorry you don't sound like any of my friends, do I know You?"

"Not like you should."

"What's Your name, and what can I do for You?"

"I have many names, today I am Friend.  I was wondering if I could come over to your house this afternoon and talk with you?"

"Yeah sure...see You in an hour?"

"An hour sounds wonderful to Me.  Goodbye Stephen."

"Goodbye."

Told you it was bizarre! He never outwardly said that He was Jesus, but I just knew deep down that He was Jesus.  My house was not all that pleasing, and I had a bunch of cleaning to do.

First I started by deleting all of my Internet history, then by throwing away all my posters, and finally having K-Love on as the only preset that I listen to.

Finally He arrived!  When I answered the door and invited Him in, I could tell that He wasn't pleased with what He saw.  

"Stephen who's baby is that?"  He asked as He was looking at a picture.  

"Oh you mean that cute little girl, she's my...my daughter.  Her name is Jocelyn, she's about 12 days old."

"I see, if you're already committed to one young lady, then why did you have to delete your Internet history?"

"Well...I wanted to make that area pleasing to You."

"Hmm I see...I'm also noticing all the defrauding posters in your trash.  How would Janessa feel if she knew that you owned those?"

"Awful Lord, but I tried to make this area pleasing to You."

"I'm also realizing you have K-Love as your only radio preset.  Son, unless you pick up your cross and follow Me (Matthew 6:24) and repent, you cannot live with me in victory."

"Lord, I'm sorry for all the sinful things I've done in my life.  Please forgive me and dwell in my!  Thank You for saving me."

"Go and sin no more, your sins have been forgiven.  Now let's do some clean up!"

I cannot describe the joy I've felt since that day.  My girlfriend Janessa has come to the Lord and is now my beautiful wife.  Dad too has devoted himself to Christ, and is now a missionary in Germany with Mom by his side (and yes they too are now married).  About school, I still don't have a high school diploma, but I'm currently working toward my GED.  Since I have a family to take care of, I can't go to school & work, and still spend time with my girls.  God is truly amazing and will change your life if you let him!

To Those Who Don't Understand

I know that you all don't really know the reason behind why I've chosen to live my life the way I do - so hopefully this post will kind of explain it to you!

I am going to try my absolute hardest to be respectful with this email!  If I seem to be disrespectful – I'm sorry, but I am very passionate about my convictions, and I'm tired of the constant strife they seem to bring!

I want to share a definition with you all – it may help you understand the reason behind my “radical belief”.

Conviction - 

a standard that serves as a springboard for your choices

At nine years old, I made the decision of waiting for/wanting God's best – it wasn't forced on me by my parents or pastor, nor was I brainwashed!  My parents had no idea the kind of commitment I made – saving myself for the man God has for me (they didn't understand or know what it was).  That choice (like all the rest I've made) was a choice I made by myself with God's leading!!

As I got older I knew that I wouldn't get support from the majority of my family and friends, but I always “figured” that the small minority would show a little support.  After all, I'm not living in sin like most of the world!  But soon the small minority started showing their disapproval, and I just can't seem to be the duck (like my Papa always told me).

For six and a half years now I have lived under the disapproval, constant nagging, and unbiblical teaching of the world, some of my friends, my family, etc.

For six and a half years I have let my mom stand up for me + and have not spoken up for myself.

After six and a half years, I'm finally ready to be heard by everyone!!!!

My mom recently told me that someone wanted me “to go out and find myself”.  So I'm happy to share - I have found myself:

I'm a 20 year old young woman who has no desire to get drunk (nor consume any alcohol), do drugs (I'll stick with my ibuprofen and Aspirin haha), go to parties, lay with any guy I find cute, or play around with being lesbian. I desire to be counter-cultural and wait for God's best.  I desire to be a young woman of faith, who is loving her

single-hood.  Who doesn't need the approval of every man she meets – because I already have the approval from a Man … my Man Jesus!

I found all that out just by reading God's Word, observing how society chooses to live, and by being me – all while living at home.  If none of you aren't satisfied with who I am and who I am becoming, then … I'm sorry!

Why is it that the world complains/tears down others and how they have chosen to live immoral lives, but when I choose to live a higher morally standard life – the world complains/tears me down too???  I can't seem to win for losing with anyone!!  I'm told all the time “Ali go out and experience all the fun the world has to offer!”

Readers, is fun what society is living???  As I see it it's lack of conviction which leads to everything society has gotten into:

:: drugs + alcohol + smoking + cussing + tattoos

:: sex before marriage

:: unwanted pregnancy/teen pregnancy

:: living with someone before marriage

:: abortion / adoption

:: divorce

:: jail/prison

:: suicide

I have decided that I don't want any part of this type of “fun” – because all it leads to defiling the Lord's temple (my body) and goes against His Word!!  I want to continue to live my life with higher moral standards.  So I ask:

What is wrong with higher moral standards?

The higher standards in God's Word (the ones by which I live my life) are not irrelevant, but completely applicable to finding God's best in my life (and yours).  They are directly from the Bible, and show that I love the Lord (Deuteronomy 30:20)

At nine years old, I made a decision to live a life of a true God girl – much like my favorite woman from the Bible … Ruth.

Before she married a godly young man, Ruth lived in an ungodly culture (Judges 21:25).  The culture was Pagan, and worshiped not the One true God, but many false gods.  When she married, God changed her life – she became a great woman of faith!  After her husband died, Ruth did not allow the past influences of an ungodly culture keep her from setting new standards and making wise choices for her life that would honor God.  Instead, she chose to break her family's sin cycle and establish a new godly cycle.

The ungodly culture that Ruth faced, is that which America is today according to Judges 21:25:

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Ungodly cycles can be broken!  My destiny isn't something that is left to fate or chance; it is the product of wise choices.

Many of you may think that my convictions are unrealistic or that I'm stubbornly opinionated, but with Jesus' strength I am standing firm, unwavering as I wait for God's best!  Which is much like what my papa told me:

“Just be yourself, if they don't like it… that's their problem.”

I'm told quite often “I won't be surprised if you never get married.”  To be honest I won't either.  I have given God full control of my future – if He wants me married, then the right man will come along … He doesn't need my help matching me up with my southern boy!  If He doesn't then I won't have the distraction of being married (1 Corinthians 7:32), and I'll be able to serve Him fully in the way He wants me to!!  Just note, being single the rest of my life is not my hearts desire, but I'm fully content in where ever God has me going in the journey of life.

It doesn't matter how much others tell me that I'm making a big mistake, or that I'm missing out, or whatever it is I'm “doing wrong”.  Nothing anybody says will change my mind in how I'm choosing to live my life.  I'm being controlled by God's Holy Spirit, not by what the world, my friends, my extended family, or my family say.

My purpose in this post is that it would diminish any strife my convictions cause.  If any of you would like to come to me about my convictions, I'm a big girl now and I can answer for myself.

I would like to end this post with a question for you all (none of you don't have to answer the question if you don't want to):

Why are you so adamant on persecuting my convictions?

Taking Every Thought Captive

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” {2 Corinthians 10:5}

As daughters of the Most High, the way we handle our thought life is extremely important!

If we spend all our time thinking about how we appear to others, what guy might possibly like us, etc., then it makes it harder for the light of Christ to shine through us … and it’s hard to remain content in who God made us + where He has placed in this life.

For instance, if we spend every.single.day of our life thinking about guys, then we will be discontent in our singlehood + struggle in serving God / our family to the fullest.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says to “take every thought captive“, so what are some ways to apply this to our daily life??

When we are fretting over how we look :

ask yourself these three questions …

:: why am I focused so much on my outward appearance?

:: do I represent the Lord in how I am dressed today?

:: am I trying to impress somebody other than my Lord?

After you have asked yourself those three questions, pray that God will help you see yourself through His eyes + that He will take away any vanity polluting your thoughts!

When we are fretting over young men :

ask yourself these three questions …

:: what’s the purpose of these thoughts?

:: would I think this way if I was married or if the young man was my brother?

:: how are these thoughts making Jesus feel? (after all ladies, Jesus is your ultimate Lover!!)

After you have asked yourself those three questions, pray that God will help you put your focus back on Him + that He will help you see the young men in your life as brothers.  Pray that God will help you grow ever closer to Him, your Lover!

I am by no means perfect, and these are areas that I struggle with as well – but together we can be victorious!

Ladies, I can’t express how important it is to take every thought captive!  When we learn the importance of this quality, we will be able to shine the light of our Savior even more than before!!

Be victorious + take every thought captive!

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Thank you for taking time in reading this!

If you have any comments on today’s topic, feel free to leave a comment below ;)

This post was first published at Lilies Among Thorns Ministries

In HIS grace, Alisha

Are you married to God or the church?

In today's culture you have a diversity of people, and therefore have a diversity of beliefs on church attendance.
Some believe you shouldn't go to church at all
Some believe you should only go to church for the Christmas Eve and Easter services
Some believe you should only go to church on Sunday morning (excluding Sunday school)
Some believe you should only go to church on Sunday morning (including Sunday school)
Some believe you should only go to church for Sunday morning and Wednesday night
Some believe you should go to church for Sunday school + Sunday morning + Sunday night + Wednesday night + go soul winning every Thursday night + all the fellowships + bus ministry.

It baffles me that the last four are so different!  I mean, we all read the same Book and notice how the early church (in Acts) met for worship (which should be the way we do it today), but yet we bend the views to fit whatever we want to do.

Just the other day, a friend asked me what my view of church attendance is, and I thought that I would share it with you.

I believe that believers need to have a place where they can be encouraged + uplifted + worship together in one accord + be edified.  I believe that each individual believer is the church … and that the body of believers is the church – not the building … because the building won't stand forever.
I believe that you don't need to go to church for Sunday school + Sunday morning + Sunday night + Wednesday night + Soul Winning + bus ministry in order to truly love the Lord.
When Paul said “do not forsake the gathering of fellow believers” (see Hebrews 10:25) he was talking to the Hebrews.  They weren't going to church, because they were afraid of the persecution they would face.  It wasn't a matter of not going all the time, it was a matter of not going at all.
I truly believe that this one verse (which happens to be the only verse that talks about “church attendance”) is taken out of context!

Do I think it's wrong if a young couple wants to go to church every time the doors are open?  

No – unless it gets in the way of their relationship + is put before our Lord.

Do I think it's wrong if the same couple wants to go to church every time the doors are open once they have children? 

Yes – the church isn't called to rear up the children, the parents are.

But how can parents train up their children if they are always attending a church service?

After a while, the parents begin to wonder what went wrong.
“We raised our children up in church – why have they turned out this way?”
The parents were so consumed with church church church, that their children were thrown to the way side and left to fend for themselves.

How fair is that to the children?
It's because the parents have neglected their children that the children start to feel neglected + search for love elsewhere + feel depressed + leave the faith + rebel + try to kill themselves.

I truly think / believe that when children are involved, Sunday school + Sunday morning is plenty.
If the husband wants to be encouraged in his walk + get in the Bible more, then he needs to listen to sermons to and from work – and he also needs to start family devotions.  He doesn't need to make his family warm the pews every day of the week.

Most churches are so adamant on “family is the foundation of the church” - which is something I totally 100% agree with.  However, how can the family be strengthened, if the family is so consumed with church activities + church services etc.?

Are we married to God or the church?

I for one do not tend to be married to the church – but to my Lord!!  Which will you choose??

In HIS grace, Alisha

The Problem With Churchianity

I have had the hardest time in figuring out how to start this post, so I'm just going to begin with a warning:

The past three weeks have been p.r.e.t.t.y tough on my family me, so I really need to pour my heart out!

It all started four years ago … when we moved from Texas to Virginia.  You see, we had read that Virginia was a wonderful place to live!  It was beautiful … it had all four seasons … it had mountains … it wasn't too humid.  For our family – Virginia sounded fantabulous (don't get me wrong – I love it here in VA).  However, the one itty bitty detail on Virginia that wasn't mentioned was this:

“If you're a very conservative family whose mostly Anabaptist (with some Baptist and Charismatic sprinkled throughout) good luck finding a church!”

The past four years, my family and I have had the most difficult time in finding a church home – no joke!  When we think we've found “the one” we find out one of the following:

:: they don't mind women in leadership
:: we have to be in church every time the doors are open (otherwise we don't love God)
:: the Pastor isn't willing to agree to disagree and slyly asks us to leave the church
:: Daddy can't fulfill God's calling within the church because of something that happened in his past

The current church we're going to – is by no means perfect, but we call it home for now.  We love the people – they're genuine.  We're able to serve – however we are still limited.  The majority of the congregation is willing to agree to disagree – most of the time.

So why are you and your family having such a hard time finding a church?

Honestly … because we have a different perspective on church than what the majority of America has.  Because we can't find a church that has Anabaptist / Baptist / somewhat Charismatic beliefs.

You get one extreme or the other :
fully Anabaptist
fully Baptist
or … wait for it …
fully Charismatic

Just the other day, Daddy mentioned a word (that I didn't know existed) :

Churchianity.  What exactly is “Churchianity”?

Wiktionary.org defines “Churchianity” as follows:

“Any practices of Christianity that are viewed as placing a larger emphasis on the habits of church life or the institutional traditions of the church than on theology and spiritual teachings; The quality of being too church focused.”

As I continued reading, I found a quote from Charles Jenkins that I fell in love with:

“What is wrong with the world today is that we have too much Churchianity and too little Christianity.”

Churchianity is the problem with “church”!  People are so focused on what they can do for the church – that they put their family and God on the back-burner.  They make Churchianity their religion – their idol.

Don't get me wrong – I love serving in the church!  In fact this past week (July 13-17) I served as the VBS photographer (pictures coming soon).  But when it becomes my “life source” – then there's a major problem.  Serving shouldn't be my life source – Christ should!  I have to be careful not to let serving become my idol!
If my children tell me “the reason we've gone down this path, is because you've neglected your responsibility as a parent” – then I need to prioritize … am I going to continue serving the church or be the mother I need to be?
If I realize that I have a teenager who's struggling in her faith, but can't seem to find the time to talk to her – then maybe I'm spending too much time concerning myself with church.

Why is it we care so much about the traditions within the church, but we don't care about what the church is teaching our family's?

We've heard about a church that's splitting because they didn't want there to be a screen / projector.  Seriously??  Let's focus less on the traditions and focus more on important spiritual teachings (you know like modesty, purity, exhorting the younger men, teaching the younger women, etc).  Pastors today are so concerned about offending “their” congregation, that they avoid offensive topics – we attend a church with this exact problem.
Don't get me wrong, I love our pastor dearly – he's a wonderful man of God!  But when it comes to talking about modesty or preaching modesty … he would much rather pass the responsibility on to someone else.
We knew a pastor who wouldn't let a man go soul winning because the man wasn't a suit and tie.  Which if you think about it – when some people see a suit and tie they are automatically turned off (I've seen it happen)!  You need to meet people where they're at (using discernment) … you need to be genuine.  Do you seriously always wear a suit and tie (typically that's what you wear on Sunday)??  You don't need to be dressed to the nines – but you also need to be dressed in a way that speaks “hey I'm a follower of Jesus!”

Another problem with Churchianity is that in serving, churches limit themselves to their own denominations – Daddy calls this very problem “denominationalism” / denominational prejudice.
If we are all the body of Christ – and the believers are the church, then why do we say :

“Oh honey, we can't fellowship – we don't believe the same!”
“I can't help at that VBS – it's at a Methodist church … I'm Presbyterian!”
“I'm a missionary from the ________ and I'm looking for support!  I will only call Baptist churches to see if they will support me!”

If we are all the church, the body of Christ, and children of God – it shouldn't matter what church you go to or what denomination you decide to consider yourself apart of.  If your church preaches Jesus as the way to heaven, His mercy / love / grace, and that the law is our school master, then who cares who you fellowship with!  Who cares what VBS you help at!  Who cares what churches you call for support if you're a missionary!
On the day you stand before God, He isn't going to say :
“Great job!  You were supported by this many (pick any denomination) churches!  You helped in only (pick any denomination) VBS!  You only fellowshipped with (pick any denomination)!  You may enter into My Kingdom!”

Instead He'll judge you based on how you lived your life for Him!  Who you fellowship with / what churches support you / what VBS you serve in / what church you go to – all that won't matter (much like if you're a good person or not).  He's gonna judge you based on the Ten Commandments!

I know this post may make some people mad or better yet:
some people may think I'm a whack job who has gone off the deep end / who's mad at church – that's not the case.  I am by no means mad at church – I'm mad / fed up with Churchianity.

The only reason I posted this, was because I want others to know what I believe when it comes to serving in the church / denominationalism / Churchianity / etc.

I pray you all have a wonderful evening!

In HIS grace, Alisha

Memories - what will you do with yours?

photo from Pinterest

Old photographs.  Certain music.  Old friends.  Certain books. 

All of these have one thing in common - memories ... no matter what has happened  - good or bad!

I'm the type of person that loves looking through old photographs.  Why?  I can look back on the good memories that I've forgotten about.

I'm the type of person that loves watching home movies.  Why?  Because I can relive those good memories over + over again.

I'm the type of person that loves listening to certain songs.  Why?  I do it for the good memories that I'm taken back to.

I'm the type of person that loves catching up with old friends + laughing at all the good memories we had once made.

But every once in a while, it seems like my mind takes the path of "revenge" and "haunts" me with the horrible memories.

If you would have asked me a month ago what I do when these bad memories come, I would have told you that I don't dwell on them + that I think about something else.  But now - they seem to never go away ... causing me to lose sight of the victory I have through Him.

Memories that involve:
*my weight
*my piano playing
*the way I act around people
*my beliefs

But there's always that one set of memories that will always affect me (in some shape, way, or form).

>> Will I choose to allow defeat in my life?

or ....

>> Will I choose to have victory?

Yes this set of memories will always affect me - I can't change that.  What I can change is, how I choose to handle the affects.

>> Will I forgive and move on?

or ...

>> Will I hold a grudge and remain stuck on these memories?

I plan on taking the course of forgiving + moving on.

Will it be easy?  Ha no!  

Will I still be affected?  Sadly yes (to some degree).

Will I feel better?  Maybe

Through Christ we have the victory to overcome - no matter what we face!

Will you overcome?

In HIS grace, Alisha

He is our strength & song

T R U S T   M E  and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.  Do not let fear dissipate your energy.  Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and singing My Song.  The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy.  Therefore, you need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts.  Do not despise this weakness in yourself since I am using it to draw you closer to Me.  Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort.  You are not alone in this struggle for your mind.  My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help in this striving.  Ask Him to control your mind; He will bless you with Life and Peace.

I S A I A H  12 : 2 -  R O M A N S   8 : 6 

This was taken from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling

We have a choice to make

As I stated in my post Predestination vs. Free will, I have been trying to study out the why I believe the way I do.  I don't want to have the faith my parents or my pastor or friends have, I want to have the faith that God wants me to have.

Through this study of mine, I have asked God to give me opportunities to talk about my faith with a friend .., and like always, He faithfully answered :)

As a dear friend of mine was sharing with me a theological discussion (predestination vs. free will) she was having with a friend, through this whole discussion and study, I asked myself this question

"If God hasn't already chosen who He wants to follow Him, then why did the disciples follow Christ after He said 'follow me'?"

So, I got to thinking + praying ... and as I was ironing for Daddy the other night ... God gave me a revelation!!

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

{Matthew 4:19}

This verse clearly shows us that we all  have a choice when it comes to Salvation!  Jesus is constantly holding out His hand to a lost soul saying "follow Me" ... it is our choice to either reach out for that hand or to reject it.

Peter and Andrew didn't have to leave their nets behind and follow Jesus.  They could have stayed in the boat and continued living for themselves.  Because they followed Him, they had the opportunity of a life time.  They were able to be under the teaching of the Lord ... they were able to physically sit at His feet.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, didn't have to believe the angel.  She could have laughed and told him "yeeeah ... you see ... I'm not willing to do this!  I'm betrothed!!!!"  But because she didn't ... through her, we have the hope of a Savior!!

The woman at the well didn't have to believe that the Man speaking to her was indeed the Messiah .. none the less run and tell the townspeople about Him.  She could have laughed at Him and turned her back.  Because she believed, they had the opportunity to tell others about Him.  And because of her belief, the people said to her “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” {John 4:42}

It all boils down to this .... we have a choice to make!!

We can either choose Heaven or we can choose Hell.

Which will you choose???

In HIS grace, Alisha

Rachel's testimony << 2015 Salvation Celebration >>

I've Found a Resting Place

Hi there! I’m Rachel, and the oldest daughter in a family of 8 children. I love to study+memorize the Word of God, spend time with family and friends, play my piano and harp, craft, and so many other things. I blog at www.jewelsofjesus.blogspot.com , so hop on over and check it out sometime. :D Don’t forget to leave a comment!

I was born into a Christian family, for which I am extremely grateful! How blessed am I to have been born into my wonderful family…and having my parents emphasis the importance of following Jesus and obeying His Word is something that will impact the rest of my days. 
From a young age, my parents have taught me about Jesus and the Gospel.  As far back as I can remember, I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. I remember praying with Daddy on several occasions, but never really feeling any different or freed. 

The Lord kept working in my life, convicting me. Then, in January of 2006, at the age of 8…one evening I was getting ready for bed. I reached out and grabbed my Bible, and started reading in John. After I had read a while, I came to a verse. I don’t remember what it was, but it moved me and a thought popped into my head: “If I died tonight, where would I be?” I knew in my heart that I would be in hell. I started to cry and my Mother came into my room to say goodnight. She asked me what was the matter, and I told her I wanted to ask Jesus to save me. She went and got Daddy and he showed me some verses, and asked if I was ready…and I said, “Yes!” We knelt and I asked the Lord to cleanse me and to give me a new heart. I still remember how I felt…so clean! Praise the Lord!

I did not get baptized immediately because Daddy wanted me to wait until I understood what it all meant. In 2009, I was baptized, and that was such a blessing. 

I am so grateful that the Lord is a merciful and gracious God, one who is slow to anger and forgives men of the evil they have done. I have failed in so many ways, and struggled through many things, but He is patient and kind and is still working on my life! I have learned that salvation is not a “say-a-prayer-and-you’re-done” matter, but a continual walking with the Lord, seeking HIM, dying to self, and so much more. I could keep sharing on different things the Lord has worked in my life, forming a more perfect salvation in my life, but I will just leave it at the beginning of my journey. Please pray for me! 

This hymn is a favorite of mine, and I think it sums my testimony up really well. :) May the Lord bless you!

My faith has found a resting place,

  Not in device nor creed;

I trust the Ever-living One,

  His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,

  This ends my fear and doubt;

A sinful soul I come to Him,

  He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,

  The written Word of God,

Salvation by my Savior’s name,

  Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,

  The lost He came to save;

For me His precious blood He shed,

  For me His life He gave.

I need no other argument,

  I need no other plea;

It is enough that Jesus died,

    And that He died for me.

-Eliza E. Hewitt

And last but not least, huge thank you to Alisha for inviting me to share with you. :D 

Tammy's testimony << 2015 Salvation celebration >>

Emily's testimony << 2015 Salvation Celebration >>

 Ransomed By Mercy

 The question “what is your testimony, or, how did you become born-again,” seems as though it would be an easy one to answer, but it is actually a rather difficult one for me.

The main reason being that in my memory, there has not been an exact defining point in my life where I felt as though I became born-again.  Being a pastor's daughter, I have always been raised around the church, and other believers, so I first gave my heart to the Lord as a small child. Through the years, as I became older and more completely began to understand the workings of the Lord in our lives, I was “up and down,” choosing to be a “Christian” one day, and then becoming discouraged and following my own heart the next. And, sad to say, I at some point completely stopped following the way of the cross. I had a very rebellious heart in my pre-teen and beginning teen years, and I had strayed from following my Heavenly Father in many different and subtle ways, allowing the lies and ideas of the enemy to fill my heart, soul, and mind. It was not until roughly 4 years ago, that my willful ways began to break, and God could really begin guiding me back to Himself. In May of 2011, my Grandfather passed away. That was the first time I had ever dealt with losing “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
someone close to me, and for awhile the grief felt as though it was more than I could bear. Looking back now, I can see how amazing and wondrous it was that through that time my Heavenly Father used the grief I was feeling to bring me back to Him. Although I still feel a deep sadness at the loss of my Grandfather, who was dear to me, I would never want to go back to those days, when the hurt was especially fresh and raw. However, I am very grateful for the lessons God taught me through that time in my life, and wonder to this day where I might be if God had not used something so drastic in my life for good! Travel with me back to a time in my life, in May 2011...After a particularly hard night, I suddenly felt a deep need to find what I can only describe as “something more.” I spontaneously picked up my dusty, rarely-used Bible, and soon found myself on my knees, crying and praying for hours. As the tears fell, it was as though I could feel and picture the tangible presence of God. It was as though He was taking me in His arms and comforting me. To this day, I have never felt the presence of God in such a real and drastic way as I did that night. As God continued to guide me through that time in my life, I determined that I was going to do the right thing and serve Him, no matter what the cost would be! God brought me to a point where I was tired of living with a restless heart, without peace or joy, and I knew that I could no longer make it without Him. Through that season of breaking me, YHWH helped me to realize my need of Him. And since then, God has constantly been drawing me nearer to Him. It may have been more of a "process" for me than it is for some, but I am thankful for the peace and hope I can now say that I have found in a relationship with my Creator. I am constantly learning how to better serve my Redeemer, so I am thankful He is very willing to guide and direct us if we are willing to listen and obey! I could never make it even a day without His mercy and grace. Although the pathway is often not easy, and I so often slip and falter, He is so faithful to hold on to us, as long as we determine to never let go of Him! I pray that His grace will become so very real to you, no matter who you are, or what point of life you are at!

In conclusion, I would like to thank my dear friend Alisha for allowing me the opportunity to share!!

Kelsey's testimony << 2015 Salvation celebration >>

First I want to say, thank you so much Alisha for asking me to do this, it has been such a joy getting to know you, and your heart for the Lord presses me to love Jesus more. 

This is my testimony of sorts...;) I grew up in a Christian home and my parents' were/are faithful in teaching me and my siblings about the Lord, and have constantly pointed us to Him. But, also growing up, we were raised in a very strict and legalistic church, in this church, the rules were made more important than Jesus. About six years ago, my parents eyes were opened, as they started reading the Bible and finding out that a lot of what we believed was not actually Biblical, it was more man-made rules that we had been believing. The Lord slowly brought us out of that "religion" very gracefully, and unlike many to leave very strict backgrounds, I became closer to the Lord rather than far away. About four years ago, the Lord started drawing me to Himself more, He put questions in my mind that only He could answer (and He did). During this time I had such a deep hunger for Jesus, and I wanted all of Him, and nothing else. Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" was my life verse, I knew if I wanted Him, I must seek Him. I spent time reading His word and talking to my mom a lot about Jesus. Also, during that season I heard of Ellerslie, and that greatly impacted my walk with the Lord, I went to their Set Apart Girl conferences, and was so encouraged by all the girls there, with their hunger and thirst for Jesus, it just inspired me to pursue Him all the more. I stayed at Ellerslie for a little bit of time, and learned so much, (side note: I went back this fall for 3 weeks, and enjoyed it so much). Ever sense I have been on a mission to know Jesus more and more each day, not just know about Him, but truly know Him. He rescued, redeemed and loved me, even at my worst. He is my Refuge, Well-Beloved, Prince, and Friend. It is my joy to be able to serve Him with everything I am. It's my hearts desire to never stop pressing into, and longing for more of Him in my life, because He is so supremely good and faithful, and He who promised is faithful! 

Hebrews 10:23 -Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering

To know Him, and make Him known,

Kelsey 

 A little bit about Kelsey:

 I long to be a Proverbs 31 women, and enjoy all things homemaking. My dream job would be to be, a wife and mommy if the Lord wills. I take joy in the little things and enjoy most things girly, and yet, I am an adventurer at heart and have 5 brothers. Some of those lovely joys in my life are...The color mint green, my mom, Ellerslie, funny friends, hugs, rainstorms, missions, Biblical femininity, the Gospel, baking,  shabby chic, laser tag, a clean house, having 5 brothers, evangelism, sunsets, laughing, organizing, Set-Apart Girl, adventures, Josh Garrles music, my Bible, chivalry, photography, Hebrews, Colorado summer nights, hospitality, and star gazing.

Preparing to: set the world on fire

Since April 3^rd, 2013 my life has belonged to God! I'm truly set free from all the past sin in my life {praise God Almighty}, but is it only about being saved? Is that what life as we know it all about? Does our Maker want us to only pray, “God forgive my sins, and come into my heart”? This is what most Christians today think! God wants to us to draw close to Him, so He can draw ever more close to us. If the Christian's life isn't about only being saved then what is it about? What does our Father desire?

At 19 I have finally found out for myself what my Father desires...the One who gives us life, desires for His children to be close to Him. It's not just about praying the “prayer of Salvation” and then attending church every time the doors are open. If that's not what it is all about, then how do you become close to our Father?

You start by prayer! Prayer is one important key element in the devout Christian's life. This is a way to communicate with the Lord. Talking to Him on a daily basis ... two times at least is a good start in order to become closer to Him. “Two times a day, when am I supposed to pray to the Lord two times a day?” How about the first time you pray, is when you get up! The first few things you should grab in the morning are your Bible, prayer journal, and any devotional you use. You shouldn't grab your Ipod Touch, cell phone, lap-top, etc. right when you wake up (I constantly struggle with this =/), and leave your Heavenly Father on the back burner of your life! And the second time is...can you guess? How about the second time is right before you go to sleep?

The next step to be ever more closer to Him is Bible reading! This step is crucial in your walk with God. How else is God supposed to speak to you if you aren't in the Word and aren't spending time in prayer? You don't need to read the entire Bible in one sitting {it has been done}, you just need to start your day out in the inspired Word of God. Start by reading a Psalm & Proverb correlating to what the date is. For instance, recently I read Psalms 13 and Proverbs 13 because the date was March 13. Then little by little add in a book of the Bible that isn't too long, for example Micah {if you read a chapter a day, you'll finish it within the week}. Or Jude {you'll be able to read that in one sitting}. Bible reading is a crucial element in the life of a believer!

The last step is application! This is the key element in the Christian faith, and will help your faith blossom like you can't imagine. Our Father doesn't want you to read something and then forget it...He wants you to apply what you read to your life. Whenever you read a verse, and you are able to apply it the same day you read it...take the challenge and try doing what the verse says! Not only is this the best way to grow in your faith, but it is also a wonderful way to be an example to others, and being set-apart for His glory!!

This very last step correlates to the step of application...a willing heart! God can't use you if you aren't willing to change the way you live your life. This is another common problem in most “Christians” today. They aren't willing to die to the flesh, and flee the youthful lusts {1 Tim. 5:22}

 

Sweet young ladies, be willing to change for the Good! Allow God to make you, who He wants you to be!

In HIS grace, Alisha

Is "impossible" in your vocabulary? :: March 2015 challenge ::

Do you have a deep desire to accomplish something that will greatly affect the Kingdom, but you're told that it's impossible, or you tell yourself it's impossible? I will admit that I do have a deep desire, and I've been told that it's impossible, and I even tell myself it's impossible sometimes.

When we first learn how to talk, we copy what our parents say. They say “say 'mama'” we say “mama”. When they say “say 'daddy'” we say “daddy” the best we can. Pretty soon they won't need to tell us what to say. We start to repeat what our loving parents say, good … and yes, even the bad. One of the words you'll eventually learn is the word … impossible.

“Alisha, my parents decided when they got married that they would never say something is impossible.”

That is great news! Even if you never learn about the word through your parents, you'll still learn about it through friends, school (we have to learn how to spell it eventually, music, etc. As you get older, you begin to understand the context in which to use the word. And eventually, you begin to use the word in sentences cuz it fits.

Is it wrong to use the word “impossible”?

Not it's not wrong to use the word … but using the word can undermine one's faith and make you feel defeated. The Bible says:

“All things are possible to him that believeth.”

Mark 9:23

If we look in the Bible, we see that Jesus never used the word “impossible” one time. This word was absolutley and completely out of His vocabulary.

If we believe that God can do everything, then why do we even say that something is impossible? The Bible says:

“Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

As a Christan who is trying to immulate Christ, are you going to keep “impossible” in your vocabulary? Or will you eliminate the word from your vocabulary?

I have a monthly challenge for you …

for the month of March, I challenge you to refrain from using the word impossible. When you feel the urge to say it, remind yourself that Christ never used the word. Quote Mark 9:23 or Matthew 19:26 out loud. As Romans 10:17 says “so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

At the end of March/early April, I would love to hear how this challenge went for you :) I will post how this challenge went for me in the post with my March recap/April goals.

In HIS grace, Alisha