With Christmas gone and New Years right around the corner, because I probably won't have time to write on New Years Eve, (my best friend is arriving and I will be very distracted), I wanted to talk about 3 things: materialism, resolutions, and patience.
Stuff, that's a word that is constantly being used in my vocabulary. I mean that is what all physical things are, stuff. Lots of things have no purpose and ultimately, those that do, we can't take to heaven anyway. I'm not saying having "stuff" is bad, but having "stuff" just to have it, or to take the place of God IS bad. We are told not to have idols, or anything that we worship more than Christ.
Another popular thing is New Years resolutions. A lot of times we like to "make changes" to ourselves, but we don't stay changed. This year, I want to be closer to God, more stylish, and (of course) to set the world on fire. I hope and pray that God will use me this upcoming year in ways I never dreamed possible.
Last, we need to be patient. As I mentioned my very best friend is coming next Monday, and I can't wait, however, I need to be patient or I will never make it. I am learning that everything requires some waiting, so practicing that waiting now, isn't a bad thing. Anyway, I hope you have a happy New Year, and you will use 2013 to set the world on fire!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Praying for those at Sandy Hook
As this nation is struck by a tragedy, we all mourn. We mourn the deaths of the innocent, the young, the priceless, the children. We mourn the deaths of the courageous women who gave their lives to a shower of bullets to protect their students, and we pray for the ones left behind.
I want to be like this, brave, courageous, honorable, glorifying to God. I want to have that much confidence in eternity that I could throw myself in front of a gunman to protect children I had only known since August. Most of all, I would want to do it to bring glory to God, to give my life up for Him. I don't mean to sound like I want to die, but rather that I would give my life if I had to.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
I want to be a living sacrifice, not afraid to further the kingdom. And to let you in on a little secret, you don't have to die to spread the Word. All you have to do is open your mouth and tell people. Losing a friendship might seem like the end of the world, but if you never tell others, they won't be in heaven anyway.
So take the chance, "die to the world", live for Christ, and set the world on fire.
I want to be like this, brave, courageous, honorable, glorifying to God. I want to have that much confidence in eternity that I could throw myself in front of a gunman to protect children I had only known since August. Most of all, I would want to do it to bring glory to God, to give my life up for Him. I don't mean to sound like I want to die, but rather that I would give my life if I had to.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
I want to be a living sacrifice, not afraid to further the kingdom. And to let you in on a little secret, you don't have to die to spread the Word. All you have to do is open your mouth and tell people. Losing a friendship might seem like the end of the world, but if you never tell others, they won't be in heaven anyway.
So take the chance, "die to the world", live for Christ, and set the world on fire.
Monday, December 3, 2012
We are just hanging on for the ride
This Sunday, we had a guest speaker giving a message at church and the one thing that he said that stuck with me was that we are just here for the ride. As children of God, we are promised that God will care for us. He loves us and will guide us as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We just need to hang on and let Christ do the work. He will take you and do amazing things with you, so just surrender yourself and let Him use you, because His plan is so much better than yours. And even though this is short, I want to leave you with this...
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Let Him have control, give Him the wheel, stop trying to do it yourself, because you will ultimately fail, and let Him work in you to set the world on fire.
And like us Facebook at facebook.com/settheworld !
Deuteronomy 31:6
New International Version (NIV)
Let Him have control, give Him the wheel, stop trying to do it yourself, because you will ultimately fail, and let Him work in you to set the world on fire.
And like us Facebook at facebook.com/settheworld !
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Dear Mr. President ~ An Essay on Abortion
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Dear Mr. President
I am writing this to you to address you on the issue of
human life. This issue is very
dear to me, for I believe that ALL human life is valuable, no matter what stage
it is. I believe that God loves us
all, and that no person, no matter the age, especially the innocent, should
have to suffer. Abortion is
threatening a person’s right to live; a value that I believe America takes
pride in. Abortions take the life
of around 1.5 million unborn children a year (http://www.cirtl.org/abfacts.htm).
How does this affect society? Well, since 1973, about 50 million babies who would have a
chance at a wonderful life have been stripped of the right to live (http://www.cirtl.org/abfacts.htm). That means that 50 million doctors,
nurses, researchers, authors, singers, politicians, and even presidents have
been denied passage into this world.
Everyday, we are losing more and more people who could be influential to
society. Not only that, but a
woman’s decision to abort will follow her throughout the rest of her life. A growing number of women are seeking
counsel for their past abortions.
Many people will say that unborn children are just fetuses
and that they aren’t fully developed, can’t feel pain, or even could live a
horrible life. We, as humans
though, are not fully developed until our 20s, so the fact that unborn babies
are not developed is not a suitable reason because babies outside of the womb
aren’t murdered out of convenience.
A baby in the womb can also feel pain after 9 weeks, so abortions after
9 weeks are actually inflicting pain on the baby (http://www.cirtl.org/abfacts.htm). Last, would you kill a person with Down
syndrome because they have the possibility of living a horrible life even though
some Down syndrome patients can learn to function in society? By having an abortion because the baby
might have a horrible life is like taking a Down syndrome baby and murdering it
because it might live an awful life.
So I ask you Mr. President, are abortions really helping
people, or are they taking away a right that we Americans treasure, the right
to life? I ask you to think
about it. Think about your
daughters; would you force them to make a decision that will haunt them for the
rest of their lives? Think about
if it was your mother, trying to decide whether or not to keep you. Think about it for all of the pregnant
mothers and their unborn children.
Think about it for America, for her future, because what if our future
leader is relying on their mothers to make the right decisions. I ask you to think about it for the
sake of your country.
Sincerely,
Abby Murray
(This was an essay that I wrote for a writing contest)
Monday, November 12, 2012
Light in the Dark
Light - something that makes things visible. Us as Christians are the light of the world. God calls us to be light, He wants us to help make things visible. We live in a really messed up, crazy, dark world. When we accept Christ, we are turning on that light. The light that everyone needs. This light, or us, is used to help show others Christ. Satan is the dark, and by turning on the light, we are helping this insane world to see and to put there feet on the right path that leads to Christ.
I think that us as humans have a problem with sharing this light. We are too afraid of what others will think of us, when we should be concerned with what God thinks. I would rather risk an earthly friendship then turn down an eternal one. One thousand years from now, it won't matter who liked you, it will matter who's life you turned around and brought to Christ.
I think that us as humans have a problem with sharing this light. We are too afraid of what others will think of us, when we should be concerned with what God thinks. I would rather risk an earthly friendship then turn down an eternal one. One thousand years from now, it won't matter who liked you, it will matter who's life you turned around and brought to Christ.
But in order to be that light, you first need to accept it. If you do not know Christ, there is no way you can share Him. God sent Jesus to us as a baby. Jesus lived a perfect life and glorified God. Eventually, Jesus was hung on a cross to die. His blood was shed to pay for your sins. After three days, He rose and conquered death. Now He is seated in heaven waiting to come and take all who believe in Him home. If you do not believe, you will spend eternity in hell. In order to take this gift, you need to pray and admit your sins to God, believe that He is Gods son, and confess that you need Him because you are not good on your own. Once you do this, you are a Christian and will be spending eternity with Him. Now you need to spread the good news and be a light for everyone to see.
It is time we flipped up the light switch and made a difference in people's lives because we stopped hiding our light under a basket. God has called us to so much more, so don't be afraid to share your light and to help set the world on fire.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Peace in the Cherith Ravine
This Sunday, Pastor Ross gave an awesome message on how God will provide, like He did for Elijah in the Cherith Ravine. This really spoke to me because of the song, Have Your Way, talks about the same thing. Just let God take over your life. Give it to Him. He knows the master plan, and even when you have no idea what He is doing, remember that sometimes, we are wrong and as much as you hate to hear it, it is true.
We also need to have peace. Peace that passes understanding; the Holy Spirit moving in us. God gives us peace that really is like none other. Honestly, when you don't know what God is doing, just ask Him for peace.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Give God your life, He will give you peace, and He will use you to set the world on fire.
And I was wondering if you all would pray for my friend at school who has brain tumors and that God would give his family peace.
We also need to have peace. Peace that passes understanding; the Holy Spirit moving in us. God gives us peace that really is like none other. Honestly, when you don't know what God is doing, just ask Him for peace.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Give God your life, He will give you peace, and He will use you to set the world on fire.
And I was wondering if you all would pray for my friend at school who has brain tumors and that God would give his family peace.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Have Your Way, God
So, this Saturday, I went to the Mitt Romney rally at Land O' Lakes High School. It was an amazing night that I will NEVER forget. We got to see the possible president of the United States of America. I loved being there and I was able to participate in event that had over 15000 people!
Anyway, today, I heard a song by Britt Nicole (I'll put a link at the end of this post). It is called Have Your Way. This song really spoke to me because it talks about how we need to just give God our lives and stop trying to live our lives our selves. It talks about how we need to submit to God, because He never said it would be easy, but He did say He would never leave. It talks about how we need to stop searching for answers in the world and just give everything to God, the One who has the power to turn it all around.
We need to give God control. By being a Christian, we are giving God our lives to have power. Let Him use you as He wishes. We should want to give God our lives because history clearly illustrates the destruction that occurs when we don't listen to Him.
Romans 12. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
We need to let God have us, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our body is His temple after all. He gave it all, and we should give it back to Him. So lets stop trying to live our life the way we want and let God have the controller, and trust me, He will use you to Set the World on Fire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpgeEJq_QA8&feature=endscreen&NR=1
Anyway, today, I heard a song by Britt Nicole (I'll put a link at the end of this post). It is called Have Your Way. This song really spoke to me because it talks about how we need to just give God our lives and stop trying to live our lives our selves. It talks about how we need to submit to God, because He never said it would be easy, but He did say He would never leave. It talks about how we need to stop searching for answers in the world and just give everything to God, the One who has the power to turn it all around.
We need to give God control. By being a Christian, we are giving God our lives to have power. Let Him use you as He wishes. We should want to give God our lives because history clearly illustrates the destruction that occurs when we don't listen to Him.
Romans 12. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
We need to let God have us, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our body is His temple after all. He gave it all, and we should give it back to Him. So lets stop trying to live our life the way we want and let God have the controller, and trust me, He will use you to Set the World on Fire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpgeEJq_QA8&feature=endscreen&NR=1
Monday, October 22, 2012
The Irony of Ring-Around-The-Roses
Ring-a-round a rosie,
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes! Ashes!
We all fall down.
One of the most recognized nursery rhymes in the country and across the world. I recently found out that this song could have originated from bubonic plague (the Black Death) that killed most of Europe's population between 1347 and 1351. One of the most happy, upbeat, and prevalent songs in the US could possibly be a song about death. The first line being the rosie rashes of the plague, the posies an herb to cover the stench of the dead, the ashes from the bodies being cremated, and everyone falling as a result of death. The irony!
Sometimes life is like this. We often call ourselves something, but act completely different. We say that we are Christians, "little Christs", but do we act it? If we are truly trying to be "little Christs", then we should be striving to please God, and not acting like we are have not a care in the world. The Bible says that we should be in the world, but not of it. Not to be acting just like the rest of humanity.
I think that's why so many people have been given a bad rap about Christianity. When we say we are Christians, we are telling the world that we aren't the same as them. And the world is looking for something different then what they are used to and when we as Christians act just like them, we aren't giving them different. When we say we are Christians, we are telling the world that we aren't the same as them.
We as Christ followers need to be walking in His footsteps. So will you choose to say you are one thing but act another, or will you live for Christ and Set the World on Fire? And remember to like us on Facebook!
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes! Ashes!
We all fall down.
One of the most recognized nursery rhymes in the country and across the world. I recently found out that this song could have originated from bubonic plague (the Black Death) that killed most of Europe's population between 1347 and 1351. One of the most happy, upbeat, and prevalent songs in the US could possibly be a song about death. The first line being the rosie rashes of the plague, the posies an herb to cover the stench of the dead, the ashes from the bodies being cremated, and everyone falling as a result of death. The irony!
Sometimes life is like this. We often call ourselves something, but act completely different. We say that we are Christians, "little Christs", but do we act it? If we are truly trying to be "little Christs", then we should be striving to please God, and not acting like we are have not a care in the world. The Bible says that we should be in the world, but not of it. Not to be acting just like the rest of humanity.
I think that's why so many people have been given a bad rap about Christianity. When we say we are Christians, we are telling the world that we aren't the same as them. And the world is looking for something different then what they are used to and when we as Christians act just like them, we aren't giving them different. When we say we are Christians, we are telling the world that we aren't the same as them.
We as Christ followers need to be walking in His footsteps. So will you choose to say you are one thing but act another, or will you live for Christ and Set the World on Fire? And remember to like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
We are on Facebook!!!!
Right now, I am trying to reach as many people as I can, so like us on Facebook and spread the fire!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Sparks are Flying
So what does Setting the World on Fire look like? How can we Set the World on Fire? I have been blogging for 2 months, and I have never really talked about what being on fire for God means to me.
Well, in my opinion, Setting the World on Fire is like this: the more people you reach, the more people they reach, the more people they reach, and the domino effect. Humans have the power of words on their side. We can communicate things in under 3 seconds via email, text, Twitter, Facebook, etc. We truly have no excuse for not telling people. Now, I know that it isn't exactly the easiest thing ever. Even I fall victim to the "shy disease". But, like Britt Nicole's Set the World on Fire, Lord with you, there is nothing I can't do. God gives us the power over fear.
Here is something I wrote this August:
This year, I want to Set the World on Fire for God. I want to be a spark so big that not even all of the devil's fire trucks can put God's fire out. When it seems like evil is winning, I want to be reminded that Christ has already conquered death. The battle is already won! And that God will be with me and all of his children this year and throughout eternity. With Him on our side, this year will be great!!!
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
I hope that my life reflects this, as it is what I strive for every day. So, will you choose to sit back and watch the flames, or will you be that spark that Sets the World on Fire?
Well, in my opinion, Setting the World on Fire is like this: the more people you reach, the more people they reach, the more people they reach, and the domino effect. Humans have the power of words on their side. We can communicate things in under 3 seconds via email, text, Twitter, Facebook, etc. We truly have no excuse for not telling people. Now, I know that it isn't exactly the easiest thing ever. Even I fall victim to the "shy disease". But, like Britt Nicole's Set the World on Fire, Lord with you, there is nothing I can't do. God gives us the power over fear.
Here is something I wrote this August:
This year, I want to Set the World on Fire for God. I want to be a spark so big that not even all of the devil's fire trucks can put God's fire out. When it seems like evil is winning, I want to be reminded that Christ has already conquered death. The battle is already won! And that God will be with me and all of his children this year and throughout eternity. With Him on our side, this year will be great!!!
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
I hope that my life reflects this, as it is what I strive for every day. So, will you choose to sit back and watch the flames, or will you be that spark that Sets the World on Fire?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
GOSPEL
G.O.S.P.E.L. The key to life, and the secret to everlasting life. The story that brings millions of people together under the wings of Christ. In our youth group, we are going through a series that takes Propaganda's GOSPEL video and breaks it down. From what we have gone over so far, I learned that God got down in the dirt to make us. He really does care about us because He got on our level, and he is personal. No other religion offers a personal God.
Basically what the video said was God Our Sins Paying Everyone Life. Or GOD sent Jesus to save us from OUR SIN, PAYING the price so that EVERYONE can have LIFE!!! The Gospel in 6 words and 4 short minutes.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
So, this week, will we choose to reject the truth, life's meaning in 6 words, or will we accept it and Set the World on Fire?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYFxp7apl4 (The Propaganda Video)
Basically what the video said was God Our Sins Paying Everyone Life. Or GOD sent Jesus to save us from OUR SIN, PAYING the price so that EVERYONE can have LIFE!!! The Gospel in 6 words and 4 short minutes.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
So, this week, will we choose to reject the truth, life's meaning in 6 words, or will we accept it and Set the World on Fire?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYFxp7apl4 (The Propaganda Video)
Monday, September 24, 2012
Anything For You
A poem that I wrote:
I am week
In you presence
I am
small
In
your light
You
heal me
You
hold me
I am
happy
In
your arms
Your
fire burns inside of me
Like
the wick
Of a
candle
You
keep me going
So
why do I reject you
Why
do I keep you a secret
You
knew me before time began
Does
that make me a hypocrtite
You
gave
The
ultimate sacrifice
A
life
Your
life
I
will make you known
I
will share your love
I
will shout from the rooftops
Let
your glory reign
Anything
for you, Lord
Monday, September 10, 2012
If It Was Your Last Day...
As we approach September 11 (tomorrow), I wanted to dedicate this blog post to those who lost their lives when the World Trade Center was attacked. As I have thought about this more, I have realized how fortunate we are to be breathing. We don't deserve the life that we have been given. In fact, the Bible says that the wages of sin is death. So why do we take life for granted? We only have one, short life. Some people say that there is no point in living if you are only going to die. Others say that life is to short to be wasted telling people about God. However, we need to have a different perspective on it all. Here is part of a song by Natalie Grant...
Only one life to live
Only one love to give
Only one life, only one love
So make it, make it matter
The people in the World Trade Center didn't know that it was there last day, do you think that they would have put more effort into there life if they knew that it was so short? Us as humans and children of God need to realize that while we might be taking up time telling others about Him, it will ultimately further his kingdom. So what do you say? Will you gain today and lose eternity, or will you take the chance to set the world on fire.
Only one life to live
Only one love to give
Only one life, only one love
So make it, make it matter
The people in the World Trade Center didn't know that it was there last day, do you think that they would have put more effort into there life if they knew that it was so short? Us as humans and children of God need to realize that while we might be taking up time telling others about Him, it will ultimately further his kingdom. So what do you say? Will you gain today and lose eternity, or will you take the chance to set the world on fire.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Perfection is over-rated
Have you ever felt like you aren't worth anything. Like you have absolutely nothing to contribute, or maybe you feel that some of your friends are perfect and you aren't. The bad news is that we will never be perfect. We will always fall short of perfection. But, I have great news for you. God thinks that you are beautiful just the way you are. Jesus is the only one who could ever be perfect so don't try to be.
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you -Jonny Diaz
God will love you whether or not you are perfect. So stop trying to be a perfect person, and aim for a Godly one, and just maybe you will have time to set the world on fire.
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you -Jonny Diaz
God will love you whether or not you are perfect. So stop trying to be a perfect person, and aim for a Godly one, and just maybe you will have time to set the world on fire.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Through the Storm
Don't you love it when district officials decide that it is dangerous to go to school, yet that day, it hardly rains? I have had this happen twice while I have lived in Florida, and both times, regular day to day storms are worse than the "hurricanes".
A lot of times, life is like this. We decide to sit a great opportunity out because we believe that it won't be safe. God promises us, though, that he will take care of us and provide. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Even in the darkest of the storm.
Is it really worth it to not tell someone about Jesus just because you are afraid of losing a friendship that eternity will separate? Or will you take the chance that could change a persons life and help set the world on fire.
A lot of times, life is like this. We decide to sit a great opportunity out because we believe that it won't be safe. God promises us, though, that he will take care of us and provide. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Even in the darkest of the storm.
Is it really worth it to not tell someone about Jesus just because you are afraid of losing a friendship that eternity will separate? Or will you take the chance that could change a persons life and help set the world on fire.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Welcome!
I am so pleased to welcome you to my blog. I am very excited about how God will work through me here. I will do my best to write every Monday, but when I do write, I will write about my whole week. Hopefully I will be able to get this linked to Facebook, but until then, just come here every Monday. I hope you will join me as I begin "Setting the world on fire for God!"
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