Being baptized and raised in a Catholic church, my religious life has always been very structured and focused. This seemed to work well for me, because I worked well with strict structure, rules, and guidelines. I followed instructions well, and I appreciated all the traditions within the church. I've always been skeptical of other churches and denominations, and wondered what they did at Sunday morning service. I just knew they did not do the same things as a Catholic mass.
This morning, instead of attending regular mass, I turned on Sunday Mass on Channel 11 (to fufill my Catholic Sunday obligation), as I got ready to instead, to attend Sunday worship at the United Church of Christ in town. All my life, I've never strayed from the Catholic Mass, and if I had attended another church's service, I don't remember.
I really enjoyed the UCC Sunday worship. As a Catholic, I had been successful in staying faithful to the Catholic church. As a Christian, however, I had failed to accept other denominations. I was always trying to figure out who was "right" and who was "wrong" in religion. However, this morning confirmed that as Christians, we're all very similar. We love the same God, and are all called to love each other. We all live by the Bible. The reading at Sunday worship was actually the same as the Gospel reading in the Catholic Mass. The message at Sunday worship delivered the same moral as the homily in the Catholic Mass. Though they were different churches (UCC & Catholic), the people in both churches were all Christians, hearing the same message. We're all united under one God. I would like to continue to more worship services, outside of the Catholic church, to expand my faith & understanding. In the Catholic Mass, I could feel myself falling into "going through the motions." By switching it up, I think it will help me refocus on why we really go to church - to grow closer to God and worship & pray together. It will help me focus less on structured religion (which of course, can be a wonderful thing too), and more on a relationship with God.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Sword - Matthew 10:34
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have com to bring not peace but the sword."
Earth is a battlefied, a war between good and evil. Each day, we feel the tug between serving God and falling into temptation. We have that choice, that distinction to make in our everday lives. God loved us so much that he set us free, gave us free will, and the choice to return or not. God also makes it completely possible to live a life for Him. Yes, it's difficult. Yes, it's rare and probably out of the norm, but God is all-powerful. He created everything. He knows how everything ticks. And he loves you. He's on your side. He won't let you down. Jesus did not come to fix everything for us. He didn't come to "bring peace upon the earth." He brought the "sword." God has given us all the tools we need. He will give us the strenght and perseverance. We just need to ask. I know I've failed to ask because I'm scared. I know it's going to be difficult. Sometimes I'm not sure I want to right my ways. So I don't ask. But when I have, God has never failed to answer in the most perfect way possible.
I don't usually share personal stories, but this one blew my mind and is a perfect example of God's power and love. He can do anything.
The weekend of my birthday was approaching. My friends were just as excited as I was. Maybe a little more. They had decided they wanted to drink that weekend...a lot. And being the birthday girl, they were going to buy me alcohol as well. I enthusiacticly agreed, played along, and part of me really did want to give it a try that weekend. However, the majority of me was reluctant. I knew I really shouldn't. I was scared to ask God, scared that it would put me a tough postion. I already decided that I couldn't say "no" to my friends. They were set on this. I couldn't avoid them. So I asked God. I was even a little doubtful, but I asked him to help me out. I said, "I don't know how you're going to do this or what you want me to do, but I trust you can make something work."
The plan was for me to go home Friday and spend time with my family. I'd come back Saturday and then hang out with my friends. And then we'd party. I really had no way out.
Saturday morning, we received a call. My sister, who was pregnant, was in labor. She wasn't due for another 2 1/2 weeks! But she went into labor and everything was going fine. My family loaded up in our van and drove 5 hours to go see her. There was no way I'd make it back to see my friends that night. My sister had a healthy, 7 lb baby girl, 2 1/2 weeks early and all.
I asked and God provided. I never had to say no to my friends about the alcohol. They were more than happy for me that I was a new aunt. It was a perfect excuse. Not only did God provide me with a way out, but he gave me the best birthday present I could ask for, a niece. He answered my prayer, and so much more. God's love and generousity will continue to amaze me. And it's not because I did anything right to deserve this. It's because God loves us.
Earth is a battlefied, a war between good and evil. Each day, we feel the tug between serving God and falling into temptation. We have that choice, that distinction to make in our everday lives. God loved us so much that he set us free, gave us free will, and the choice to return or not. God also makes it completely possible to live a life for Him. Yes, it's difficult. Yes, it's rare and probably out of the norm, but God is all-powerful. He created everything. He knows how everything ticks. And he loves you. He's on your side. He won't let you down. Jesus did not come to fix everything for us. He didn't come to "bring peace upon the earth." He brought the "sword." God has given us all the tools we need. He will give us the strenght and perseverance. We just need to ask. I know I've failed to ask because I'm scared. I know it's going to be difficult. Sometimes I'm not sure I want to right my ways. So I don't ask. But when I have, God has never failed to answer in the most perfect way possible.
I don't usually share personal stories, but this one blew my mind and is a perfect example of God's power and love. He can do anything.
The weekend of my birthday was approaching. My friends were just as excited as I was. Maybe a little more. They had decided they wanted to drink that weekend...a lot. And being the birthday girl, they were going to buy me alcohol as well. I enthusiacticly agreed, played along, and part of me really did want to give it a try that weekend. However, the majority of me was reluctant. I knew I really shouldn't. I was scared to ask God, scared that it would put me a tough postion. I already decided that I couldn't say "no" to my friends. They were set on this. I couldn't avoid them. So I asked God. I was even a little doubtful, but I asked him to help me out. I said, "I don't know how you're going to do this or what you want me to do, but I trust you can make something work."
The plan was for me to go home Friday and spend time with my family. I'd come back Saturday and then hang out with my friends. And then we'd party. I really had no way out.
Saturday morning, we received a call. My sister, who was pregnant, was in labor. She wasn't due for another 2 1/2 weeks! But she went into labor and everything was going fine. My family loaded up in our van and drove 5 hours to go see her. There was no way I'd make it back to see my friends that night. My sister had a healthy, 7 lb baby girl, 2 1/2 weeks early and all.
I asked and God provided. I never had to say no to my friends about the alcohol. They were more than happy for me that I was a new aunt. It was a perfect excuse. Not only did God provide me with a way out, but he gave me the best birthday present I could ask for, a niece. He answered my prayer, and so much more. God's love and generousity will continue to amaze me. And it's not because I did anything right to deserve this. It's because God loves us.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Merry Christmas - "Isaiah 9:5"
"For a child is born to us. a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace."
This was the verse I really focused on this Christmas. I've always found prophecies extremely interesting. Now that Christ has come, we really can confirm Isaiah's prophecy that power does indeed lay upon Jesus's shoulders. He is Wonder-Counselor, far beyond what the human mind can comprehend, and "remarkable for his wisdom and prudence." When we have concerns, we should be running to him. What can others do that he can't? He is God-Hero, "a warrior and defender of his people, like God Himself." He is Father-Forever, "ever devoted to his people.". And he is the Prince of Peace, "his reign will be characterized by peace." The italics defining the verse are pulled out of the footnotes of the Bible.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us how powerful, loving, and great Jesus is. The other part of the verse that gets me is how it states "a child is born to us" and "a son is given to us." He was not born for Mary or Joseph, not even for God himself. For us. The Wonder-Counselor, the God-Hero, the Father-Forever, and the Prince of Peace was born for us. Jesus truly was a gift, and the greatest gift we could ever receive. We don't deserve him, and it's humbling to realize. However, giving an expensive gift is well worth it if the receiver is grateful. God doesn't need our gratitutude. He doesn't need us. But he loves us, and wants us. And we're not forced to love him. Loving him back and showing appreciation, out of our free-will, means more than we realize to Him. You won't go unnoticed.
This was the verse I really focused on this Christmas. I've always found prophecies extremely interesting. Now that Christ has come, we really can confirm Isaiah's prophecy that power does indeed lay upon Jesus's shoulders. He is Wonder-Counselor, far beyond what the human mind can comprehend, and "remarkable for his wisdom and prudence." When we have concerns, we should be running to him. What can others do that he can't? He is God-Hero, "a warrior and defender of his people, like God Himself." He is Father-Forever, "ever devoted to his people.". And he is the Prince of Peace, "his reign will be characterized by peace." The italics defining the verse are pulled out of the footnotes of the Bible.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us how powerful, loving, and great Jesus is. The other part of the verse that gets me is how it states "a child is born to us" and "a son is given to us." He was not born for Mary or Joseph, not even for God himself. For us. The Wonder-Counselor, the God-Hero, the Father-Forever, and the Prince of Peace was born for us. Jesus truly was a gift, and the greatest gift we could ever receive. We don't deserve him, and it's humbling to realize. However, giving an expensive gift is well worth it if the receiver is grateful. God doesn't need our gratitutude. He doesn't need us. But he loves us, and wants us. And we're not forced to love him. Loving him back and showing appreciation, out of our free-will, means more than we realize to Him. You won't go unnoticed.
Monday, August 30, 2010
For the College Kid - Proverbs 24:1
"Be not emulous of evil men, and desire not to be with them; For their hearts plot violence, and their lips speak of foul play."
I have not even been at college for 48 hours, and I became distracted from my faith. I realized that I have been way more concerned with the way I look, what people think of me, meeting new friends, and hanging out at the "cool" place, rather than focused on God. Even in mass yesterday, I was way too distracted to focus on Jesus Christ. Maybe if I put a flashing light on my Jesus bracelet, I would be reminded on who to focus. Just kidding, but I realize I need to change this, so I turned to the Loving Father for help. I opened up my bible this morning to my bookmark in Proverbs. I hadn't read two pages before I found this verse. There is soo much temptation on campus, and it's definitely been nagging at me. I found this verse though, and hopefully it will give me the strength today to stick to what is right and good. If I don't fit in, so what? As long as I have pleased my Father in heaven, what else do I need to do? With Him on my side, no one can harm me.
Ps. The definition of emulous that I found to fit this verse is as follows: "inspired by or deriving from a desire to emulate." Don't worry --- I had to look it up too. :)
I have not even been at college for 48 hours, and I became distracted from my faith. I realized that I have been way more concerned with the way I look, what people think of me, meeting new friends, and hanging out at the "cool" place, rather than focused on God. Even in mass yesterday, I was way too distracted to focus on Jesus Christ. Maybe if I put a flashing light on my Jesus bracelet, I would be reminded on who to focus. Just kidding, but I realize I need to change this, so I turned to the Loving Father for help. I opened up my bible this morning to my bookmark in Proverbs. I hadn't read two pages before I found this verse. There is soo much temptation on campus, and it's definitely been nagging at me. I found this verse though, and hopefully it will give me the strength today to stick to what is right and good. If I don't fit in, so what? As long as I have pleased my Father in heaven, what else do I need to do? With Him on my side, no one can harm me.
Ps. The definition of emulous that I found to fit this verse is as follows: "inspired by or deriving from a desire to emulate." Don't worry --- I had to look it up too. :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Deuteronomy 31:8
"It is the Lord who marches before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed." -Deuteronomy 31:8
Moses used these words to reassure Joshua when he handed over the task of crossing the Jordan and leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. In a blunt paraphrase, Moses says, "It will not be easy. There will be battle, and the Canaanites will want to kill you, but don't worry. God is going before you, and God will save you from them. You will take their land, and be victorious."
This week I leave for college. Despite all my excitement and anticipation, I'll be honest. I am terrified. I will be entering a world that my parents fought so hard to keep my sheltered from. A world of sex, drugs, alcohol, materialism, atheism, and much more. College life is going to be a petri dish of opportunity for the devil to use. Temptation will be everywhere. My faith will be tested, and I may be faced with someone who strongly disagrees with my faith. It would be easy for me to hide who I am, and lay under the radar. However, that's not right. I want to be strong and make my faith apparent. No, I won't be in people's faces quoting scripture, but I want people to see me and know I'm Christian. This means I will have to be able to support and back up my faith, as well as avoid temptation and lead by example. "It is the Lord who marches before you." If God can overthrow kings, lead Moses, Joshua, and the Iraelites safely through battle, and provide food, shelter, and water for them, then God can lead me through college. I trust in him, and it may not be easy, but it will be victorious.
If you are scared or worried about stepping out your box, or concerned about any upcoming event, remember the Lord is going before you. Trust him and he won't let you down.
Moses used these words to reassure Joshua when he handed over the task of crossing the Jordan and leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. In a blunt paraphrase, Moses says, "It will not be easy. There will be battle, and the Canaanites will want to kill you, but don't worry. God is going before you, and God will save you from them. You will take their land, and be victorious."
This week I leave for college. Despite all my excitement and anticipation, I'll be honest. I am terrified. I will be entering a world that my parents fought so hard to keep my sheltered from. A world of sex, drugs, alcohol, materialism, atheism, and much more. College life is going to be a petri dish of opportunity for the devil to use. Temptation will be everywhere. My faith will be tested, and I may be faced with someone who strongly disagrees with my faith. It would be easy for me to hide who I am, and lay under the radar. However, that's not right. I want to be strong and make my faith apparent. No, I won't be in people's faces quoting scripture, but I want people to see me and know I'm Christian. This means I will have to be able to support and back up my faith, as well as avoid temptation and lead by example. "It is the Lord who marches before you." If God can overthrow kings, lead Moses, Joshua, and the Iraelites safely through battle, and provide food, shelter, and water for them, then God can lead me through college. I trust in him, and it may not be easy, but it will be victorious.
If you are scared or worried about stepping out your box, or concerned about any upcoming event, remember the Lord is going before you. Trust him and he won't let you down.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sacrifice: What Would You Give Your Life For?
Really puts things into perspective -- only a couple minutes long, so please watch.
http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Downloadable_Video_Illustrations/1364/Sacrifice_What_would_you_give_your_life_for_/f=s1&s=die%20for%20you
http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Downloadable_Video_Illustrations/1364/Sacrifice_What_would_you_give_your_life_for_/f=s1&s=die%20for%20you
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Deuteronomy 8:5
"So you must realize that the Lord, your God, disciplines you even as a man disciplines his son."
-Deuteronomy 8:5
Sometimes as Chrisitians, I believe one of the hardest things for us to understand is God's mercy. A life filled with Christ is beautiful, joyful, and fulfilling, but we forget that it's not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. Jesus Christ directly tells us in the bible that there will be obstacles ("in this world you will have trouble" -John 16:33). However, instead of blaming God for our troubles and asking why he would burden us with such a problem, embrace it. Offer up your suffering and feel blessed that your sacrifice may help someone else, somewhere in need. Remember that love = suffering. Jesus proved this on the cross. God may also use our problems to get our attention and draw us closer to him. If things seem to be falling apart, take a step back and focus on your Lord Jesus Christ. He will take care of all your problems. And sometimes the only way to learn is the hard way, but that's God's loving mercy. Ask God for help, for just as your Father disciplines you, he answers your requests: "For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, find; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him." - Matthew 7:8-11. Not even your earthly father would turn you away your requests. Therefore, imagine how generous your Heavenly Father would be to your requests, who is the master of love and generousity.
-Deuteronomy 8:5
Sometimes as Chrisitians, I believe one of the hardest things for us to understand is God's mercy. A life filled with Christ is beautiful, joyful, and fulfilling, but we forget that it's not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. Jesus Christ directly tells us in the bible that there will be obstacles ("in this world you will have trouble" -John 16:33). However, instead of blaming God for our troubles and asking why he would burden us with such a problem, embrace it. Offer up your suffering and feel blessed that your sacrifice may help someone else, somewhere in need. Remember that love = suffering. Jesus proved this on the cross. God may also use our problems to get our attention and draw us closer to him. If things seem to be falling apart, take a step back and focus on your Lord Jesus Christ. He will take care of all your problems. And sometimes the only way to learn is the hard way, but that's God's loving mercy. Ask God for help, for just as your Father disciplines you, he answers your requests: "For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, find; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him." - Matthew 7:8-11. Not even your earthly father would turn you away your requests. Therefore, imagine how generous your Heavenly Father would be to your requests, who is the master of love and generousity.
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