A Mighty Fortress

Check out this song...I posted the lyrics below. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4H-iWayY5M

Our God is, a consuming fire,
A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom
Our God is, the only righteous judge,
Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your Name
Your Kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own
None could comprehend, His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens
Forever He's worthy...

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord we will set our hearts on You! 

Christ Is First IN Everything

Wow, it's been forever... I think I forgot how to blog! jk jk... :P

Anyways, I decided I would finally get back on here and update what has been going on in my life since the last time I posted:

I am home from Tapawingo - I've been home about six weeks now. Another summer ended well, many lessons learned, and great friends made. Back to school and work now for the past six weeks, which has been keeping me busy.

There have been a few changes in my life since I've been home that were rough to adjust to...I guess the most predominate one would be my being an "only child." Yes, it's true...all my siblings have gone and left me! It's weird being the only "kid" at home, but I'm excited for my siblings and what they get to do. It was definitely an adjustment and I felt lonely a lot, but things are getting better as the semester goes by.

Anyways, I have been learning a great deal about the Lord and really just have this desire to serve Him! A couple of weekends ago I went to the Ekklesia Conference in Jupiter, Florida (great conference!!!), and I believe it was Rick Holland who said something along the lines that "Jesus is to be number 1 in everything in your life, not just above everything." - I've been thinking a lot about my life and if Jesus is number 1 in everything...it makes me think of the verses in Romans 6:15- 18 where it talks about being slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness; and in Matthew 6:24 where it says that you cannot serve two masters. Who is the Master that you/I want to serve?? It should be evident in our lives. Just something to munch on.

Sunrise

The sunrise at 5:20 last Monday morning...one word: beautiful.

Surprise Visit ...

Well, I don't have much time, so this will be short, but I wanted to update. I've had a great two weeks of camp so far - my cabin has been great (and we even won cabin clean-up this week and had an ice cream party!)! That was pretty exciting! However, the most exciting part of the end of these two weeks was that my sister and mom came to visit! I knew Emily was coming, but I was surprised to see mom! I'm really glad that she made it up here this year...and that she was able to keep it a secret from me! Unfortunately they could only stay a couple of days, so it was sad to see them go.

Session 3 is starting this afternoon! I can't believe I've been up here for 5 weeks already...it doesn't feel like it's been that long - but I have 6 weeks left.

If I had to choose one thing I liked most about Tapawingo, it would be growing in the Lord. I've learned a lot even just these two weeks of camp and am excited for the next six weeks. I've probably learned most about just the Lord's faithfulness and provision. He has provided various ways that I wouldn't expect...He is awesome.

Well, I've got to get ready to go back to the island... I'd love to hear how everyone at home is doing, if you get the chance to send me letter :)

The end, yet the beginning...

I don't even know where to begin... Well, staff training has come to an end and campers are coming on Sunday - wait! that's tomorrow! time does fly by... Let me rewind a little bit:

The last three weeks we have had staff training which includes, but is not limited to, welcome program planning, hiking, activity area training (sailing, tennis, camp-craft, wildlife, etc...), lost swimmer/camper drill, work crews, some staff did lifeguard and WFA (wilderness first aid) training, four other girls and I became archery certified, the barge drill, wisdom walk, co -pairings, pre-season banquet, and finally we ended training with banana-boating. I'm sure I'm probably missing lots of things that we did, but this is just a taste of what my life has been like the last three weeks.

So, yes, I did get archery certified and I have successfully hit the bullseye more than once! Okay, it hasn't been in the exact middle, but still in the bullseye! :) A few of the girls and I ended up with stellar bruises on our arms from the string snapping against our skin as we released the arrow. I guess we've all learned our lesson to roll our arms/elbows down. I also shoot left handed because I am left eye-d. (I wondered why I was so bad all those other times I had tried to shoot before...!)

Another fun time was the barge drill scenario - two counselors didn't know what was going to happen and the rest of us pretended that the barge caught on fire. We made a big scene including jumping off the side of the barge while it was still moving at a good speed, hiding under the bench because of the "inability to swim," and I "lost" my life-jacket after getting in the water and pretended to drown, and the boat boy (who didn't know this was going to happen) found out it was a "pretend fire" and just walked off the boat. Anyways, it was just a big lesson on what to do if there's an emergency on the barge.

One of my favorite parts of training is the Wisdom Walk. That is where we split up into different groups and walk around to different stations on the island where different admin are. The admin share some wisdom and encouragement with us from God's Word.

Yesterday afternoon we found out what cabin we were in and who we were cos with. I am yet again in Winnebago (11-12 year olds) with Becky!

Finally, we had our pre-season banquet last night. It was rainbow themed because of the reminder of God's promises. All the counselors received awards of promises. I received the promise of Philippians 1:6 - which is kind of ironic because I had been thinking about that verse throughout staff training! Obviously God knew all along!

With the conclusion of the banquet, the boat boys took us banana-boating, which, for those of you who don't know, is a banana-shaped tube/boat.

Anyways, I cannot express how much God has already taught these three short weeks, but it has been good. I am excited for what He is going to teach me the next eight weeks as I will be pouring into campers. God is so good - He's always been faithful to me.

P.S. Here's a link to some pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=220065&id=729082455&l=ad2ab4a832

First week of training :)

One week down! It has been so great to be back here, but so strange at the same time! I've been having a lot of fun getting to know the new staff and reconnecting with the returners. This week we went on our 3-Day hike to Puffer Pond and then climbed Chimney Mountain almost as soon as we stepped out of the woods from Puffer. We had a great time of bonding...especially since in it was raining and freezing! But for the most part we stayed dry and warm. :) For Chimney Mountain we climbed up at our own pace, but as fast as we could...we just had to push ourselves. Chimney is about a 1 mile steep climb, but the view is totally worth it! Last year I made it up in 31 minutes and 10 seconds, but this summer I did it in 28 minutes and 18 seconds....I improved!!! But anyways, we are now on our day off, starting last night. We had a great adventure with doing laundry (for example: figuring out where we could do laundry since the place we were told was locked, getting more coins, and the laundromat flooding!) but aside from that, it was fun! - not that those experiences weren't fun... :) Anyways, it's about time for lunch, so I best be heading up to the Hill to eat. I'll update soon!

Hasta la Vista, Mis Amigos!

It's about that time of year again...summer! Well, I guess I've been on break since school ended back in April, but it's starting to dawn on me that I'll be leaving for the rest of the summer. This Sunday, June 6, I will embark on a journey back up to the little island of joy in God's beautiful creation. As I think about it, mixed emotions rise up all around engulfing my thoughts. I'm stoked to go to NY, but I'm also sad to leave Jacksonville and all the lives I've been involved in here. However, I know that this is all part of God's plan, and ultimately I hope this experience will bring God the glory only He deserves. I do want to keep in touch with everyone while I'm away, though, so please keep me updated on your lives!

There are a few things that I will ask y'all to pray for this summer...

• first of all that God will be honored and glorified in all that goes on throughout the summer
• secondly that we as staff will work together and get the island ready for the campers
• thirdly for the campers - that God will do a work in their hearts now and that lives will be won for him this summer
• and finally for me personally that I will continue to grow in my walk with the Lord and also, I will be speaking to the girls at Vespers session 4 Monday night (July 19, I believe). Just pray that the Lord will speak through me, that it will be His words, not mine.

If you find some time to write me a letter or shoot me an email, please do so! My address for the summer is:

Camp Tapawingo

Hannah Sanders

P.O. Box 250

Speculator, NY 12164

Also, if you're inclined to send a care package, use this address:

Camp Tapawingo

Hannah Sanders

C/O CAMP-of-the-WOODS

RT. 30

Speculator, NY 12164

I'm going to miss y'all a bunch.

~Hannah

Hungry

Last night my brothers and I were able to hang out at some friends' house. We had a bonfire and played guitar. One of the songs we played/sang was Hungry by Joy Williams. I just love that song. Christ is the only One that satisfies, the only One whose love does not run dry. His arms are always open wide...we need to embrace them. He should be the only One we live for. So often I find myself living for something other than Christ (most often myself), but He has to be first in my life, top priority. No person or thing can be above Him...

Hungry I come to You
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You're all
This heart is living for

Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch
Restores my life
So I wait for You
So I wait for You

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

I got this delicious recipe from my sister. These are the best peanut butter cookies in the world!


Ingredients:
1 1/2 c peanut butter
1 c butter
2 1/2 c brown sugar
6 T milk
2 T vanilla
2 eggs
3 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 t salt
1 1/2 t baking soda 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c peanut butter chips


Directions:
Mix peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla. Then add the eggs. Then mix in the flour, salt, and baking soda. Then add the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Roll into balls and bake at 375 degrees for 6-7 minutes (I recommend 6 - but check it) until lightly browned. Press the leftover chips into the tops of the cookies.


*Note* you can freeze the dough.


Enjoy!

An excellent wife who can find?

You've probably already guessed what this post is going to be about just by reading the title. Well, if you guessed cheez-its and lollipops - you're wrong! haha ok. Yes, it's about the Proverbs 31 woman and becoming a wife (No, I'm not getting married. At least not now, but hopefully in the future).

So anyways, while I'm waiting for God to provide a husband for me, I want to develop and cultivate the character qualities of a woman who fears the Lord (but even if I don't ever get married, I should still aspire to have these traits). Let's take a look at what they are:

1. vs 12 ~ "She does him [her husband] good, and not harm, all the days of her life." ~ it's not what I get out of the marriage, but what I give - how do I (will I) help my husband? How will I promote spiritual growth in His life? I can begin helping him now by praying for him.

2. vs 13-19 ~ "She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. . She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle." ~ she willingly works in the home and provides food for her family. She's a homemaker (I would love to be a homemaker, but if times are rough I would be willing to work to help the family).

3. vs 20-24 ~ "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them.; she delivers sashes to the merchant." ~ She's willing to help and serve others and she's prepared for what may come.

4. vs 25-26 ~ "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." ~ She is wise and is clothed with strength and dignity - they are part of her character.

5. vs 27 ~ "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." ~ She is not lazy, she keeps her house clean, and cares for her family.

6. vs 28-31 ~ "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." ~ This kind of woman is to be praised. I want to fear the Lord and possess these qualities. I want to be an excellent wife and mother.

For all of you who have asked me what I'm going to do in life/what is my major - here is your answer: I'm going for my MRS. degree - that's my dream job. I pray that the Lord will provide me with a husband in His timing. :)

How Deep the Father's Love...

Have you ever really thought about it? I mean really thought about how much the Father loves us? If you haven't, I encourage you to do so. I probably don't do it often enough, but it is such a humbling realization to sit at the foot of the cross, knowing that God loves us enough to send His only Son to die a cruel, humiliating death in my place. Amazing.

Here are the lyrics to such a beautiful song called How Deep the Father's Love for Us :

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Praise God - He only deserves glory, honor, and praise!

March in a Nutshell

Wow! It's been a month since I've posted! Ok, one more day...but practically a month. I guess I will update you on what all has occurred this month...which isn't much.

I've been pretty busy with school and work, but I did have spring break off for school a couple of weeks ago which was a really nice break from all the craziness. During that week I still had to work, but was able to spend some time with friends as well as catch up on all my homework at the time (which is probably what I should be doing right now)! Also we had a surprise birthday party for my brother's 21st birthday that Friday of spring break! He ended up finding out about it, but it was fun anyways and we learned how to Square Dance!

School is going well I guess. I had to 18 hours of observation in public schools (elementary and high) and 18 hours of tutoring in another elementary school for two of my classes. I just finished all of that up yesterday, so things should start slowing down a little bit. However we only have 4-5 weeks left so projects and papers and finals are going to be due soon.

I just started to run a little bit! I've been wanting to for a long time now, but didn't know if I should. It's only been 1/2 a mile at a time, but I've done it 4 times now, so in all it's 2 miles!!! haha, ok...anyways, I'm just starting out slow and easing myself into it.

I've been having fun driving in my new car I bought at the end of February!! It's a silver 2003 Honda Civic. I'm so blessed to be able to have it. And really I'm so blessed with the life I have been given - godly parents, fun siblings, great friends, a home, a school paid for (for at least this year!), a job, food, clothing, etc... I could probably come up with so much more! - and how often do I take all of these things for granted? Or how often do I complain about things? It's something to think about. But I hope and pray that I will never put any of these things above Christ. 1 John 2:15-17 says "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." I find myself hungering for the Word all the more and desiring to learn and grow. I have so much to learn.

Nehemiah 9

So, in my quiet times I've been reading through Nehemiah and I just wanted to share with you something that stood out to me. First of all, go read Nehemiah 9, then come back and read what I got out of this chapter. Or go read the whole book... ;)

When I read this chapter it really stood out to me how merciful and faithful our God is. I mean think about it. The Israelites would turn away from God; then God would give them into the hands of their enemies and allow them to suffer. In the midst of their suffering the Israelites would cry out to the Lord. Then God would hear them from heaven and delivered them according to Your great mercies. The phrase "according to Your great mercies" is used three times in this chapter referring to God delivering the Israelites. I'd say its something pretty significant if it's mentioned three times! One of the times it is mentioned in verse 31 which says "Nevertheless, in Your great mercies You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and merciful God." Back up to verse 17b "But You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them." He is a gracious and merciful God, ready to forgive!

How many times a day do we turn away from the Lord and fall into sin? I am so thankful that God is a gracious and merciful God, ready to forgive! Do I deserve His grace, mercy, and forgiveness? No, I deserve eternal life apart from God. But God so graciously and mercifully forgave me of my sins and redeemed me by the blood of His Son! No matter how many times I sin and come running to God for forgiveness, He will always forgive me, just like He forgave the Israelites. How encouraging is that? We truly serve a great God!

Bound for the Promised Land!

Today I listened to Jars of Clay sing a song called "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand." This song is such a great reminder that we are bound; we are bound for the Promised Land! How encouraging these lyrics are to me - reminding me to live in such a way that pleases Christ, because we are indeed bound for eternity with Him if we are His true children! Here are the lyrics to this great song:

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land
Where my possessions lie

All o'er those wide extended plains
Shines one eternal day
There God, the Son forever reigns
And scatters night away.

I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land

No chilling wind nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore
Where sickness, sorrow, pain and death
Are felt and feared no more

I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land

When shall I see that happy place
And be forever blessed
When shall I see my Father's face
And in His bosom rest

I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land

Here's the link to listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtHfLcp1F3U

Lukewarm Christianity

Have you ever considered your life in light of eternity? What is the point of life - why are we here? Are you just living for the here and now? Are you a lukewarm Christian?

My prayer for myself and others is that we are not lukewarm Christians; that we live life to the fullest and understand why we were created. Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Revelation 3:15-16 says "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

We cannot be lukewarm about Christianity...it's all or nothing. You are either a follower of God, or you're not. You can't be both. Matthew 6:24 says, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." You either love God or you don't.

I want to live for God to the fullest. I want to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I want to study His Scriptures and grow closer to Him. I want to love Him.

Psalm 63:1-5 "O God, you are my God: earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in you name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips". - I pray that this will be true and evident in my life. God alone is worthy to be praised!

Double Predestination?

In Sunday School at Grace Community Church, Pastor Brian Harvey is going through Ephesians with the college and career group. We just started this study a few weeks ago and have already hit some pretty deep stuff, for instance: predestination. I will attempt to explain from my notes...I don't know how many people read this, but even if no one does, it helps me to process my thoughts and see what I learned by writing it out; so here goes!

Predestined means to decide upon beforehand according to His (God's) will. God predestined those whom He saves. Also, this term, predestined, is always used to say that God saves someone - not that condemns them. So, the question was brought up, "what about Romans 9:22-23?" Does it teach double-predestination - since God chooses some people to be saved, He also condemns the rest. No it doesn't teach that. Romans 9:22-23 says,

What if God, desiring to show His wrath and to make known His power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of His glory for vessels of mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory.

So are these verses saying that God predestines or decides on beforehand those who spend eternity apart from Him? Let's look at some passages in Scripture:

James 1:13-14 "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and entice by his own desire."

This passage is very clear - No one can say, "God made me do it." God tempts no one; when man sins, it's his own fault.

Go back to Romans 9:21 - "Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?" A better word for "dishonorable" is "common". Believers and unbelievers are alike, but we serve different purposes. It is not saying that one person is saved and another is condemned. Unbelievers were not designed for destruction, just common usages. (I hope I haven't lost you yet...this is pretty hard to understand - especially the way I'm writing it. Sorry!)

Anyways, let's keep going to verses 22 and 23. The word "prepared" is used in both of those verses, but they mean different things. In the English, the word "prepared" is the same verb and means the same thing. In the Greek, however, "prepared" doesn't mean the same thing. Let's take a look. In vs. 22 "prepared" is a passive verb; so God is not an active agent in preparation They themselves already prepared themselves. But, in vs. 23 "prepared" is an active verb; God is actively preparing some to save. So even though it's the same word, there is a difference.

Although God does not prepare some for condemnation, He does allow sin to continue to ultimately be used for His glory - to proclaim His glory. Think of the story of Pharaoh and Moses. God allowed Pharaoh to harden his heart and continue in sin for His (God's) eternal purposes. God puts His hand of grace on some, but not others, allowing them to continue in sin.

Do any of us deserve to be saved? That would be a definite NO! We are all on the path to destruction. None of us deserve salvation, but God chooses to save some of us. Why do we ask the question, "How come they aren't saved?" Instead we should be asking, "Why am I saved?"

So, does this passage teach double-predestination? No, it:

1. Shows God's wrath
2. Make His powers known
3. Makes known the riches of His glory in mercy

The purpose of it all is to give God glory and to show His glory.

Are we ever going to grasp this fully? Probably not. Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the Lord out God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." - We won't understand it unless God reveals it to us.

Update

So, I don't really have anything to write about...but I wanted to post something because I hadn't in a while. =] Anyways, I'll just give you a little update on my life.

Currently I'm memorizing Hebrews. I'm not sure why I chose this book, but it's a great book and I encourage everyone to study it! I've been memorizing it since Christmas break and have finished the first three chapters! 3 down 10 to go! I would like to finish before the summer, but we'll see.

Life is very busy this semester...I'm always running around here and there and everywhere. I'm starting to go to two different schools to observe/tutor for two of my classes. I went for the first time this past Friday and was in a fourth grade class. I will be going again this coming Thursday to the same school and hopefully Friday to the other school. I have to have a total of 36 hours altogether this semester - 18 per class. I hope this is making sense...? Anyways, it is keeping me very busy.

I still don't know for sure what I want to major in...it's so hard to decide what to do when I don't really want to do anything; (Okay, I want to do something - be a homemaker!). But while I'm waiting for that to happen, Lord-willing, I'm looking for something to do in the meantime and school seems like the best option. I just need to trust in the sovereignty of God. Easy to say, hard to do. I feel like I worry about it way to much...I need to let it all go and rest in Him.

Well that's a mini-update of what's going on in my life right now. I don't want to bore you too much! ;) haha

Do They See Jesus In Me?

Well, currently I have been having a "study night" tonight, but I'm taking a little break to blog :P ...anyways I was listening to some music and one song in particular (Do They See Jesus In Me? by Joy Williams) stuck out to me. Here are the lyrics:

Is the face that I see in the mirror

the one I want others to see

Do I show in the way that I walk in my life

The love that You've given to me

My heart's desire is to be like You

In all that I do, all I am

Do they see Jesus In Me

Do they recognize Your face

Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace

Do I reflect who You are

In the way I choose to be

Do they see Jesus In Me

It's amazing that you'd ever use me

But use me the way You will

Help me to hold out a heart of

compassionate grace

A heart that You're spirit fills

May I show forgiveness and mercy

The same way You've shown it to me

Now I want to show all the world who You are

The reason I live and breathe

So You'll be the One that they see

When they see me

Just think about those words in the chorus for a minute - "Do they see Jesus in me? Do I communicate Your love and Your grace? Do I reflect who You are in the way I choose to be?" Let these words sink into our mind and your heart and ask yourself, "Is this true in my life?" If not, should it be? Absolutely! We as believers are kind of like mirrors in that we reflect the light of Christ to the world (or at least we should be) Our actions determine what's really in our hearts and if we truly love the Lord it will be evident in our lives. 1 John 3:10 says "By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." I mentioned this in my last post about practicing righteousness - it is a mark of a true believer. Look at the fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control". Guess what? These fruits should also be evident in a believer's life. Look at 2 Peter 1:5-10:

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if your practice these qualities you will never fall.

Look at what it says in vs. 8 - "for if these qualities are yours and are increasing..." Key word here is 'increasing' - meaning you continue to practice and develop and perfect these qualities throughout your whole sanctification process. We must "be doers of the Word, and not hearers only..." James 1:22. Doing requires action and action shows what's in your heart. You either love God or love the world. Luke 16:13 says "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." "And He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" Matthew 22:37. And finally 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or the things in the world." - Which one are you going to choose? Can others see Jesus in you?

1 John

I want to share with y'all (whoever reads this) what I am studying in God's Word. Recently I read the book How to Study the Bible by John MacArthur - a very good book, I highly recommend it. In it, he suggested that you read through the Old Testament in one year (approx. 20 min. a day) and for the New Testament read a book for 30 days straight and take a note card and write the major theme of each chapter, and switch between a short book and a longer book. He also said that for the longer books, you can split them up into different sections, for example the book of John can be split up into 3 sets of 30 days - 7 chapters per set. By studying this way you obtain a greater understanding of the book as a whole.

So, in saying that, I started with 1 John. What's 1 John all about? Basically, it is about living as a believer. It talks a lot about the characteristics of God's children. For example, the children of God:

• keep God's Word and commandments - 2:3
• loves his brother - 2:10
• does not love the world - 2:15
• does the will of God - 2:17
• practices righteousness - 3:7
• does not make a practice of sinning - 3:9
• confesses that Jesus is the Son of God - 4:15
• overcomes the world by faith - 5:4

Just think about this for a second... practicing righteousness. First of all, what does it mean to be righteous? To be righteous is to walk uprightly or in a right relationship with the Lord. In Romans 4:3 it says "Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness." It goes on to say in verse 5 that "the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." Now, justified means to be declared righteous, and verse 5 says that God justifies the ungodly and their faith is counted as righteousness - notice at the beginning that it is to the one who does not work - it's all about faith. (but we'll talk more about faith another time). So back to practicing righteousness, only those who believe in God can walk uprightly with Him. If you look at 1 John 3:10 it says "By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God..." So practicing righteousness is an obvious character trait that marks a believer.

I also noticed how many times the word or any form of the word "abide" was used. It is used 19 times and referenced twice. That's a lot for only 5 chapters! There was abide in Him, in the light, in you, in the Son, in him, in death, in God, and in us. This goes along with the characteristics of believers because often it would say something like - whoever does this abides in God - marking it as a characteristic of a believer.

Anyway, that's just a little bit of what I've been learning. As I continue studying and meditating on God's Word, I hope to grow closer to Him and have a greater understanding of Him. He is all I need and live for.

New Blog

Well, I haven't blogged since September, so I decided to change the name and start over... I've titled my blog "Surrendered" as a reminder that everything in my life needs to be surrendered over to the Lord. He is in control of all things and knows all things, so why should I worry? Why can't I just trust Him? It's easy to say, but it's hard to do.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour yo his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like of of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

~ Matthew 6:25-34

This passage of scripture is such a wonderful reminder that we are not to be anxious and not to worry, but to faithfully trust our heavenly Father and to seek Him first above all else. This is my prayer, that I will trust the God who created all things, who knows all things, who is in control of all things, and who knows my sinful heart and yet still loves me enough to die for me.

According to "dictionary.com," the definition of trust is this: 'confident expectation of something; hope.'

I like this definition of trust. We have confidence in Christ that He died for our sins on the cross and He is omniscient and sovereign; and we have the hope that He will one day return again to take His children home. Since He is sovereign, why should we not trust Him?