I've been steadily reading The Last Days According to Jesus by R.C. Sproul. I have to admit, I am having a hard time getting through the entire book. I am not sure if it's because to me it reads very much like a textbook, or because of differing opinions.
I recommend this book to anyone who has more of a legalistic standpoint on the last days.
God bless and Keep Smilin
Stephanie ><>
We've all heard be in the world, but not of it. How do you know you are being of the world? This is something I have asked myself quite a few times.
It's been 4 years since I've given my life to Jesus. I am by no means an expert in God's word, but I do know God's incredible love. So, I want to share some things that I have noticed about myself being of the world without realizing it.
Gossip. We all know we should not do it. But the enemy knows that too. It is so easy to get sucked into a conversation about someone, instead of praying for them.
Anger. Guilty *hangs head*. My anger or frustration still come barreling out sometimes. But what do I have to be angry about? I am living eternally with Jesus!
Unwholesome speaking. Once in a while, one of those nasty little words that were very much a part of my vocabulary before being saved will slip out. As soon as it happens, I repent. I know that is no who I am anymore. Getting caught up in worldly things causes back sliding.
These are just a few that I know I have had a rocky road with. Being totally transparent isn't easy, but I'm holding myself accountable to what I've done. So I ask you again:
Are you in the world or of it?
I am better than I was yesterday. And every single day God's grace and instruction teach me something new. Listen, He wants to teach you too ♡♡
God bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>
Looking back over my life before Christ, I recognized a pattern. I would work, work, work for material things that really had no value or purpose in my life. I was collecting things to fill a void in my life that I didn't know was there.
2012 changed my life forever. I was battling an illness, we now know is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome III, and realizing that I need something more in my life. There was something missing. I had my husband and my son and cherished them with my entire being, but there was still this hole.
Come home. I kept hearing this in my mind and my heart. Come home. Was I going completely crazy? Come home. Ok, I had to be losing my mind.
I wasn't crazy. I wasn't losing my mind. For the first time in my life, I could here God talking to me. I gave my life to Christ in 2012 and never looked back.
We are all here to serve the Lord and do works just as He did. Heal the sick. Cast out demons. Serve others. So why is the church not doing this? This is a lifestyle! We need to rise up and be Christ's army EVERY day!
So, I ask again; What is your purpose?
God bless and Keep smilin'
Stephanie ><>
Yes, you read that right. Joy in trials. Hmph, that doesn't sound right. In the book of James, we read a beautifully written letter from James. James, the half brother of Jesus, tells us that we must find joy in our trials.
How does one do that? Well, think of a time when you really were going through a serious trial or problem. Did you hang on to Jesus? Or did you hang on and focus on the problem?
Finding joy in our trials can be..... well trying. But there is joy in every circumstance. We should respond with joy to trials because they are a test to see where we are in our walk with Christ!
Jesus had 3 REALLY bad and trying days. He still found joy in that time and forgave those who were hurting him. Can't we all find a little joy in our circumstances?
God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie
I am so excited to have received my first book to review. Stay tuned for my review!!!!
I want to extend my excitement of turning 30!!!! From now until 8/13, use code 30BIRTHDAY for 30% off any order over $25 in the shop :)
Help me celebrate my birthday!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyZebra721
I am going to be honest. I wasn't raised in church. I was baptized in a Methodist church, went for a few years, and then made the decision to not go any longer. In the midst of my curious late teen years, I became a practicing Wiccan. I was doing horrible things to myself and to be hinest, probably others as well.
We I came to know the Lord, it was through a crisis. Knowing there had to be more when I was thinking that my life was ending. Sometimes, that's what it takes.
Church, I'm not going to sit here and watch a Christian holocaust start. I'm not going to sit back with my mouth shut and watch my brothers and sisters around the world lay their life on the line. It is time to rise up church!
Jesus calls us to walk like him. To be his hands and feet. How many are actively in the community praying for people, laying hands, sharing the Gospel? It is time. Whether you'd like to believe it or not, we are closing in on end times ladies and gentlemen. It is only going to get darker. But darkness must flee in the presence of light.
GO BE THAT LIGHT!
God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>
Hey everyone ♡ I wanted to stay out if the Supreme Court's decision, but I just can't. I'm going to weigh in on this subject.
There is so much hate being slung around the interwebs since Friday. Hate from both sides. Hate from supporters and those who don't support it. Hate from christians to nonchristians.
EVERYONE JUST NEEDS TO STOP!!!!
Jesus ate with sinners. Jesus loved people, no matter their walk of life. We as Christians need to show those who are sinning the love of Christ. By belittling them, being nasty, and sarcastic is not the way to bring people to Christ.
Do we have to agree with the ruling? No. Do we have to agree with homosexuals marrying? No.
Does that give us the right to turn into hypocrites? No.
We are in dark times right now. But darkness cannot stay where light is! We are the light of Jesus! Do not condemn. Do not ridicule. LOVE! Love others with the love Jesus has given you. Love all others with the same grace and forgiveness that God has given you. Don't forget, none of us are perfect and sin free. Only one person was, and that was Jesus.
We can save those who are lost in this world. But only with love. Go out and be His hands and feet.
God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge bookworm. So why not be a book reviewer?!?!?! I am so excited to start this new chapter (pun intended) and really get to follow my heart and passion!
Oh and all of you get to read the awesomeness too!!!! Stayed tuned ♡♡♡
God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>
