Heart of Worship

These words have been so heavy on my heart lately, as the message was spoken this past Sunday morning during church. My Pastor's wife told us this message that God laid on her heart.

We as Christians become so content with our normal routines that we are calloused. Our heart is hardened, and we don't want to move from where we are comfortable with being. But that's not what God wants from us. He wants us to step out of our comfort zones, step out of what has become normal to us, and step into a new encounter with Him. He's calling us back to the heart of worship, back into a passionate and true relationship with Him. A relationship based on our honest love for Him, and desire to please Him. Not one based on what He does--or what He can do for us.

The sad part is, we are all guilty of this.
Every single one of us.

We get into these daily routines and become so comfortable with how things are, and don't realize that God is actually calling us to do so much more. That's the beauty of His grace though! His grace EMPOWERS us to do more than we could ever have imagined! Our complacency tells us we're fine where we are, our sin tells us we've gone too far, our shame tells us we can't turn to Him. But His beautiful, unending, wonderful, amazing grace tells us that we can. His grace gives us the strength to get back up, even when it seems like we can't. His grace tells us that no matter how far we've went, how hard our heart has become, that we can turn things back around with His help.

Ezekiel 36:26 "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart."

As I listened to the words of this song, I became so encompassed with it's lyrics. It's a song we have sung for as long as I can remember. I could easily sing the words to you without a second thought. It's called The Heart of Worship. Many times we get carried away and just mindlessly recite the words, without actually thinking about their meaning. But the message of these words is so strong, that we should definitely take a moment and focus on their meaning.

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

Take a moment today and spend some time with God. Ask Him to bring you back to the heart of worship, and to soften your heart. We've all become calloused at some point. It's time for us to step up as Christians, out of our comfort zones, and into a new relationship with Him.

It's time for us to do more.

Some Things Are Worth The Wait

Dating seems to be a must in today's society, especially as a teenager. We feel as if we must be in a relationship, and that it can be with whoever, and whenever. If you're not in a relationship, you're looked at as weird, or an outcast. So, we rush into relationships without knowing what we're getting into, or who we really are. This is completely wrong.

God never intended for relationships to be rushed, and He never intended for us to just date around. Dating isn't even mentioned in the Bible. But, in this society, we have this idea that we can just date around and see what we want. Now, that seems like a novel and great idea, but it's not right according to biblical standards.

We should seek God first, and develop a strong relationship with Him. God tells us this in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

A relationship with Jesus is the most important thing that anyone should pursue. As true disciples of Christ, we should seek Him first, and His will for our life, and He will provide the relationship He wants us to have. The will of God should be our greatest desire, which will in turn make life's decisions easier.

Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."

It can be extremely tough to find a Christ centered relationship, especially in our world today, but the right relationship is worth the wait. Don't settle for less than what God wants for you. Don't date someone because of how cute they are, how sweet they are, the clothes they wear, or the car they drive. Don't get me wrong, he or she could be a genuinely good person, but if they don't truly have Christ in their heart, they are not worth your time.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (GOD'S WORD Translation) says, "Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness?"

As humans, we are born with a sinful nature, and we will undoubtedly have temptations. Life is really hard sometimes, and being a true follower of Christ is even harder. Making the right decisions despite what our flesh wants can be exceptionally difficult, but if we place God's desires before our own it will be second nature. God has our best interest in mind at all times, and He loves us unconditionally.

Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.^"

Look at it this way. God is the creator of the whole universe. He's the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He knows the past, and He knows the future because He's already there. He knows us inside and out because He created us in His image. He loves us unconditionally, and has a plan for our lives that will make us the happiest. He always has our best interest in mind. So, why would we want to settle for something that isn't the best for us? Why would we allow ourselves to choose something that we think is good for us, when Biblically it isn't right, and will only bring us hurt and heartache? Why would we settle for someone who isn't a true Christ follower, when God tells us in His word that He has something better for us?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.^"

The sad thing is, most people still choose the lesser of the two choices they are given because they only focus on this life. They only focus on these 120 years of living, and how they can be happy right now. We live in a fast-paced world, where everything has to come quick and easy, or we don't want it. Not often do people still genuinely want to work for things, and wait for the things that will truly make them the happiest.

Colossians 3:1-4 says "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

God does not want to hurt us, or keep us from having fun. He just wants what's best for us because we are His children, and He loves us so very much. By spending time with Him in prayer, worship, and His word, we will begin to see the path He wants us to take. Before you know it, you'll be in a place where you're happier than you've ever been, and you will know without a shadow of a doubt that it was because of God, and that you chose to follow His will rather than your own.

So wait it out. Seek God full-heartedly, and find out what He wants you to do. Live your life being single, and enjoy it, until He brings you the person that will make you the happiest according to His word. Find someone who is seeking after Christ in the same way you are, so that you can grow together.

"A relationship where you can pray, worship, and passionately pursue God together, is always worth the wait." Adam Cappa

Who Am I?

Many times in life we accept that we are what other people say we are. We tend to accept that we are stupid, ugly, weird, boring, unwanted, and unimportant far more than the positive opposites of those. Someone we love turns on us, and tells us these things, and we believe them. We believe the lies far more than the truth. We stand in front of a mirror and pick out the flaws, rather than recognize the perfections, and good things about us.

Self worth is only determined on the way we view ourselves. Only you can determine your self worth. No one else can. Kate Winslet once quoted, "‘As a child, I never heard one woman say to me, "I love my body". Not my mother, my elder sister, my best friend. No one woman has ever said, "I am so proud of my body." So I make sure to say it to Mia [her daughter], because a positive physical outlook has to start at an early age.’ " We need to start recognizing the good in ourselves, and just how amazing and beautiful we truly are.

Many people set their worth based on where, how, or by whom they were raised. Where you were raised, how you were raised, and who raised you DOES NOT SET YOUR WORTH. You are not who your parents are, you are not who your guardian is, you are not who your family is. You are you! You are your own person, and that is so important! Don't ever allow yourself to think you are worthless, and disgusting because you come from a "terrible home." You are not worthless, or disgusting! You are priceless, valuable, and amazing! You are irreplaceable!

A friend of mine who is a Pastor, usually tells his testimony when preaching, which includes where he came from. He came from a broken home, that he labeled as "white trash," He didn't come from the picture perfect family in the gated community. He lived somewhere he wasn't proud of. But do you know what? He overcame it! He became this outstanding pastor who loves young people with all of his heart! Most importantly, he loves God with all of his heart! The journey definitely was not easy, but he overcame the negativity and setbacks, and became the person God called him to be!

In the Bible it says: Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well." 

Song of Solomon 4:7 "You are all fair, my love; there is no spot in you."

You weren't created without a purpose. God didn't just allow you to live on this earth for nothing. He created you in His image. You are wonderfully made. You are beautiful, talented, smart, funny, caring, wanted, loved, important, and absolutely amazing. You have a purpose. You're not here for nothing.

So it's time to stop living like you're nothing. No matter what you've done, where you've been, or who you've been, God loves you unconditionally. No matter what anyone says you are, you're amazing and so valuable and precious. Don't let the negativity of this world drown you. Don't let it drag you down to it's level, and into a funk that seems unbreakable.

"You can't let your circumstances overcome you. If you CHOOSE to be bigger than them, you will be. You have to stop making excuses and start making choices. Good choices. Keep your chin up. Do what you can and be the best you can be. That's all you can ever do." 
~Heidi Bloodworth

Being in a Pit

In our lives we often encounter problems that seem to defeat us. We endure heartbreak after heartbreak, and are forced to go through situations that seem to ruin our lives. In fact, every single person on this earth has went through hardships in their life. And sometimes, we break down and allow these terrible situations control us. That is when we are thrown into a pit, and it seems like we'll never get out. Even though not one person has it easy in life, a pit will make someone feel all alone. They may even turn away from God and believe that He has put them in that pit or made terrible things happen to them. After all, the saying is, "everything happens for a reason" right?

But that is not completely true.

For one, when God created humans, he gave us the free will to do as we please. God is a gentleman. He will never force anyone to do anything. He will guide you in the right direction, but He will not force you to do anything.

Humans are born in the flesh, with desires and temptations of the world. Although we were created in God's image, we are still tempted and trialed, and born into a world of sin. Because of our free will, people choose to do bad things to other people. And yes, that bad thing that happens to you, can be really detrimental to you in so many ways.

Genesis 1:26 "Then God said: “Let us make man in our image,according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth.” "

Secondly,  those terrible situations can only control you if you allow them to. I know this is not a subject to joke about, but it is a perfect example for this. Take the situation of a girl being raped. God didn't plan for it to happen to her, another human chose to do so because they had free will. (It does not, by any means, justify the wrong, horrendous actions of that person...) And that is an extremely, terrible, horrific situation to be put through. The victim can either choose to sulk in the sadness, depression, and hurt caused by this experience, or they can rise up and decide to be better than that. That person can choose not to let their past dictate their future any longer, and to let God turn that situation around for good.

Christ was in the grave for three days, but He got up. And just as Christ arose from the grave, we can arise from the pit we have been stuck in for so long. We are more than entitled to a happy, joy filled life. That joy can only be found through Jesus Christ. 

God wants us to run to Him so that He can take away our burdens. He says in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Once we truly give our problems to God and allow Him to take the wheel, it is like a weight being lifted off of your chest. It's a huge relief. God spoke to me one day while I was tanning at a local beach. He said "You see all of that sand? You see all of that water?" I replied "Well, yeah..." and He said "Everything you see, plants, animals, people, sand, the water, (no matter how vast) was created by me, and for a purpose. I made everything around you, so why can't you trust me? And that spoke volumes to me because it is so true. God created our entire world, so why is it so hard to trust Him in our lives?

So, technically not everything happens for a reason, but God will give that experience reason if you allow Him to. Just think, the pain you have went through up until now, will make an amazing testimony for someone who desperately needs to hear it. You can be the change.

2 Corinthians 1:4 "Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

2 Corinthians 2:14 "Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him" 

The Perfect Love Story

Everyone dreams of that "perfect love story." A girl wants a hero to sweep her off her feet, and save the day. All over social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram you can find "relationship goals" posted. Movies, television shows, books, and music have depicted love in a certain way to where it seems perfect and flawless. Reality check: no relationship is perfect. Now, for those of you that say "Oh I know it's not. Tell me something I don't know" let me ask you this, is that ideal, perfect love obtainable? Yes, but with Jesus Christ. 

Before looking for that "soul mate" to spend your life with, fall in love with Jesus. Read the Bible daily and spend time with Him. The Bible is actually His love letter to us! He never changes, yet each encounter with Him is unique and fascinating. I can honestly say from personal experience that every time I receive a touch from God, it feels different than any time before. 

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

When Jesus died on the cross, it wasn't because He wanted to. In fact, Jesus specifically quoted in Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Jesus lived in the flesh just like we do every single day. He had temptations, struggles, and trials. He was tried by the devil in three specific incidents listed in the Bible, where Jesus used scripture to turn away from the devil. Despite these temptations, Jesus lived a perfect life. He was sinless, yet took our burdens upon himself so that we could be free. Why? Because He loves us. His love is never ending, and never failing. 

In my own life, it took me a long time to realize that His love truly is unconditional. I grew up hearing the stories about the Crucifixion and John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life" but I never really digested these words. That scripture was just a quick go-to when I needed to have a scripture memorized. It wasn't until one night when I listened to a few of my favorite songs, "He Knows" by Jeremy Camp, "This Man" by Jeremy Camp, and "How Can it Be" by Lauren Daigle that I truly began to see His love for me. Through the lyrics of these songs a message is delivered that talks about how God sees our hardships. That he knows when we cry, and that he knows what we've been through. He knows, Despite our mess ups, failures, and sin, God loves us anyways. He loved us so much, that He sent His ONLY son to die for us. Not only did He die, but he died in the most horrible way possible. And he did this for us, so that we can tell others about Him and share His love. We are supposed to love like Jesus, and forgive others no matter what they do to us. Love is so important.  A song that I really love quotes these verses from 1 Corinthians 13:

"If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love."

The definition of true love is Jesus Christ. He laid down His life for us, and there is nothing we can do to repay that except to follow His Word. Being in love with Jesus is honestly the perfect love story. If you want successful relationships on earth, fall in love with Jesus first. I promise it will make life so much easier. 

Changing the World Around You

We are all influenced by the world around us. How we dress, how we talk, how we act. It's all influenced by who we're around and our perception of popularity. We all desire to fit in. No one truly wants to be completely alone in life. Maybe for a short time, which isn't a bad thing, but deep down we all have a longing to be wanted and be loved. This isn't technically a bad thing, but it can lead to it. Romans 12:2 tells us "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." 

My Pastor made a statement the other day during a Sunday morning service that actually got me thinking. He said that we as Christians should do more to influence the world, rather than allowing the world to influence us, and that is so true. Titus 2:12 " And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God." 

In our daily, busy lives we tend to allow ourselves to be surrounded by worldly things, which later on can influence us to make worldly decisions. Now don't get me wrong, we are supposed to love the sinner, regardless of their sin. We should be kind to one another, the way we would want to be treated, regardless of religion, race, or monetary stature. 

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Colossians 3:12-14 "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Jesus spent time with the gentiles. He ate dinner with them, talked with them, and treated them as His own because THEY ARE HIS OWN. The unsaved may have turned their backs on God, but He still loves them unconditionally. We should love others just as God has loved us. 

1 John 4:9-11 "God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other."

Don't let the world conform you. We were born to stand out. God created us in His image, so that we can be examples for Him, and show His unending love, grace, compassion, and mercy to one another. Be a living testimony for others. You may be the only Bible they ever read.

 "Be the change you want to see in the world" -Mahatma Ghandi