The Power of Knowledge

We study our memory verses and read our Bible every day. 
But do we really know and apply what we're learning?
 Do we really care enough to get the whole picture? I know I'm guilty of just reading, never really paying attention to the story or how God's trying to speak to me. ...Always just reading it word after word, 5-10 minutes a day. 

But God deserves more than that. He deserves our everything, in our worship, in our study and in our serving. (The Bible actually says to "study to show ourselves approved unto God, 2 Timothy 2:15) I know, we're only human and only God is perfect but why not at least try to give Him what He deserves? We can try to give him our all, to become disciples and to lay ourselves down.

 Revelation 4:11 says:

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Our Complaints Are Causing Us To Complain

Do we as Christians hold ourselves accountable when it comes to complaining? I mean we have more than most people. Why would we complain about earning less than our peers. What does it matter?

In Luke 18, a certain ruler asked Jesus what it takes to get into heaven. Jesus didn't tell him that he needed to say a tiny prayer, or look your best for church every week.This is what he said:

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

(NIV Mark 10:21, Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22)

 Yeah, I know that's no American Dream. But who wants that? The average American owes over $200,000 in debt! Did you get that? $200,000! Since when is owing a bank $200,000 a dream? Well it's no dream of mine. 

And the more we complain, the less content we are with what we have, which causes us to buy more stuff we can't afford to pay for, which causes us to complain even more about how little we have.

Let's stop complaining and start being thankful for what we're already blessed with.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

For the love of God, put yo' Spiritual Clothes on!

 We all know how stressful the first day of school is. Whether you're in private, public or homeschool. Waking up early, staying focused, fighting off the tormentor and trying to get good grades is hard. But we always seem to survive. Physically, at least.

Every year things change. Rules, teachers (For real: mine lost thirty pounds and has bangs. (( I'm most definitely getting an A)), classes, and all in all ,we change. We grow up. And old temptations fade while we face new, bigger ones.

But as we have a better chance. We have an armor that protects us from everything around us.

1. The Belt of Truth: Helps us to discern the fine line between the truth and the lies.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Helps us to be obedient even when it's nearly impossible.
3. The Gospel of Peace: Helps us to be ready for trials and tests at all times.
4. The Shield of Faith: Helps us to have faith in the hard times.
5. Helmet of Salvation: Protects us from the death of sin.
6. The Sword of the Spirit: Helps us fight off the enemy with the Word of God.

So as we go through school this year, let's remember to arm ourselves everyday. Everyday we fight a spiritual battle. When we don't fight, we lose.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...

Ephesians 6:13