Lovely Friendship / Guest Post / English

.. ::: LOVELY FRIENDSHIP ::: ..

"...a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Eccl 4:12)
Meditating on this text and applying it in what is a FRIENDSHIP, we find that a three-fold cord is not easily undone; each one of us is a fold and we need the help of other folds to make a good cord.
Currently we are located in Purépero, Michoacán, Mex. And by the grace of God, He has allowed us to walk together. We are very different people (tall, short, brown or fair skin), something in the physical we have in common are our lovely curls, but not only in the physical do we identify ourselves, also in the spiritual we can see ourselves reflected, in some ways, we identify ourselves and in others we do not; God made us different but also made us equal, we know each other and sometimes we do not know each other; This is how God has allowed us to walk in this friendship. The Lord has helped us to know and understand that we need each other and in that need, to recognize every virtue that exists between us.
Friendship is very important and you have to be very careful-- there are friendships that bring us, in a unique and special way, to be in that intimate relationship with God; just as there is another type of "friendship" that does not benefit at all. It may be that a friendship hurts and gives advice that is not honoring to God first and then the family or brothers of the congregation, that friendship is wrong! We need friendships of blessing and not of curse.
If your friends are Christian and are in the same mind "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY!" (Psalm 133), it’s important to keep them alive, you know why? Because God likes a pure friendship, without jealousy or strife or vainglory. Our enemy (the devil) does not like that the daughters of God keep us together, because it is very difficult that "three-fold cord" break, and what better to be united with God, because God also had friends "... Abraham believed God and was called FRIEND OF GOD" (James 2:23)
God our Lord gives us the example we need, the enemy does not like that there is a fellowship between us.
On one occasion, the devil put in us doubts, disinterest, arrogance, and even jealousy- those were very difficult days for us and so we stayed that way for several days until the time came when God had mercy and broke those chains that the devil placed, we had stopped talking and striving. And so we have definitely gone through many uncomfortable moments, but thank God that He takes away that bitterness that begins to grow in our hearts, because it really affects and not only our friendship but even the relationship with God. There is an ingredient that our human condition does not like, and that ingredient that we use so that our friendship does not break is HUMILITY, that is why it is important to be well bound with that cord of LOVE and HUMILITY. Our adversary, do what he may, will not be able to break it.


SOME TIPS TO BE WELL WITH YOUR FRIENDS ...
1.- PRAYER. "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4: 2)
2.- HUMILITY. "With all humility and meekness, with patience enduring one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2)
3. BROTHERLY LOVE. "Let brotherly love continue" (Hebrews 13:1)
4.-FELLOWSHIP. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133)
5.-FORGIVENESS. " He that covereth a transgression seeketh love...." (Proverbs 17: 9)
6.-GRATITUDE. "Give thanks in everything ..." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
7.-LAUGHTER (A LOT OF LAUGHTER). "Even your mouth will swell with laughter ..." (Job 8:21), "Strength and honor are her clothing; and in the last day she will laugh "(Proverbs 31:25)," Rejoice evermore "(1 Thessalonians 5:16)

This way, we can be a blessing and help our friends with their burdens and problems. There are situations that we do not want to talk about with anyone, but deep in our hearts, we want someone to ask us if we are okay. First we must remember and be aware that God is listening to us (because God is also our friend) and God puts the right people in our walks who do us good.
God, in His Holy Word took time and space to make mention of this treasure, and it is best to take care of it and always strengthen it with His Divine help. Remember that pure friendships bring you closer to God and God blesses those friendships, so take care of them. If the enemy makes it difficult, with the help of God it is easy; If you have humble friends, do not let someone come and destroy her.
Hoping that this writing will be a blessing for your life and your friendships- always seek the counsel of God. May this LOVELY FRIENDSHIP be clean before the presence of God.
God bless you.
-Lucero, Cinthia and Betsi.

Encantadora Amistad/ Guest Post / Español

..:::ENCANTADORA AMISTAD:::..

“… y cordón de tres dobleces, no fácil se rompe” (Ec. 4:12)

Meditando en este texto y aplicándolo en lo que es una AMISTAD, nos encontramos que un cordón de tres no fácil se deshace, cada una de nosotras es un doblez y necesitamos la ayuda de otros dobleces para hacer un buen cordón.

Actualmente nosotras radicamos en Purépero, Michoacán, Mex. Y por la gracia de Dios nos ha concedido caminar juntas, somos distintas personas (Altas, chaparras, morenas o piel clara), algo en lo físico que tenemos en común son nuestros adorables rizos, pero no solo en lo físico nos identificamos, también en lo espiritual nos podemos ver reflejadas, en algunas nos identificamos y en otras no; Dios nos hizo diferentes pero también nos hizo iguales, nos conocemos y en ocasiones nos desconocemos; Así es como Dios ha permitido que caminemos en esta amistad, el Señor nos ha ayudado a saber y entender que nos necesitamos y en esa necesidad reconocer cada virtud que hay entre nosotras.

La amistad es muy importante y se tiene que tener mucho cuidado, existen relaciones de amistad que nos allegan en una forma única y especial a estar en esa relación intima con Dios, al igual existe otro tipo de “amistad” que no benefician en nada, puede ser que esa amistad lastima y da consejos que no son para honrar primeramente a Dios y después a la familia o hermanos de la congregación, ¡esa amistad es errónea! Se tiene que corregir con amistades de bendición y no de maldición.

Si tus amistades son cristianas y están en el mismo sentir “Mirad cuán bueno y cuán delicioso es habitar los hermanos igualmente en UNO” (Salmo 133), es de continuo mantenerlas con vida, ¿Sabes por qué? Porque a Dios le agrada una amistad limpia, sin celos ni contiendas o vanaglorias, a nuestro enemigo (el diablo) no le gusta que las hijas de Dios nos mantengamos unidas, porque siendo así es muy difícil que ese “cordón de tres dobleces” se rompa, y que mejor estar unidas con Dios, pues Dios también tuvo amigos “…Abraham creyó a Dios y fue llamado AMIGO DE DIOS” (Santiago 2:23)

Dios nuestro Señor nos da ejemplo y nos necesitamos, al enemigo no le agrada que exista un compañerismo entre nosotras.

En una ocasión, el diablo puso en nosotras dudas, desinterés, soberbia, y aun celos, fueron días muy difíciles para nosotras y así estuvimos por varios días hasta que llegó el momento en que Dios tuvo misericordia y rompió esas cadenas que el diablo colocó, pues nos dejamos de hablar y procurar. Y así hemos pasado por muchos momentos muy incómodos, pero gracias a Dios que nos quita eso malo que empieza a crecer en nuestro corazón, porque realmente afecta y no solo nuestra amistad sino aun la relación con Dios. Existe un ingrediente que a nuestra condición humana no le gusta, y ese ingrediente que usamos para que nuestra amistad no se rompa es la HUMILLACIÓN, por eso es importante estar bien sujetas con ese cordón de AMOR  y HUMILDAD, nuestro adversario haga lo que haga no lo podrá romper.

ALGUNOS TIPS PARA ESTAR BIEN CON TUS AMIGAS…

1.- ORACIÓN. “Perseverad en oración, velando en ella con hacimiento de gracias” (Colosenses 4:2)

2.- HUMILDAD. “Con toda humildad y mansedumbre, con paciencia soportando los unos a los otros en amor” (Efesios 4:2)

3.-AMOR FRATENAL. “Permanezca el amor fraternal” (Hebreos 13:1)

4.-CONVIVENCIA. “Mirad cuán bueno y cuán delicioso es habitar los hermanos igualmente en uno…” (Salmo 133)

5.-PERDÓN. “El que cubre la prevaricación, busca amistad…” (Proverbios 17:9)

6.-GRATITUD. “Dad gracias en todo…” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:18)

7.-RISAS (MUCHAS RISAS). “Aun henchirá tu boca de risa…” (Job 8:21), “Fortaleza y honor son su vestidura; y en el día postrero reirá” (Proverbios 31:25), “Estad siempre gozosos” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:16)

Así podremos ser de bendición y ayudar a nuestras amigas con sus cargas y problemas; hay situaciones que no tenemos ganas de hablar con nadie, pero en lo más profundo de nuestro corazón anhelamos que alguien nos pregunte si estamos bien, primero hay que recordar y estar consientes que Dios nos escucha (porque Dios también es nuestro amigo) y Dios pone a esas personas adecuadas que nos hacen bien.

Dios en su Santa Palabra tomó un tiempo y un espacio para hacer mención de este tesoro, y es mejor cuidarla y siempre fortalecerla con la ayuda Divina. Recuerda que las amistades limpias te allegan a Dios y Dios bendice esa amistad, así que cuídala. Si el enemigo hace que sea difícil, con la ayuda de Dios es fácil; Si cuentas con amigas humildes, no permitas que alguien venga y la destruya.

Esperando que este escrito sea de bendición para tu vida y tus amistades, siempre busca el consejo de Dios y que esa ENCANTADORA AMISTAD sea limpia delante de la presencia de Dios.

Dios te bendiga.

-Lucero, Cinthia y Betsi.

❤️❤️❤️

What Does a Godly Girl Look Like?

Hello friends! I just found a draft of a blog post I never posted. Here it is:

So I recently found one of my old journals. From 2013. As I was going through it, I found many delightful nuggets of wisdom hidden throughout the pages. I used that journal for church notes, morning devotionals, recipes, thoughts, anything! I found a couple of pages that I had written when I was 14 years old. I was making a list describing a Godly girl. I read it almost 3 years later, and was surprised to see some of the things I had written. I also took it as a chance to ask God to search my life and ask myself whether I've grown (as a woman of God) over the past 3 years.
I'd encourage you to do the same!

Here's the 4-page-list I wrote:

a Godly girl...

•  is a woman of prayer -Esther 4:15-16; Luke 2:36-38; Acts 16:13-14
• carries herself with dignity -Proverbs 31:25
• is discreet -Titus 2:5
• chaste (pure) -Titus 2:5
• helps out at home with anything she can -Ecclesiastes 9:10
• loves her siblings -1 John 4:20
• only has to be told once (obedient) -Ephesians 6:1
• has a servant's heart -Matthew 20:28
• doesn't jest -Ephesians 5:4
• strong in God's Word -Ephesians 6:17
• asks her parents for their guidance/wisdom -Proverbs 1:8-9
• doesn't gossip/slander -Proverbs 20:19
• says only words of kindness & wisdom -Proverbs 31:26
• is grateful for what she has 
• kind/tenderhearted to EVERYONE -Ephesians 4:32
• is humble and thinks of others better than herself -Philippians 2:3
• forgives easily/quickly/genuinely
• isn't envious of what other people have 
• counts her blessings instead of complaining about what she DOESN"T have
• doesn't take part in rumors
• trusts in God wholeheartedly Prov. 3:5
• doesn't waste time
• always busy with the things of God (things that will be of benefit not only to her, but to others)
• Humble James 4:10
• is wise about her entertainment choices
• uses social media wisely & for the honor and glory of God
• understands/accepts the will of God Prov. 3:6
• filled with the Spirit
• joyful in EVERY circumstance
• doesn't do things grudgingly & complaining or murmuring Phil. 2:14
• dresses modestly
• does her absolute best in everything and leaves the results up to God
• is like a rare & precious ruby among young women Prov. 31:10
• inspires others
• fears the Lord 
• realizes that her inward appearance is more important than her outward appearance (hair, makeup, outfit, shoes, etc.) 1 Peter 3:3-5
• isn't always trying to buy new things: is content with what she has Phil. 4:11
• deals wisely with her finances (saves more than she spends, gives her offering & tithes, only buys things that are absolutely NECESSARY)
• honest, but not rude, tactful
• respectful
• not slothful/lazy 
• does not procastinate (I need to work on this one! *Hahaha oh my word! It took me 2 years to actually post this blog article. I DEFINITELY need to work on this one!!!!* Pray for me girls. 
• willingly does things for others without expecting anything in return
• shares her God with those around her
• does NOT follow her heart because she realizes it is deceitfully wicked
• encourages others -Ephesians 4:29
• asks for prayers humbly
• worships God freely
• she has no evil intentions
• doesn't speak of others in a way that will bring them down James 4:11
• realizes she can do NOTHING without God's help 
• gives God ALL the glory [100%]
• rises early to get a head-start on her day
• considers others better than herself with sincerity
• not afraid of failure -Phil 3:14
• fasts with right attitude
• prays for others 
• puts others' needs before her own Phil. 2:4
• content when her parents' answer is "no" 
• doesn't give attitude/does not answer back rudely to anyone
• diligent
• sets right priorities
• organized
•  patient
• doesn't always state what she thinks or what her opinion is
• talks more than she listens
• listens more than she talks James 1:19
• uses all her talents for God
• chooses God-fearing friends wisely, asks them to keep her accountable
• Mentors those younger than her (Titus 2: 3-5)
• grows daily and allows the Lord to mold and shape her character
• Asks Him for strength! 

So I know that's a lot to take in. WOAH. I still have a hard time believing that 14-year old me wrote that list. This is by no means meant to be an exhaustive set of rules. It's just observations I made about the godly women around me at the time. It's been almost 5 years since I wrote that, and trust me when I say this... I by no means claim to have it all together. Oh how I wish I did! But that kind of perfection won't be achieved on this side of heaven. :) Serve God out of love and gratitude, with all your heart, and allow Him to transform your life. Remember! It's all about the grace-full process, day by day! Let's keep sowing to the Spirit! Galatians 6:7-9 Love you all,

-Jas 

Why We're Never Satisfied (apart from Christ!):

Contentment. This word can cause a variety of different responses in just one group of people. It's something that has been on my heart and mind a lot lately. 

Isn't it so easy to place our happiness on things, people and events? Isn't it so easy to tell ourselves, maybe even without realizing it, that we'll be happy just as soon as we have something or have someone? 

We think it's easier to be joyful when we have what we want and our circumstances are good. 

"I'll be happy once this season passes." Once this trial is over. 

Once I have this job. Once I graduate. Once I get a relationship. Until I'm married. Not until I have kids will I be truly happy. Once I make more money. Once I buy this or that. Once my home looks better. Once it gets warmer. Once it gets more fresh. ENOUGH! Sorry, didn't mean to yell at you in caps lock or seem aggressive, but c'mon. It's like trying to chase the wind. 

All those things are good gifts, but they are not meant to completely satisfy our souls. It's like we all have this God-sized hole that only He can fill. Trying to satisfy ourselves with "whatever's next" is an endless pursuit. It's like trying to fill an ocean with drops of water. When what we really need is for God to flood us with His being and fill us till we overflow. The things of this world will always leave us hungry if we are not satisfied in Christ. 

I once read a quote that said...

As a rule, man's a fool

When it's hot, he want it cool

When it's cool, he wants it hot

Always wanting what it's not

It was spring, but it was summer I wanted,
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom and respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.

What if...WHAT IF we were satisfied with where God has us at this PRESENT moment? What if we were satisfied with the way He made us and with the things He has given us? I just know His peace would flow so freely in a heart that is not full of discontentment. 

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I interviewed one of my friends about contentment in singleness. Her answers were of encouragement to me and I know they'll be to you as well. 

*this is not the exact conversation word for word, it's just a summary. 

Me: "What would you say has helped you be content in this time of singleness?"

Her: Definitely busying myself in serving God. But also... you know, we all want to have a companion, have a family of our own and have a home of our own. But something I asked myself recently is "what if there is no other season?" Would I be content serving God as a single? I don't want to see this as a "season" to just get over with and move on...

•

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

May our Lord Jesus help us to be truly content. Delight in Him, let Him be your sole heart's satisfaction. ❤️ 

PS. If you'd like to start being more content, but don't know where to begin...let me tell you the secret...start by counting your blessings. Be grateful for what you have and thank  God for all He has done, what He's doing, and what's He will do!

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

1 Thess. 5:18

Learning to be content, 

Jas

ten lessons learned

Exactly a week ago, I did something crazy. Well, not that crazy. But definitely out of my comfort zone. I hiked all the way up to Lone Pine Lake, which, mind you, is 5 MILES total- 2.5 of it slightly uphill. (Still don’t know how I did it! LOL) Ever since I was a little girl, my dad has always taught us that we can learn lessons from every experience, every situation, everything. So my siblings and I grew up with A LOT of metaphors. It’s pretty natural for me by now to do the same! So without further ado, here are some things I learned from a 5-mile hike, spiritually speaking…

#1: This hike is a lot like our spiritual walk with God.

“Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:14)
The way to Lone Pine Lake was not an easy one, nor is it for the faint of heart. It is a very narrow path, with steps going up, and challenges every now and then. 


#2: Set your eyes on the Prize.
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil. 3:14)
Whenever I started getting tired, I’d think of the majestic Lake we would very soon see. It’s the same in our walks-we must keep our eyes on the Prize-Jesus Christ Himself. One day we will see Him as He is and we will be like Him! Can’t wait! 

#3: Community is so important.
There was a good group of us that went up, some dear friends and family. It was just so encouraging to hike together and to keep moving forward. There was a span of about 5-10 minutes where a couple of my friends and I took a small break and got separated from the group. They were completely out of sight as we hiked up…it just felt so lonely. Once we caught glimpse of them waiting for us up ahead, it’s like we got a surge of energy! It’s easier to walk when you’ve got community to walk alongside you. We weren’t meant to walk all alone. Find yourself some friends who will spur you on to love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)  

Which brings up my next point!


#4: Take time to be refreshed.
I don’t know if this will make sense, but I’ll say it anyway! Every now and then, we would all get together under some shade and take a break. It wasn’t a long time, but we’d get a chance to fellowship, drink water, share snacks, or just simply catch our breath. In our walk, we have the privilege of coming together with believers at church to be spiritually refreshed- worship, listen to the Word, pray, and fellowship. It’s important!
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

#5: If you stumble, GET BACK UP.
If you know me, then you also know I’m a little clumsy bhrvbdfhs. So you can bet there were a lot of times where I’d stumble over a rock, a step uphill, or even on my own two feet. Our walk with God isn’t always a smooth and perfect path. We all fail God daily. Maybe you woke up too late and missed your quiet time with the Lord. Or you lost your temper with a family member. Or _______________ (you fill in the blank). When you stumble, don’t wallow in self-pity. Get back up, stand straight, and keep marching ahead. Ask the Lord to help you and give you strength. There will be a lot of trials, but you must keep going.
“…A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” (Prov. 24:16)

#6: Encouragement is a HUGE blessing.
You have no idea how encouraging it was to hear someone on the trail say “keep going!” “we’re almost there!” “just 15 minutes and we’ll reach the lake” or “it’ll be worth it!”. Don’t underestimate the power of your words to fill others with hope, strength, and perseverance. Once we reached the lake and were on our way down, I tried to make an effort to encourage the tired hikers making their way up. You should’ve seen how their countenances would change to a smile and they’d say “THANK YOU!”

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thess. 5:11

#7: Our Lord Jesus helps us carry our burdens.
Halfway through the hike, some of the young men volunteered to carry bags. One of my little cousins was kind enough to carry my backpack. As soon as he took it and we continued hiking, wow what a difference it made! I had never realized how it felt being tired and that burden being carried for me.
 “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

#8: Don’t carry up any extra baggage.
Before we started our hike, everyone made sure that they were carrying the bare necessities. Even a water bottle could weigh one down. I can only imagine how hard it would be for someone to hike all those miles carrying a suitcase full of things they didn’t need. When we come to Christ, we need to get rid of all the baggage we can and ask Him to help us. Maybe that means forgiving someone who has hurt you, confessing hidden sins, or letting God have your past. Whatever it takes, get rid of all that spiritual baggage!

“Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”  (Hebrews 12:1)

#9: Help each other.

On the way down, one of the young men in our group hurt his ankle. It was incredible to see the teamwork done to help in the moment. Someone found some sticks to use as a splint. Another person had an extra t-shirt to tie around his foot. Someone had a safety pin to hold together. His friends were able to help him all the way down, since he couldn’t put a lot of weight on his foot.

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness… Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:1-2)

#10: The view was TOTALLY worth it!
The soreness in my muscles, every pain or difficulty to get there no longer mattered the moment I saw the lake. It was so beautiful. I was towards the back of the group, so I was able to take a moment to stop and just worship the Creator. It was such a special experience. The Day that we arrive to be with the Lord…every tear will be wiped away and every difficulty we ever had will diminish in comparison to the JOY we will feel in His presence.
 ^“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new…
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
(Revelations 21:4-5 +7)



Have a blessed week you guys! -Jas

What's happening???

Greetings to all my brothers and sisters in the faith! I give all honor and glory to my God who has sustained me to this day! I know that if it were up to just me, I would have nothing to say…but the Lord is so good and I asked Him to be the one who will speak through me in any way He wants. Because even if I were to say the most beautiful words a human can hear and speak with eloquence, and grace, but if the Lord isn’t the one speaking, it’s all in vain, and it would be nothing more than meaningless noise. (I Corinthians 13:1)

I don’t want these to be my words, but His.

A couple months ago, I was with some friends, thinking of different youth we knew who had strayed from God. Our hearts were heavy as we prayed for each one we could think of, one by one, the list getting longer & longer. I was saddened to think of so many people that have left the church, left the faith that they were brought up with…some, being youth that were, as they say, “brought up in the pews”. I had the sudden realization that it could’ve easily been me on that list too. I don’t deserve to still be standing. There’s NOTHING that I’ve done on my own to merit God’s grace and mercy. If I’m still here, it’s only because of Him.

This all got me thinking…how on earth were so many young people (and even older adults) leaving behind such a precious faith? Surely most of them had experienced that First Love. Surely some of them had even promised the Lord, like Peter, that they would always love Him, always follow Him, even unto death. (Luke 22:33) What was it that eventually made all these people careless in their walks, even to the point of not going to church…or to leaving their First Love?

It all boils down to one thing: self-control, or the lack thereof. In the original Greek, the word for self-control is: sṓphrōn . This word translates to “sound mind”: discipline, knowing how to deny your fleshly desires, thinking straight, etc.

 Let me explain…

Spiritual death usually doesn’t happen all at once & overnight, but gradually, and subtily! One compromise at a time. It happens when one gets carried away with the things of this world.

We compromise things that don’t seem like a big deal. Instead of having all areas of our lives governed by the Holy Spirit, we lose sṓphrōn, self control.

 “Small” sins start to creep in, and after a while, it’s all normal. But the scary thing is…it’s not always the big sins that separate us from God, most of the time it’s small things. Common things turned into idols. And by idols, I don’t mean little gold statues; I mean idols of the heart. Anything that takes God’s place in your life, consumes your thoughts, and you devote all your attention and energy to, can become an idol. "Little"sins.

It can be pride. It can be music that isn’t exactly “bad”, but deep inside you know it doesn’t glorify God. Or it can be that “harmless” show, that has an occasional bad word or crude joke, or inappropriate scene. The social media you spend most of your day on. It can be gossip. Or those friendships that you know are not building you up spiritually. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

It can even be “good things”. Maybe you spend so much time at work that you’re too tired for church. Or providing becomes such a priority, that money is all you can think about. Perhaps school and your future career are your MAIN focus right now, that God just gets the leftovers of your mind. Or you’re so busy serving, that you’ve forgotten Who it is you’re serving.

Maybe it’s a sports team you love. Suddenly, you can’t think of anything else. Sports take over your mind and over every conversation.

Often times, what starts out as a small lack of self-control turns into a bigger problem later on. It doesn’t matter if we think we’ve got it under control, or if we justify ourselves by saying “just one last time”. Our enemy is constantly throwing things to separate us from the Lord. He can use unforgiveness, bitterness or resentment, and gossip so you can’t experience true fellowship with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Or he sends you thoughts that you carelessly stop filtering with God’s Word. Or he tempts you with pornography, things you know you shouldn’t be looking at. I’ve heard a saying that says something along the lines of… “even a crack is an opportunity for the enemy to come in”.

Guard your heart! (Proverbs 4:23) If you see any sign of satan trying to sneak into your heart, thoughts, or actions, God has given you the power you need to put a stop to it. (There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13) If you have been playing with fire, young man, young woman, please flee while you still can!!! The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is stronger than any stronghold, chain, or bad habit! There can be freedom! You can once again experience intimacy with Him.

Come before His presence with genuine repentance, and confess it. It also helps to talk to an older godly person about it and ask for prayers. Then you must let the Lord renew your mind, let Him put His mind in you. (Romans 12:2) And strive to honor the Lord with all your future choices, asking Him for help to not repeat the sin. (John 8:11) And do anything you can to get rid of it. (Matthew 5:29) Keep a sound mind.

[Something that helps keep a sound mind that’s focused on God, is a resolution I made to myself. It’s not always easy, but every morning I make the effort to reach for my Bible before my phone. It helps to hear what God is speaking to me more clearly. Otherwise, I’d have a distracted mind, trying to think of my to-do list, emails/messages I need to reply to, responsibilities, etc.}

With any choice you make, any entertainment choice, social media, thoughts, and even words- you can ask yourself…’would the Lord approve? Does this glorify Him?’

If you hesitate to answer, you know your answer.

With God’s help, you can replace any bad habits with good ones:

If you’re tempted to:

-See something ungodly- Stop what you’re doing and pray for strength to overcome.

-Listen to worldly music- Put on some worship music.

-Gossip- Pray for that person instead.

-Waste time on social media- Listen to a preaching or Christian podcast.

-Think worldly things- Meditate on a Scripture.

-Complain- Write things you’re grateful for. (Psalm 103: 2)

And the list goes on and on!

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:25

Young people, adults, everyone! The Lord’s coming is so near, it’s not time to be messing around and only going to church when we “feel like it”.

Let’s be diligent, and be there with all our hearts, to encourage & be encouraged!

I love you all with the Love of Christ,

Sis. Jasmine Luna

1 Timothy 4:12-13