Temptation: Its a common thing.

Hello Fellow Pursuers!

I would like to state my opinions on things that might step on toes. And I mean all this in the most loving, Christian way possible. But, I have to get it out.

MTV, VH1, BET. What do they all have in common? They all try to put into our heads nasty images and that the earth has to be dramatic at all times to keep spinning. Now, really?! Is that what we need to be putting our time into? I have watched it. I dont know who probably hasnt tried it before. Its temptation and it seems to get the best of us. God says to run from temptation in 2 Timothy 2:22: "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace." Go after the things of God. Want them. And ya know what? God knows that temptation will come. After all, satan tempted Jesus in the desert in Matthew 4, Mark 1:9-15, and Luke 4. But God gives us a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that the temptations in my life are no different than yours. God is faithful and He will always provide a way out if you do not want to fall into that temptation. He will not let us be tempted more than we can bear. Isnt that awesome!?! Now, I can think of some times when I have actually wanted to be tempted. Cause it is fun sometimes do just give in and do what you want and I have totally experienced that more than once. But just so you know,....God gives you a way out when you want it. And I hope you will take advantage of it. All those tv programs are about temptation. The people behind them want to attract people like us. Teens. And it works. But why do we watch them? Because they are interesting. I hope that when you are tempted this week that you will remember how Jesus was tempted and praise Him because He has never given in. HE IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. I also hope that you remember the verses in this post and know that God is with you. All the time. He loves you so much. Have a good week!

Testimony

Basically, the very day I was born, I was put into a crib at my church. Haha! I have only missed church being sick, or on vacation with my family. I have had a very sheltered and great life with my parents, brother and dog. I sort of knew the great commission Matthew 28: 19-20 and knew John 3:16 by heart. Even my preschool and kindergarten classes were at my church. After that, I went there for daycare after school in my elementary years.
I was only a non christian for 5 years of my life, so i wasn't in horrible trouble. I was sinful, but only as sinful as a 5 year old could be, being exposed to so many Christian examples and me teachers. i did however, know i needed God because He spoke to me through my parents and teachers and my pastor. I wanted to know Jesus and I wanted to be with Him in His glorious heaven forever.
How do we get into heaven? Well, not by our deeds. God tells us that we only enter heaven if we are saved and by His Son, Jesus. If we turn and run from our sin trust God to provide for us, and take away all of our sins, God saves us. Surrender your whole self to God and He will save you. I don't remember most of my salvation experience, but I know God saved me. Trusting God is so vital. So essential. God loves it when we trust Him because it gives Him the opportunity to prove Himself faithful. Also, repentance is important because just apologizing for sinning doesn't count if you don't TURN from it. Its ugly. Its evil. Get away.
Like I said, I have sinned, I have done wrong, and I have acted wickedly. 2 Chronicles 6:37
But I am human and I will sin. It is inherited nature. Fortunately, God's mercy is great. God's mercy has played a huge role in my life. There was a period when I was not humble and then, I was convicted. After that, the devil got his hold on me and made me think I was a horrible person and I had taken conviction too far. I had started mentally beating myself up for being conceited. Well, at Falls Creek, we listened to a song about God's mercy and how we don't have to beat ourselves up, but instead get up because God has forgiven us. I have learned to let God forgive me and not let Satan take my convictions too far. He is still helping me today and I am continuously learning how to be humble and forgive myself.