Glimpse

I want to share a story with you all. This story is on going, and I want to share why. My mother and I were at a thrift shop a few days ago and I saw the most elegant dress, ever, red carpet worthy, brand new, never worn. I tried it on, just because. 

It was beautiful. 

I started thinking about how silly it was, for me to get it, having no where to wear it. I was kind of sad, to find this seemingly flawless dress, very much affordable, but to have no where to wear it to. I have never been to prom, and no one ever asks me to Army balls (my father is military.) 

I put the dress back and didn't think about it again until tonight, when God reminded me of something. 

He will give us glimpses of His plans for us, and we have to trust that He does stand true to giving us the desires of our heart. Even if it was just a dress, He saw how much I adored it, and I can promise you as clear as day He said, "Not that dress, not this time, but one day." 

He's done it before, and He has never failed on His word. At 15 it was a red corvette "Not that car, not this time, but one day." One day came a month ago when my parents and I bought a new Corolla, and though it isn't the corvette, it sure drives like one, and bonus: a backseat & gas mileage. 

That dress is nothing more than fabric, but His promises will last forever. Whatever it is, whatever glimpse He has given you, whatever your "not this and not now, but soon" moment is, take faith in it. I know things get hard, and as a teen I know that many battles lie ahead of both of us, but He is with you. He wants to bless you. He wants you to have a better job, a safer home, a newer car, a better state of health, and it will all come in His timing. Until then, treasure the glimpses, but never forget to keep looking up. 

-Arial "Lioness of God" 

Make it Count

There are no little victories when it comes to overcoming sin.

Smile when you do good, because He is too, and repent when you misstep, because there will always be a way to turn it around. Every choice we make will bear a consequence, good or bad depends on which path we took.

If you ever find yourself justifying an action, don't take it. With God there is peace, so if the choice is righteous there will be no debate needed. You will be faced with questions and chances today. Questions about your faith. Chances to further it. Temptation. Trials. Keep in mind that even our thoughts must be guarded, from our thoughts comes our actions.

Every little thing counts.

Make today count in a good way.

Partakers

I know bad things have happened to you. I know you've done bad things. I know as you read this there's a hole in the pit of your stomach weighted by all the times you were wronged and all the wrongs you've done. But I also know this, more than anything else and clearer than anything else, He took care of that over 2,000 years ago. He bore our guilt, our shame, our disgust at the world and at ourselves. He suffered it so that in His name we wouldn't have to. There will always be pain, I'm not stupid to think otherwise. The world is going to hell in a hand basket, and things are getting worse by the day. But we aren't of the world. We aren't partakers in its demise. We aren't branded with the same curses anymore. He gave us forgiveness. He gave us freedom. He gave us the promise of eternity with Him and through the Holy Spirit He gave us His presence right here and right now. So don't fall into that hole in your stomach. Don't believe the lies that your doomed, that you deserve your suffering, because you don't. No matter how bad you've had it or how bad you've been, we are never past redemption. The world will keep going down until He returns (trumpets, big white horse, angels: Revelations) but we aren't meant to follow its lead, but His. You've been set on a different path and by grace you have been given the right to walk it . . .

One Nation

One nation.
Under God.
That nation isn't just the USA. That is His people. His church. His followers. When we stand UNDER GOD we too can be INDIVISIBLE. When we put aside silly battles and focus on the war for righteousness, when we look to one another not as enemies or a basis for comparison, but as friends and allies in this war, we will find that freedom isn't given by our government, but by our King. In HIM lies the ultimate freedom, freedom from sin, from shame, from fear. Freedom from insecurity, from hatred. When we put ourselves under Him, we too are indivisible.

Communion

com·mun·ion / /kəˈmyo͞onyən/

The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, esp. when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.

THINK on this. Jesus did Communion with His followers, the sharing of his most intimate thoughts and feelings, with God, with US. We are called to continue to do this, to ‘declare the Lord’s death until He comes.’ And we are to do it often. Why then should it be limited to once a month (if that) only in church? My family and I grew up doing it almost every night. I have never felt as safe and provided for as I did around our picnic table, a plate of Ritz crackers and grape juice in front of me, my siblings struggling to stay awake as our father prayed to our Father. We were each given a chance to pray after, my first exposure to seeking God openly.
More people need this. I am asked all the time ‘How’d you end up so good?’ – I’m not good, but we serve an amazing God, and communion is one of the most powerful means we have to declare HIM in our lives and hearts. YOU can do this. RIGHT NOW, Gatorade, fruit juice, even water, whatever you have. A crouton, a piece of bread, a tortilla, you have the physical symbols. Are you willing to allow them to become the supernatural?
Jesus Himself did this. He asked – He TOLD – us to do the same, to declare God, the power and the might of the Almighty, in our life, in our home, in the world until He returns. So many of you I know have never done this, and that is ok :) that is why I am posting this, to invite all of you to do it with me. That’s my hand, my plate, my declaration of God in my life.
Will you do this with me? Will you announce today and all days that He is King, that YOU accept Jesus as your Savior, as the payment for the sin that has the power to separate us from God, but that He covered with the cross? Will you declare God as Lord for all time, in your life? Will you take up your bread and your cup and break it with me, in Spirit and in Truth, worshipping God in this simple and holy act?

Luke 22:19-20 - And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Matthew 26:26-28 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

John 4:14 - But whosoever drink of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 6:51 - I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

John 6:53 - Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

John 8:12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follow me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

1 Corinthians 11:28 - But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Perception

I can't stand young adult fiction right now. Specifically, the paranormal romance. I feel I have a right to judge, because I am a published author, but beyond that, there is a spiritual dislike I want to share with you.
Almost every teen love story has the 'boy whose smile made me dizzy' or 'his eyes were like lightning bolts down my spine' (huh, that actually itsn't half bad...) or 'he was so mysterious, like a magnet between us.'
*Gags* Why do I hate this? Some of these books I have read. Some of them are actually pretty good. But there is a reason WHY this bugs me.
Jesus.
Isaiah 53:2 He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Basically, "He wasn't ripped, he looked like any other average guy, and no one would take a second glance at him. Everyone hated him, he was full of sorrows, and we didn't even want him to look at us. We didn't even care about Him."
If we are led to believe that the heroes, our Princes in Shining Armour (or Ladies in Silks and Lace, for you guys) are all supposed to be these glorious, jewels for eyes, pretty as a magnolia in May type characters, we are missing one of the points Jesus made. I am not hating on pretty people, I am simply reminding you that the one person you should look up to, the ONLY person you should idolize, and the ONLY 'team' you should be on, wasn't what you've been led to believe.
Even the Jesus paintings depict a sort of Caucasian looking guy with flowing hair, thin nose, shiny beard. Geographically, none of that was real.
I know, I know, Jesus' purpose has nothing to do with how He looked, but it does matter how we perceive Him, and in turn, those around us. The 'mystical' boys in the books and shows, the alluring women on tv, the 'beauty is power' mindset, NONE of that honors God. Jesus changed the world. He is your idol. Not because of how he looked, but because of what He DID. Who He IS. And who YOU are in Him.

Be Watchful

Who has seen Breaking Bad?
Who has heard the term ICE, Tina, T, or Crank? Who has heard of METH? If you have seen it, you know. I have gone to a local school, talked to some kids, and found almost HALF of them have done/or know someone on it. If you are a parent, beware. It is everywhere. All states. All classes. All races. All parties.

1/20 college students have tried it. And that’s only the ones that admit it. Please, please, don’t ‘trust’ your children. Don’t think ‘Oh, they’re fine! I know ___’s parents and their good people. They’ll be ok.’ It all starts when they are young, and if you aren’t there to guide them then, they will end up destroying themselves. Why? Because society makes it cool.
Because even if they know better, it is ‘fun’.
Because they think their alone.

It is up to you, the parent, to keep them from ever being alone. Install God in them, install the fear of God, the respect of God, the purpose He gives. Don’t be their friend, don’t be their pal, be their guide. Save them.
...
http://www.methproject.org/

James 2

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the grand clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Between the Lines

John 2:1-11

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

2 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. ³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

⁴ “Woman,^[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.^[b]

⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside ¹⁰ and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Day 3: A symbol seen many times to recognize the death and resurrection, most famously of Jesus.

Wedding: The church is described as the Bride of Christ many times in the Bible.

Wine: Represents His Blood during the last supper.

Washing – same as Baptism washed us clean, the washing of His blood redeems us of the stains of our sins.

Draw some out – We’ve been set aside by God, separated from the world, sanctified from our past, removed from the path of destruction. It is both an action HE did for us and one we must do for ourselves by choosing to follow Him.

Saved the Best – The last shall be first and the First shall be last. We are all inheritors of His Kingdom, regardless of how long we’ve served, it only matters that we did.

Black Walnut Oil

My mother and father used to make me take Black Walnut Oil years ago. Worst tasting stuff. Ever. Period. Most horrible taste I can imagine, even though they had ‘hidden’ it in juice. It’s like dirt, and bark, and all things bitter. (So much so that I cringe years later... )But it kept me from getting sick. Something in it was good for me, something that to my young eyes was hidden by the immediately horrible taste. My parents saw through that though, they knew that no matter how bad it was, I needed it, and did their best to mask it, even if it was always leaving a bitter coating on my tongue.

Why am I telling you this? Because it is relevant. You're the parent, not the friend, so sometimes parents have to make their kids do things we don't want, for our own good. No matter how bad we say it tastes, no matter how ‘unfair’ we claim it is, you know it is better for us. God has told you to do it. So if you have to put a bitter taste in your kids’ mouths, so be it. We’ll remember it years later, but we’ll also learn to see how it helped us. That bitter medicine today, be it a cell phone taken away, a laptop being monitored, a door staying open, a party we don’t attend, a youth group we are dragged to every week, whatever it is, it is saving our souls from sickness later on.

You’re the parent – same as God is our Father. You are not just a source of resources, you are not just a support system, an ATM, or ‘the old man’. You are our leader, so act like one. Too many kids are lost to the world because the parents ‘didn’t want to be a hypocrite.’ God has given you these children, and He has told you how to raise them. Your past is irrelevant in this, for these are the gifts God has given you, and they are just as likely to turn on Him as they are to serve Him, it all depends on YOU. Are you going to be their “friend?” Give them sodas? Or their parents? And slip in some black walnut oil in their juice?

Relevance to the 21C

He asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  Luke 10:29-37

The story of the Good Samaritan could be retold as...

After a shoot out, a Blood saw a Crip had been hurt pretty bad. All his buddies had ditched the moment the cop sirens sounded, leaving him to die on the side walk. Even though the Crip was a sworn enemy and was more dead than alive, the Blood took him to the ICU, paid all his medical bills and his rent for the next few months, and went on.

A retired Al Qaeda operative saw that someone had been in a car wreck. Tons of cars slowed down to see what happened, but none had stopped to help. Despite the 'WWJD' stickers and American flags all over the back, he pulled over to help him, payed for the tow truck and all the damage to the car, and went on.

Or...
A Mac fanboy learns his monstrous ex's Windows laptop broken after her little brother spilled milk all over it. Even though they'd been fighting even before they broke up and hadn't spoken in months since she'd cheated on him, he pays to retrieve all her lost data and buys her a new one, and went on with his merry life.

We forget how RELEVANT the Bible can be. These parables Jesus told were given to the people in a way they would understand, same as I have humorously attempted to do here. The lessons He taught so long ago still have the power to make a huge impact on our lives today, if we learn to seek out the meaning and are willing to apply it to the choices we make everyday.

With my Love and His -

Cleanse

1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Notice this, we do not have to be free of sin to be 'living in the light' - we only have to do it, and through seeking God's light, His fellowship, Jesus' sacrifice will and has cleansed us. We have to be HUMBLE enough to admit to our faults, but have faith that if we are 'living in the light' - SEEKING GOD - that He is just to FORGIVE us and CLEANSE us from ALL wickedness.

Think about that. It doesn't say "If we have confessed everything we've ever done and stopped doing it and become perfect people, then we can live in the light and only then will God forgive us" ... NO! It says if we are living in the light and seeking fellowship that Jesus 'cleanses' - not 'cleansed' not 'will cleanse' but actively, this very moment, 'cleanses us from all sin'.

What does that mean, for Jesus to do this? Well, cleanse is a verb, an action, something that Jesus DOES for us. Definition, to MAKE CLEAN. Synonyms: absolve, clarify, clean, clear, depurgate, dispurge, purify, refine, restore.

All this, all this that he does, Restores us, cleans us, absolves for us our sins, and all he asks is that we seek Him and His Light. We do not have to go before Him perfect. We do not have to sacrifice for our past. He's provided sacrifice. There remains no sacrifice for willful sin, He was the only sacrifice we need, and if we will only confess Him to be that, and confess to Him our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and Cleanse us, from all that we fear has spoiled us forever, our Lord offers it to be resolved.

With my Love and His – LionessofGod

Bible + Sex

Now that I have your attention, take a minute to read just a bit of what the Bible has to say about this.

Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

(^ Wow. Did God just say our body is a temple? The fact God is in you not only sanctifies you but also requires of you to be sanctified. You want to honor God? Honor Him by taking care of His temple - YOU.)

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

(Ouch. The Bible just told us to FLEE - to RUN AWAY, to HIDE, to ESCAPE from it. We aren't even strong enough to be around the temptation, much less 'stand up to it'. If you don't get into situations where you can fall, you won't fall!)

Matthew 5:28
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(Guard your mind. Hardest. Thing. Ever. I know. But God doesn't play around with this. If we are the temple of God we have to be careful what we expose ourselves to.)

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

I know this might hit home, you might be feeling guilty right now, you might hate this, but no matter how far you've gone God can forgive you. Wherever you are in this battle for purity, you are not alone.

2013

2013

It’s Time for some (Positive!) Change

There is no sure fire way to be happy, no book or activity or food we can buy will offer us the cure to find perfect happiness, and there is a very simple reason why not. Happiness and positive energy has to come from with us, from our self worth and contentment with our actions and our world. Yet, even though there is no outsider’s way to reach this state, there are things you can do that will help you relax and clear your mind enough so that the stresses of the new year don’t bring you down.

Brain Massage~

Getting quiet through any kind of meditation is a great and simple place to start. You don’t have to sit a certain way or turn your guest room into a spa, only breathe. Nearly half of the oxygen your body craves is used solely by your mind, so taking a few moments to feed your greatest weapon and defense through conscious deep breathing exercises that will awaken, strengthen, and clarify your thoughts.

Golden Rule~

Someone once described holding resentment or bitterness as drinking your own poison, so no matter how you were wronged, do your best to address it and move on. No one has the right to steal your peace, so simply offer a smile, turn the other cheek, and continue throughout your day, keeping in mind that unless you want to spread this virus you should always treat everyone in your path with the respect you would expect.

Bend~

Change is inevitable, history and our own experiences have proved that time and time again. Although we might not always have full control of the situation we are placed in, we do control how we react (or don’t react) to it. If you are in a position that puts you under stress, rather than add to the unease with complaints or arguments, do your best to either find a reasonable way out of it, or locate a mindset that allows you to live with, if not flourish in it. As all Military personnel know, when orders come, they have to be followed, so set aside 2013 as the year to bend, taking things as they come, and always seeking the most healthy and positive way to benefit from any of the countless new experiences you will face.

Emotional reboot~

All too often we find ourselves in a cycle of negative thoughts, which turns into negative emotions, and finally manifests into negative actions. All this angst originates in how we perceive ourselves and our situations. What we choose see dictates what we think, and all it takes is a slight change of perspective to alter our thought process, creating a positive domino effect through our entire being. As horrible as things may seem, or how dire a state the world is in, there are always small rays of light to be found. Taking time for yourself to discover these things is imperative, whether that means a long hot shower and an uplifting novel, taking your children out to the park more, or getting out and socializing with a new group of people, you owe it to yourself to find out what makes you smile.

Move on~

A very wise monkey once said, “What does it matter? It’s in the past!” For those of you who recognized old Rafiki’s advice, I hope you take it. This is a brand new year, and it has the capability to signify a new chapter in your life. New Year’s resolutions aren’t always about losing weight, maybe you have a lifelong goal you haven’t reached yet, perhaps you are determined to set aside more time for your family, or to make that promotion. Whatever your goal is, take or make the time and energy to meet it. Not only will the self-accomplishment create a new sense of confidence and positive energy in you, you will also have the satisfaction in saying, “When they said the world was going to end, I changed mine.”

Live in the moment~

In this day and age we are surrounded by a hundred and one distractions, to the point where we can be talking to someone while our mind drifts off to wonder “Did I ever reply to that text?” Or worse, we could be having dinner with our family or friends and be more absorbed in our phones than we are their company. Multi-tasking is a wonderful skill to have, but sadly, many of us lack it, taking our attention away from the present while our minds muddle. While interacting with people try to stay completely and consciously present instead of letting yourself drift. Focusing on what is happening right here and now will allow you to take a full account of your surroundings, life, and those around you and have a clear and concise memory for later reference. A few moments of your undivided attention to your spouse, child, or friend will yield more to both of you than any facebook like or share.

Open your lungs and your eyes~

When things start to get hectic, (as we all know they will,) there is nothing more crucial than your sanity. Stepping outside for a few moments to look up at the clouds or trees and inhaling the fresh air is scientifically proven to calm you. Stuck in an office? Google some pictures of beaches or scenic landscapes. Studying the natural essence of the pictures and imaging yourself within them will give your mind a quick escape from the madness. Keep a playlist specially set aside for the times you need an uplifting and emotionally embracing respite, and stash your favorite treat somewhere so that should its salty or sweet comfort be needed, you can satisfy yourself without breaking the belt.

And as our wonderful editor Molly reminds us each week, take care. By tending to yourself and nurturing your mental, physical, and spiritual needs, whatever they are, you are building the foundation of your life. Don’t skip corners or rush. Have that cup of tea, that nibble of chocolate, and then go for that half hour walk you keep putting off until tomorrow. Having a positive inner vision of yourself will allow you to take on this year and the people you meet with confidence, grace, and a perfect balance of self-reliance, an optimistic outlook, and empathy for those around you.

God and Teenagers

Hormones suck. That's just life. Teenage years are full of confusion, your body and your mind take on a life of their own and suddenly even your emotions go haywire. You are expected to start growing up and taking on life like an adult, but on the inside you are still struggling to understand what the heck is going on inside of you. I know. I understand. I'm right there with you. In the midst of the physical, we all struggle to keep the innocence of our youth and the purity God has given us, both of our mind and body.
But God has promised we are not alone in this. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us, our parents to help lead us, our friends to support us, our family to protect us, and above all, His Son to save us. So no matter where you are in life, going through this oh-so-amazing period of transition or watching your own kids go through it, remember to seek God.
The stability you need, the love you crave, and the attention you long for can only be found in Him. He is the only one capable of giving you the control and strength to master (survive?) these years and the details that come with them.
Just know you are aided, my fellow Jesus Freaks. I'm in the same battle you are, and fighting on your same side. There will be trials to come, break-outs, break-ups, the whole nine yards, but Our God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. And even Jesus had to bear the years of 12-20. He knows just what you are going through, so never think you are misunderstood. You are loved, you will get through this, and life is all about learning and seeking Him. The more you do that, the easier it will get.
With my Love and His ♥