Why?

In youth group we have been studying the commonly asked question, 'why'? More specifically, “why is this happening to me?” Or, “why do bad things happen to good people?” We all go through times in our lives when we ask 'why' questions.

Remember Job from the Bible? He was the victim of Satan's hand as he did everything possible to tear Job down, and crush him. Job had incredible faith however, and did not curse God, even when the he was infested with sickness and his children were killed. I don't know about you, but that brings on a BIG “why?”. The question shouldn't be 'why' here though. The question is, would we be able to still trust God if hard times come? Hopefully the answer is yes. Aren't you glad God promised He would never leave us nor forsake us?

In John 16:33 it says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." That is so comforting, especially in this day and age. It seems everywhere you turn, there is trouble, but we as Christians can take heart! Be brave! God is here with us always. You can make it through the dark night, into the bright and shining morning.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I know Mondays can be hard, but carry John 16:33 with you into the week, and trust God to help you in anything and everything you struggle with.

Amazing Grace

Yesterday our church youth group went to see Amazing Grace. It was an awesome movie, and I found it to be educational and touching. I must admit, I don't know much about William Wilburforce... so I don't know how truly accurate the movie was, but it was certainly an eye opener. Not many people appreciate their freedom as much as they ought to. I am a guilty party for this as well, and now I am thankful for God's grace and mercy on us. I would recommend this movie to you and your families. It's a great discussion prompter.

That movie brought the words of Amazing Grace alive for me. Now I don't think I'll ever listen to that song again, without remembering what it really means. The real story. I like the part in the movie, as John Newton remembers his song, and the line, “was blind, but now I see.” It's amazing how such a simple movie can open your eyes to grueling, yet courageous journeys of the millions of slaves.

We stopped at Cici's on the way home to get something to eat. They have WEIRD varieties of pizza, that's for sure. I think I had some kind of BBQ one... and a taco one, and there was some kind of macaroni pizza too. Anyway, while I was pouring over my pizza... (literally... I was almost convinced I had entered heaven =] ) the others went to spend all their loose change on arcades. Every two minutes I would hear screams of disappointments as they lost. Ha! Good times, good times. I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend!

God bless, and I leave you with this verse:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. --Ephesians 1:3

Keeping It Real

Lately I've been wondering how we can have a relationship with God, and keep it at its fullest. When you first become a Christian, you are filled with a new hope. You have a great passion to change your life. However, as you continue in your walk, sometimes its hard to keep that beginning perspective. The newness wears off, and you're left with a daily grind. Day after day, just living your life in a routine, until you loose the passion of being a person on fire for God. I want keep it real.

In Lamentations 3:22-23, it says, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

God's love and mercy never fails. Praise God for His daily renewal of hope in our hearts. I find myself caught up in my schedule, wondering if it will ever end. I know that in Christ, I am set free from being bound by the world. He gives us a wonderful hope of things to come.

So look foward to tomorrow, and the next day. We could use those days to live for our Lord Jesus, and live with His unfailing love and faithfulness constantly covering us. Keep it real!

Hymns

A hymn is defined as "A song of praise or thanksgiving to God or a deity." Yesterday in church, as I was singing a hymn with the choir, I realized how powerful hymns are. A lot of modern churches have moved away from traditional hymns, and focused more on praise and worship. That's fine, but they sometimes don't realize how hymns can be songs of praise and worship. Here are the simple, but amazing words of Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness; To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth; Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

God does supply all our needs, no matter what happens. God has everlasting faithfulness, that surpasses all understanding. Next time you hear a hymn, don't just tune it out. Let it speak to you, as words about our wonderful, loving Father.