Do Not Love the World

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

-1 John 2:5-17

You Cannot Serve Two Masters

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No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. - Matthew 6:24

Completely Dedicated

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Starting when I was 10, I have been journaling my thoughts and prayers. It helps me focus on praying for specific people when I told them I would, and I like to go back and read what I prayed for during the past years of my life. This morning, I picked up an old journal, and began reading my prayers, and found one that I loved, because it was a prayer for I could pray every day of my life.  I thought it was worth sharing.

The Prayer:  I pray

-that my mouth will pour out praises of God.

Psalms 34:1   I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

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-that my deeds and actions may glorify God.

Matthew 5:16   In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

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-that I will fear no evil, and instead fear the LORD.

Luke 12:4-5   I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.  But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has

power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

to the very end

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching then to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."    

-Matthew 28:16-20

strength to the weary

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him -Lamentations 3:25

 He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

-Isaiah 40:29-31

to others show mercy

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.   - Jude 1:20-23

Beautiful and powerful.  This was simply as an encouragement for all of us.

the narrow path



Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

- Matthew 7:13-14

it's who I am

I recently realized that unless you read old blog Beside Quiet Waters, you don't know much about me.  And not to be self-centered, but this post is about me.  I am sixteen years old and a sophomore attending a public high school.  Many Christians are home-schooled, but I found that I love being in the public system.  I have made friends with a few Christians, but still most of my friends are not.  They all know I am Christian, and so I am a 'light' to them.

You all know, but I am a Christian.  I am trying to grow in my faith, and be faithful to only Him.  Went I post scripture and other bible related posts, just know I post for you and for myself.  I love blogging for the sake of having people to share my faith.  It helps.

I am a 'bando' and play the alto saxophone.  I love music, but still I know nothing of pop culture or musicians.  I listen to Mozart, Sibelius, Rachmaninov, and so many other old composers.  I must have already told you this, but music is painful to listen to.  My heart hurts after listening to a piece because of how beautiful it is.  And of course, whenever I listen to an exceptionally good piece, I cry.

Creativity is definitely a strong point.  I am very into design, and scrapbooking-type things.  If a teacher assigns a project, I am bound to spend a ton of time of the appearance of the project.  It is something I enjoy doing.  I like designing my blog as well, because I get to make a design that shows what type of blog this is.  Here is an example of a small project I did with my sister yesterday. 

My creativity doesn't just come in art projects, but it also comes in the form of photography.  And while I don't have a good camera, I still find it enjoyable.  I may not be as skilled as others, but I am definitely learning, which is all I care about.

and of course, my creativity is also showed through writing.  which is why I am here.

complete happiness

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.  - Ecclesiates 2:26

May we all be pleasing God this new year.

While next week I have finals, and this week I have a lot of tests, I'm not stressed out.  Instead I am incredibly happy.  And I'm not quite sure why.  My heart is overflowing with happiness, and the only way to express it is to talk to my older sister for many hours.  And of course, I have been listening to music, like always, and just that is making me excited for life.  Ah.