Cell phone v/s Bible

How many of us carry our Bibles with us wherever we go...let alone take it to church??? I have noticed that many have gotten out of the habit of bringing their Bible even to church because the Scriptures will be presented on a powerpoint. It is important to have our Bibles because I once visited a church and noticed that the Bible scriptures they had on the powerpoint screen was wrong. I noticed it did not seem right because I had memorized that book of the Bible, but just to make sure I was able to check it out right then because I had my Bible with me. Even though I do like the powerpoints it has caused some people to think that they do not need to bring their Bibles and then they are not able to underline scriptures when there is a good verse that stands out to them.There are so many attempts that Satan's tries to use to keep us from picking up our Bible and taking it with us to different places. So many of us carry around other items such as purses, wallets, briefcases, cellphones, etc. Yet how often do we carry around our Bible? And yes, I do realize that most phones do have apps for the Bible which is great!

I remember that last year I had to take this ridiculous Philosophy class. I did not like it at all. I would get so frustrated and upset due to all the wrong religious views that were presented in that class. One time the professor made a comment and asked who agreed with it. I absolutely did not and just shook my head. The professor and I had a time of bouncing off questions and answers between the two of us during the 50 min. class period. (this happened quite often because I never agreed with what was said) One time he said a story from Genesis, but he got it wrong. I unfortunately did NOT have my Bible, but since I had been in activities like Sonlight, Bible Bowl, and Bible Bee I was able to quote the correct Scriptures to prove my point. From that time on I decided to always carry my Bible with me, like I do with my cell phone. It is amazing how many times I have been able to use my Bible for reference in classes, talking to friends, or just being able to read it.

Here is a poem I came across a long time ago.

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell-phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if when we forgot it – we turned back to go get it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we never traveled without it?
What if we always referred our friends and acquaintances to it?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

This right here is something to make you go….."Hmm -- where is my Bible?"
Oh, and one more thing:
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected; because: Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think "where are my priorities?”
And no dropped calls!

Too Late...

     Today I was looking up different ones on facebook. I got thinking of my days of being homeschooled and when I was able to do an Abeka DVD program through Pensacola Christian Academy in highschool. I really enjoyed my teachers and had tried looking them up many times to become friends on facebook. I just wanted to say how thankful I was for them being awesome teachers, but at that time I never saw them on facebook because not all my teachers had a facebook page.

     Well, today I happened to type into facebook, Mrs. Sandy Schmuck, one of my favorite teachers who I had for my entire 11^th grade of English.  We always called her "Smiley Schmuck" because of her wonderful personality and smile she had each day. Anyways, while on facebook I came across this page that said “praying for Sandy Schmuck.” It caught my attention immediately and then I saw another page that said “remembering Sandy Schmuck.” I was so grieved to find out that she had died from cancer at age 52 and I never got to tell her how much she influenced me.  It was too late to go back in time to go to Pensacola, Florida to see her, talk with her, or write her a note and become friends on facebook. I told my mom and of course the rest of my family. We were crying and reminiscing about the memories we had of her being our DVD teacher.

     Then my mom said to me, “Well, this is just like a Biblical lesson. Some people may wait to accept the Lord as their Savior and then it will be too late once they die. There will be no turning back and being able to pray for the repentance of their sins and talk to God.” It is so important to not wait to do things like accepting the Lord as your savior. I pray we can all hear those words on the Day of Judgment, “Well done, good and faithful servants…enter through into the joys of the Lord.” Matthew 25:23 I would hate to be the one to hear God say on judgment day, “Depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

     It may be too late for me to get into contact with my wonderful teacher, but at least we will meet again in Heaven one day. I hope though that for each of you that you will not be too late in accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and creator of the world. Just do your best to love and serve God in all that you do.

James 4:14 "...For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Thanks Mrs. Schmuck. We will miss you!

The New Year of 2012

Last night I went to church and everyone talked, ate, and played games. We then had a really amazing service with some testimonials, song, with prayer as the New Year rolled in, followed by greeting time, and then concluding with being able to partake in communion. I had such a great time. It is always so awesome to feel the Lord’s presence, joy, peace, grace, and love around me and in me whether I am at church, home, school, or anywhere. I was so glad that New Years Day fell on a Sunday in order to start the New Year off by getting to go to church again.

Now it is officially the year 2012. It’s that time of year to where everyone is reflecting on the past and making New Year’s resolutions. I think the best change anyone could ever make in their life is to accept the Lord as their Savior and serve Him with their whole heart. I have not a clue what all this New Year hold, but I do know that I am going to try to focus even more on the Lord than what I have done. I want to glorify Him with all that is within me.

God has done so many wonderful things for me throughout my life and this past year. I am so thankful to be living and to have good health after having some head injuries which made me forget practically everything I ever knew, to the very rare tumor I had which was removed, and of course there are so many other things I could list. I know that the Lord has had his hand upon me and protected me every day of my life since I was born.  I think of all the blessings he has given to me and it makes me feel so unworthy but very thankful. He has helped me through so much even when I did not seem to have the strength to go on, He was always right there beside me. I am so thankful for all the opportunities He has given to me to encourage and witness to others.

Happy New Year! and God Bless You All.  "Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness." Psalm 65:11