Where is Your Treasure?

Mansion Over the Hilltop

a hymn by George Morgan

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below,

A little silver and a little gold;

But in that city where the ransomed will shine

I want a gold one that's silver-lined.

~ refrain~

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop

In that bright land where we'll never grow old;

And someday yonder we will never more wander

But walk on streets that are purest gold.

~~~

Tho' often tempted, tormented and tested

And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone;

And tho' I find here no permanent dwelling

I know He'll give me a mansion my own.

~refrain~

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely

I'm not discouraged, I'm Heaven bound;

I'm just a pilgrim in search of a city

I want a mansion, a harp and a crown.

~refrain~

Life is precious, and all too short. In an instant, it can end. 

So why do we spend so much time in this life chasing after things that won't last?

Over and over and over again,we watch the same TV show episodes, the same movies read the same magazines and books, play the same video games. We build up our possessions around us until we are comfortable. We seek to find security in human relationships that can and will at some point falter.

But for what profit? 

And at what price?

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:35-37

If we spend our lives  striving for more more more things here on earth, and lose sight of what really matters--bringing glory to God--we miss the whole point of living.

Jesus promised us a mansion in Heaven.

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 

He also cautioned us not to lay up treasures on earth.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21 

The things we have here on earth remain when we die. You can't take it with you.

But if we build up treasures in Heaven, our hearts will be far more Christ-centered. Our desire will be for the Lord! As we serve and grow closer to Him, He will bless us far beyond our wildest dreams. Not merely with things here on earth, but with eternal rewards and blessings. Are you more concerned with your mansion here on earth or the one Christ is building for you in Heaven?

Let's begin today to build up treasures in Heaven, for they will last for all eternity.

Set your Affection

Where is your affection? No really, I mean it. Think about it. Where is your affection? What are you actively concerned about? What do your actions have to say about that? What are you constantly thinking about? What is your mind on?

Me? oh, yeah.... not on what's it's supposed to be most of the time. I have to admit, I have been thinking a whole lot about my future... in a worried way, like will I ever get married? (even though I'm only sixteen, yes, I think about this...) like, will I ever have kids? like, will I be able to afford college? like, will I ever be able to go to Paris (okay, now we're getting a little off-track...)

The point is, my mind is not usually where it should be. Sometimes it is... but lately, not so much. Worry squirms its slimy way into my mind and expands until all other things are completely minimized. And then I feel like I'm walking around trying, trying, trying so hard to squeeze under the worry and dwell on something worthwhile, but the honest truth of the matter is that when worry is in a small part of my mind, it's in every part of my mind. And I don't like it, but for some reason I want to hang on to it. Maybe it's a control thing, I don't know. But I know that worry is no good.

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

-Colossians 3:2

We've been studying this verse a lot in girls' group the past couple of weeks... And I've been thinking about worry. I don't think it quite fits in with the "things above..." It fits in a bit more with the flesh. The Greek word used in the previous verse for "set your affection" is phroneo, which is the same word that pops up in Romans 8:5-

"They that are of the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, and they that are of the Spirit the things of the Spirit."

You know what I don't see in that verse? I don't see "they that live in the 21st century may mind the things of the flesh and the Spirit cooperatively." No. Ya either mind the things of the flesh, or the things of the Spirit. Those of the Spirit are called to mind the things of the Spirit. No worry allowed. As a matter of fact, Christ tells us to cast all our worries on Him...

"Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."

-1 Peter 5:7

And I think I just hit an analogy. Have you ever gone fishing? I haven't. So maybe I don't have the liberty to use that as an analogy... But I'm pretty sure this verse means to completely give all our worries to God ;)

Rewind. There's another one here that I'm sure I understand.... When I read "Set your affection on things above..." it comes to my mind that there are different setting I can have my mind on. For example, picture a metal lever with a big red ball for a handle on the end of it. This lever is coming out of a wall with writing next to the lever. The lever can be moved to stay in one of two modes: the fleshy mode, and the Spiritual mode. Now picture that lever coming out of the side of your head, wired to your mind inside. It's your choice every moment of every day what setting you want your mind to be on... Whatever you choose, you will dwell on things pertaining to that mode. We might say that the result of each of the "modes" is revealed through an attitude, and further revealed through what actions are prevalent in our day. Now actually picture that lever on the side of your head right this very minute. What setting is it on???

You can tell by your attitude or your actions from a few minutes ago... Were they resembling the things of the earth, or the things above? Were they representing fleshly things, or Spiritual things? 

Don't be afraid to admit it if your mind is set on things on the earth right now... We have all been there many times and God already knows. Just grab that lever (FIGURATIVELY) and push it on up to the Spiritual mode. Ask God to change your thoughts, attitudes, and actions to bring glory to Him, instead of yourself.

If your at all struggling with this, read right on down through Colossians 3. The chapter talks all about the flesh vs. the Spirit. Take the time now and refocus on the things of God. It'll be worth it.

*Manufacturer's note: One of my creations once said... "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." The lever to your mind tends to naturally pop back to fleshly mode, because that is your human nature. You can keep this from occurring by continually focusing on the things of the Spirit and let the Spirit have rule in your hearts. If at any time your mind pops back into fleshly mode, you can simply refocus on Spiritual things. If you would like to know what these are, read Colossians chapter 3 in your manufacturer's manual; this will explain further the fleshly things and the Spiritual things.

The Journey

I love books.

Interesting way to start a post about a journey, right?

I’ve always loved books, always been writing stories. Through the years I have made many a friend who shared my love of books and writing.  One day, while chatting with one of these friends, she told me that when she goes to read a book, she flips to the end and reads the last page. That way, she’ll know if she likes it or not.

*perplexed face*

“Uh, but then you know the ending. What fun is reading the story if you already know how it ends? You miss the whole journey of the characters. You miss out on…. everything.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ever wanted to do that with your own life? Pick it up like a book and flip to the last page, to see how it ends? Or maybe at least flip to the interesting chapters, where the answer to today’s questions are found (Who/when will I marry? How many kids will I have? Where will we live? Will I succeed in starting that career?).

Wouldn’t that be fun?

Oh, sure, maybe.  But you’d miss out on the journey. You’d skip how you got there. You’d miss the lessons, the laughs, the tears, the victories along the way. Really, the journey is the most important part of the story. How interesting would it be to read a story that went “Once upon a time, there was a princess. She was in distress, but then the prince came and they lived happily ever after.” Whew, that’s a good ending! 

The journey is what makes us appreciate the end of the story. God wants us to go on a journey. He wants us to learn lessons, experience ups and downs, have victories, have defeats, draw ever closer to Him. Because the real end of the journey isn’t in wedding vowsor cute little houses or building a successful career. The End of the journey comes when we reach Heaven and Jesus says “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful in a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. {Matthew 25:20-21}” The journey is where we are faithful in a few things, serving our Lord.

Wishing we could skip to the end won’t get us there any faster.

It won’t be easy. Then again, He never said it would be.

 But the journey is worth it.

*This was originally published on my personal blog*

Who I Am

                         

                  Who am I?

                         Just a random chance?  An insignificant being?

                                What is my purpose?

                                              Where am I going?

                                                               Do I really matter?

                                                                             Where do I belong?

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

So many of us think we are unimportant, or that we would be more important if we were prettier/better at sports/more slender/didn't do that snorting thing when we laugh.....you get the picture.
We look around us, and see unattainable heights of beauty, high expectations in what we do with our futures, the push to be popular and noticed by everyone...especially guys.

And the truth is....

We want acceptance. 
We want fulfillment.
We want love.

So we reach out, stretching and grasping at these unreachable standards of beauty and lifestyle,
 in hopes that our peers-- or anyone, really-- will accept us and love us.
We strive to impress others and live up to the standards those around us set.

And we are left feeling....

Unaccepted
Unfulfilled
Unloved

....when we fall short of the standards and expectations we were striving so hard to fulfill.

And yet, in the midst of the disappointment, discontentment, and heartache we struggle with,
a still small Voice whispers:

You are my child  {John 1:12} 
and my workmanship {Eph.2:10}.
I bought you with a price {1 Cor. 6:19-20}.
You are My personal witness {Acts 1:8}
You are forever free from condemnation {Rom. 8:31 -34} 
and any charges made against you {Rom. 8:31-34} .
You have been justified {Romans 5:1}.
You have been redeemed and forgiven {Col. 1:14}  .
I have loved you with an everlasting love {Jer. 31:3}.
You are significant {Phil. 3 :20}.
You are complete in Me {Col. 2 : 10}.

Oh the hope we have in Christ!!
We can honestly, boldly, unashamedly say:

I KNOW WHO I AM

I belong to God.

 

What Defines You?

This was part of our most recent lesson in girls' group. Discovering how we define ourselves. Really, though, it's a choice. We choose what we define ourselves by, even though what we choose may not be the truth.

Sometimes we choose to define ourselves by our circumstances, or what others do to us. We tell ourselves that we are just a result of the events in our life. If this is how we choose to define ourselves, we will not get very far! If we define ourselves by our circumstances, we will break apart when something "bad" happens. This is obviously not the right way.

Then we sometimes allow what other people think of us to define us. We tell ourselves that what others think must be the truth. If this is how we choose to define ourselves, we will break apart when someone looks down on us for whatever reason. Still yet, we will break apart when we think others think badly of us! This is obviously not the right way.

And many times, we define ourselves by what we have done in the past. We have all done something we regret, and when we hold on to that, we break apart. This is obviously not the right way.

I could go on about different ways we ladies attempt to define ourselves, but the truth is that there is only one way that will yield to us the truth.

It's defining ourselves by the Truth!

let go.
let go.
let go.
let go.
let go!

So, let's let go of those wrong definitions of ourselves~ our circumstances, others' perceptions, and the past, and let's move on!

Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We can start by defining ourselves by what God says is true. Here is a list to get y'all started!


     This is a neat tool called an "identity statement." This will help you when you are feeling discouraged or negative about yourself, because it reminds you of your God-given personality.

     What to do: The bell contains statements found in the Bible that are true of every Christian. I suggest you print it out, and read through it, highlighting five or six statements that seem to jump out at you.

     Next steps: Now it's time to start writing your identity statement. Start with your name. (My name is _______.) Then comes your spiritual identity, the five or six statements that you highlighted from the bell. Next, write down your relations to people you influence. (I am the daughter of _____ and _____.) These do not have to include only family members, but anyone you influence. Now, put in organizations or things you are part of or do regularly. ( I am a member of _____Church or I work at ______ or I have the gift of _____) The rest are things that come to your mind specifically, like a life verse.

     I encourage you to write this out and keep it with you. When you are feeling negative about yourself, fill yourself with truth by reading this and believing it!



I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor. 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8:31 -34)
I  am a citizen of Heaven.  I am significant. ( Phil. 3 :20 )
I  am  free  from any charge against me. ( Rom. 8:31-34 )
I  am a minister  of reconciliation for God. (2Cor. 5:17-21)
I  have  access  to God through the Holy Spirit.  (Eph. 2:18)
I  am  seated  with  Christ in the heavenly realms. ( Eph. 2:6 )
I  cannot be separated  from the love of God.  ( Rom. 8: 35-39 )
I am established, annointed, and sealed by God. (2 Cor. 1:21-22)
I am  assured all things work  together   for   good. ( Rom. 8 : 28 )
I  have  been  chosen  and  appointed  to  bear  fruit. ( John 15:16 )
I  may  approach God with  freedom  and  confidence.  ( Eph. 3:12 )
I  can  do all  things  through Christ who  strengthens  me. ( Phil. 4:13 )
I  am the branch of the true vine, a channel of  His life. ( John 15 : 1 - 5 )
I  am God's  temple ( 1 Cor. 3:16 ). I  am complete in  Christ ( Col. 2 : 10 )
I am hidden with Christ in God ( Col. 3 : 3 ). I have been justified ( Romans 5 :1 )
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3 : 9; 2 Cor. 6:1). I am God's workmanship ( Eph.
2:10)
I  am confident  that  the  good  work  God  has  begun  in  me  will  be  perfected.
(Phil. 1:5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col. 1 : 14 ). I have been adopted as God's
child (Eph. 1:5).
I belong to God.



A practical way to use this list:
    This is a neat tool called an "identity statement." This will help you when you are feeling discouraged or negative about yourself, because it reminds you of your God-given personality.

     What to do: The bell contains statements found in the Bible that are true of every Christian. I suggest you print it out, and read through it, highlighting five or six statements that seem to jump out at you.

     Next steps: Now it's time to start writing your identity statement. Start with your name. (My name is _______.) Then comes your spiritual identity, the five or six statements that you highlighted from the bell. Next, write down your relations to people you influence. (I am the daughter of _____ and _____.) These do not have to include only family members, but anyone you influence. Now, put in organizations or things you are part of or do regularly. ( I am a member of _____Church or I work at ______ or I have the gift of _____) The rest are things that come to your mind specifically, like a life verse.

     I encourage you to write this out and keep it with you. When you are feeling negative about yourself, fill yourself with truth by reading this and believing it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Love you all!

More on Authenticity

Hey, girls! check out chapter on authenticity!

Eph. 6

Busy, Busy, Busy! and Small Choices

You know you're week's been busy when you've substituted brushing your teeth with an Altoid and skip a shower for four days straight. Well, I guess it means you could be really tired, too. But, seriously? My room looks like a junkyard, my {many} dirty clothes smell like one, and I feel like one! My goals of having a clean room and getting my laundry done and blogging and spending free time on more meaningful things crashed. And then, yesterday I had {not had, chose to get up late} to do my eye-shadow and such and read my Bible on the car ride to church.

And then I read that verse that pierces me every single time:

Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

yeah. ouch!

Innocently "forgetting" was no excuse to tell an omniscient God. He knew that I made the choice to get up late almost every day of the week. He knew that I made the choice to neglect putting on the armour of God. But I thought I was all set because I had read my Bible everyday. But I did it to keep my record straight, forgetting God for "days without number."

a small choice made with God's guidance is a beautiful thing.

I made the choice. Isn't that what we've been learning? That our small choices add up to a larger result. My "small" choices of pressing snooze on the alarm clock added up to a week of sleeping in and quick Bible reading. I only got a sliver of what I could've gained from my time with God.

Please don't make the same mistake I did. It might not be pressing snooze on the alarm clock, but there's probably some small choice that adds up that you will be making this week. Make the right choice.

Choices and Beginnings

As we begin girls' group, we are discussing choices. We make choices everyday, such as what clothes we wear or what cereal we will eat. We even make life-changing decisions everyday, such as whether or not we will obey our parents. Whatever the choice is, it will soon accumulate, and the individual choices of our lives will accumulate to the end result of our lives.

We have the opportunity to make some life-changing choices now. Some of the choices we can make are whether or not we will be kind to someone, whether or not we will pray for someone, whether or not we will praise God, and whether or not we will memorize His Word.

Girls, let's make these choices together! :) I find that it's easier when others are lifting me up. (Even though it is many times necessary to stand alone.) We can share what we are doing through God's strength with each other, and share what we are learning.

I can't wait to see what God will do! I am very excited!

New Year, Same Goal

It's January again.

Seems like just yesterday, I was starting the 2012  folders on my laptop, the 2012 diary, thinking through all the things that might happen in the new year, making plans, setting goals.

And now the year is over.

Time to do it all again. 

 

As I look over the goals I wrote down a year ago, one in particular stands out to me: “Grow closer to God and become more like Him.”

I think through everything that happened in 2012.

All the times God challenged me to take a step of faith.

All the times He answered prayer....whether it was what I expected or not.

All the times He sent me a little blessing that I wasn't expecting.

All the times I failed him and He forgave me.

All the little lessons He taught me using 'mundane' things.

All the times I had a glimpse of His glory and power even in this sin-filled world.

And I realize that though I might feel that I failed Him over and over again,

He still used me, still cared for me, still taught me,

and still drew me nearer Himself.

I wouldn't change a moment of it.

Maybe this year didn't turn out the way I wanted it to.

But in it I learned more about my Lord,

and slowly but surely I'm becoming more like Him.

Now I face a new year.

New challenges, new lessons, new experiences.

God will stretch me, test me, grow me.

And I look forward to what this year holds.

Even though it's a new year--a time of new goals, resolutions, and fresh starts--I'll have the same goal I have every year.

Because each year that goes by, I want to reflect God more.