Ploughed up and Re-sown

"Cutting the grass may keep it short: but I shall still produce grass and no wheat. If I want to produce wheat, the change must go deeper than the surface. I must be ploughed up and re-sown." 

-C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

------------------------

For the record, this is one of my favorite books - Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. It's definitely a must read!

I love this quote! It's so true! When you decide to accept Christ's offer of salvation, it's not as easy as it sounds. Well, it is and it isn't. It is easy in the way that Christ has already done everything, all you've got to do is let Him come in. It isn't easy in the way that it's going to flip your life around if you allow it, and it's going to make your life harder in the eyes of the world, but oh so much better in the eyes of those who know Him!

But it isn't just...you know, saying a little prayer, asking Jesus in your heart, and all that milky stuff that many of us in the U.S. are taught today. It's a decision. The biggest decision of your life - and it matters for ETERNITY.

And, as I learned just recently from a Bible teacher named Michael Pearl, this life, this present physical life that we have been given on this earth, is the one and only opportunity we have for building our character. After we're physically dead that's it for the character building process. Up in heaven we'll be far to busy worshiping God around His throne to have any time for character building exercises, if it were even possible. 

So it's here and now that you've gotta live "the hard life" as it were. It may be harder than anything else, but it's going to be SO worth it in the long run. 

Cutting the grass just keeps it short. That's it. You aren't going to change the your grass crop into a wheat crop by cutting the grass shorter. It doesn't work that way. 

In the same way, you can't produce a crop of good works and good character if you are just cutting back on your bad works and bad character.

It's 180 degree turn.

You've gotta dig up all that grass and keep it out of there. One little blade allowed to live can multiply and destroy your whole new crop of wheat. 

The older I get, the more I see that being a Christian is an all-or-nothing deal. It's an all-or-nothing deal because that's exactly what Christ requires of His children - all-or-nothing.

In Christ our Deliverer,

Buttercup

Smack Down on the Ground

"All of us fail, but this doesn't mean that we are failures. We need to understand that failing can be a step toward maturity, not a permanent blot on our self-esteem...we don't have to allow failure to prevent us from being used by God." 

-Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance

---------------------------

Failing can be pretty disheartening. 

Or, maybe you just laughed at my statement and thought "That's an understatement!"

If you are a goal oriented person, and you love accomplishing things, setting goals, making schedules, and everything working out just right, then this post is for you; because this post was written by just that type of person.

I love making schedules, setting goals, seeing things accomplished and completed, and everything working out just as I planned, but it seems that most of the time...it doesn't work out that way.

I usually put too much in my schedule and get overwhelmed...but wait wait wait! That's the schedule! You must follow it because you made it this morning and it's faultless! Nothing is wrong with the schedule, something must be wrong with you. Yeah, you just witnessed my train of thought. 

My schedules, more often than not, look more like a list of unachievable goals than a list of things I must (and logically can) accomplish that day. So it's no surprise that I've thought of myself many times as a failure.

But, just like every other time, I found that I wasn't the only human being in the history of mankind that was apparently unable to get anything done. I read The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee, and he gave me some answers.

"All of us fail, but this doesn't mean that we are failures. We need to understand that failing can be a step toward maturity, not a permanent blot on our self-esteem...we don't have to allow failure to prevent us from being used by God."

If God could only use perfect people, He would have created robots.

But He decided to create us. He created people that rebelled against Him, people that had a free will whether or not to obey Him. He created people that He knew would fail Him time and time again. Why?

Because He desired people that would serve Him because they wanted to serve Him. He wanted people that would obey Him because they wanted to obey Him. So He did it. And He got me, and I failed Him...right?

Well, God uses failures. Take that back. God uses people who fail. McGee makes it clear in this section that just because you fail (no matter how often) that doesn't make you a failure. 

But as long as you are following after Christ, God can use you. He doesn't mind if you miss doing your math, or you forget to sweep the kitchen, or you are too tired to fix dinner and go out for fast food...He doesn't hold that against you. His mercies are new each morning. Each day is a new start. What happened yesterday...guess what? It happened yesterday. Its over, it's done, there's nothing you can do about it so quit fretting over it. 

God's got it. God's got you. God will use you, if you let Him. 

Don't let your feelings of failure grab a hold of you and smack you down to the ground. Smack your feelings of failure down on the ground and tell them how big and forgiving your God is.

In Christ our Solid Ground,

Buttercup

When the Last Rose Dies

"He gave her 12 roses, 11 real and one fake, and he said, "I'll stop loving you when the last rose dies." 

-Unknown

I absolutely love that quote. It makes me think not only who God has prepared for my future husband, but also of God Himself...

But God demonstrated His own love for us in this, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

...How deep the Father's love for us/How vast beyond all measure/That He should give His only Son/To make a wretch His treasure/How great the pain of searing loss/The Father turns His face away/As wounds which mar the chosen One/Bring many sons to glory...

God doesn't show His love for us with roses in the mail - real or fake. God shows His love for us every day in so many ways; many of which we probably don't see as His bountiful blessings. Each breath is a gift from Him who reigns above.

Dear Lord,
Thank You so much for your undying love for us - for me.
Love,
Your little girl

In Christ our Solid rock,
Buttercup

Children of God by Third Day

This is one of my favorite music videos ever. I love it. Beautiful song. Wonderful pictures. Gives me chills and makes me almost cry every time I watch it. Hope you enjoy it as well!
Love in Christ our Rock,
Buttercup

Grey Areas

My dear readers,
I was just recently talking with a friend via email and the subject of churches came up, for me and my family are still on the search for a home church near us. While we were talking, we discussed how both of our families like the King James version of the Bible best, and we like hymns best; and we were trying to find a church that used the KJV and sang hymns, not necessarily exclusively, but mostly. My friend then asked me why I liked KJV and hymns best, for she was trying to get her thoughts on the subject together and wasn't quite sure about it. I told her and then she told me of how their former pastor was adamant and would only sing hymns, and drums on beats 2 and 4 were evil, and all this stuff, and we discussed how one must not get so wrapped up in our own opinions that we force them on those around us. We recalled how Paul wrote about how if a man is convicted of a thing, then he must not do it, or it is a sin for him; and if you are not convicted about it, then it is fine for you to do (this applies to all things that are grey areas in the Bible and are not made clear to us through His word, areas where we must decide for ourselves); BUT if your brother is convicted of a thing, and you are not, yet you do it in front of him you may cause him to stumble. Therefore, you must do all in love, seeking His will. All that to say, I believe that I have learned to like grey areas.

Most people dislike grey areas immensely, and so do I a lot of the time. They are a pain to deal with and make you double guess yourself, and sometimes, many times possibly, you make the wrong decision and must pay for it later.

But I found the other day while I was talking to my friend why God gave us grey areas.

Grey areas cause you to think, and also to make a decision. The decisions you make either grow or harm your character and your relationship with God, depending on how you deal with the decision-making process. To find out what to do with a specific grey area, you've got seek God - through His Word, through prayer, and through discussing the topic with other brethren in Christ. Then you can make a wise decision based on your knowledge of the topic and what God wants you personally to do.

Grey areas are a pain, I admit it. Many times, even after you make a decision, others will try to convince you otherwise and you will either have to defend it or go back on your decision. You may even double guess yourself - something I do often with certain grey areas.

But something I always remember is that God works everything together for good (Romans 8:28) and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), and that includes standing up for something I think is either right or wrong (depending on the situation). That said, when it comes to grey areas and personal conviction by the Holy Spirit, we must be very careful not to cause a brother or sister to stumble or offend them. This is a tender area and, in my opinion, a super important aspect of keeping the church functioning properly.

All that simply to say, when you come across something that isn't very fun, be it grey areas, trials and temptations, or anything like that, remember that God's got you in the palm of His great and mighty hand, and He won't ever let you go. He will always be there guiding you, all you've got to do is seek, listen, and obey, and He'll take care of the rest.

In Christ our Solid Rock,
Buttercup

Study of 1 John Begins

Hello my dear readers! 

I can't believe my eyes when I go away for months at a time and I come back and to my surprise I have over 40 hits a day without posting! Of course, although this is great, it isn't very fair to go away without telling you, I have simply not had much time. 

But no more excuses, for now, I am going to begin posting here my own personal study of my favorite book of the Bible - 1 John. This book is my favorite for a few reasons, first, it is a book of love - God's love for us and how we ought to love others as He loved us - and it is also a book of assurance, John writes tests for your faith so that you might be sure that you are in Christ. In times of doubt I always turn to 1 John 5 before anything else. 

So, I hope you enjoy this study, but please don't take what I say without question, I am wrong a lot. What I say is simply what I believe to be what John is trying to get across to us in this epistle.

Hope you are all having a most blessed summer!

In Christ our Rock,

Buttercup :)

The Book of My Life

My life is not an open book,

Like many a poet have commit,

I don't let just anyone look,

And read there whate'er is writ.

People few and far between

I trust thoroughly to gaze thereon,

And know my personal thoughts and dreams,

Of which I have writ upon.

The thoughts of my heart do I keep,

In the depths of my own soul,

Under strict lock and key,

In the depth of that hole.

The depth of that hole is great,

So great that none besides one,

Has dared enter thereat,

The key to my heart hath He won.

Because of His great triumph,

He hath well earned my trust,

And with me is he not gruff,

But with love nearby to bust!

He hath earned my love,

My devotion, 'tis true,

He's as gentle as a dove,

For Him anything I'd do.

No matter what I do,

T'will never compare,

With His act to make me new,

Art thou not aware?

Aware of His power,

Dost thou know of His might?

He is the great sower,

He is the light!

Love stories and poems,

Have always been writ,

But of the God who conforms,

Have few poets commit.

The reason for few I understand not,

For therein lies the greatest love story,

Better than romantic battle fought,

No matter the magnitude of glory.

For the story of Christ

And His undying love

That cost so great a price

From One so high above.

He was born of a virgin,

Then died on a tree,

He then rose again,

To give hope to you and to me.

Because of His demonstration,

Of His great love for me,

And His great act of salvation,

I now clearly see.

I see that the book of my life,

Was sinking in the sand,

And no matter the amount of strife,

I could not reach land.

I was sinking in fast,

When He stretched out His hand,

He brought me to the Rock, at last,

This was not the end!

The end, no, but the beginning, yes!

For now I was on Solid Ground,

Fertile, green and lush - the best!

Yes, Home I had found.

Now that I rest on firm ground,

I have found that although I am

Safe, sound, and secure all around,

And in the strong arms of the Lamb,

That I still have challenges,

Some harder than I think I can stand.

But He helps me thought by His graces,

And helps me to understand,

That no matter what I face,

No matter the size,

By God's great grace,

I can prevail.

Because of His mercies,

I am new every day,

And because of His strengths,

In His arms I will stay.

This Man has read my book,

Cover to cover,

But no matter how deep He looks,

He still loves me like a Father.

Every day I love him more,

But his love stays the same,

On His love do I soar,

Even on the winds of change.

The dedication to my volume,

There is no doubt about it,

I will inscribe to His Great Name,

Jesus Christ, the Beloved.

-Buttercup

Tis a Rare and Unusual Species

How many teens have you personally met that are just completely on fire for God? Or rather, how many people, no matter their age, have you met that are on fire for God?

Probably not many.

We live in an age where there are many "Christians", and many Christians, but not many flaming Christians.

Many call themselves believers, but are not.

Many who call themselves believers, and truly are, are hard to spot because they are afraid of what will happen if they shine their little light is the dark world.

We are a rare species. We who are on fire.

Am I on fire? Not as much as I'd like. Shame on me if those around me are not sure if I'm a Christian.

So, what can we do? 

I'm not going to go running down the street screaming that I'm a believer. They'd just think I'm insane and lock me up.

But I'm not going to sit in my bedroom all day every day and not shine my light to the outside world either.

Like most everything, there is a balance. 

I think that one of the only things that shouldn't be balanced is what we are willing to do for Christ, and to further His kingdom. Within reason, yes. We're not going to walk into a village in the middle of nowhere where we're sure we'll be killed before we can open our mouths, that doesn't accomplish anything. But we shouldn't be so consumed with our own lives that we simply aren't willing to risk them for Him who died for us.

Getting back to the subject, we've been called to be different.

We've been called to be the green blade of grass in a field of brown, the only light in a dark world, the fish who swims against the current while the others just flow with it.

In a sin-filled world, being a Christian implies being different. 

No true change on the inside means no true change on the outside either. We've gotta be washed from the inside out. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, as we read His word, talk with Him and spend time with Him, our words, actions, and attitudes will change. The more time you spend with Christ, the more you will begin to act like Him. It's just like with anyone you spend time with. That's why it's so important to be around believers and people that love God, and to not hang out so much with people who are consumed in the world. Who you hang out with will form you into what they are.

Don't go swim with the others. 

Don't turn brown by spending time with the wrong people. 

Don't hide your light. Shine it.

You Never Let Go...Ever

This past year..my jaw locked up, I was allergic to glutin, corn, and dairy, to name a few, I was in the ER with kidney stones, I'm currently three weeks behind on school...needless to say, many, many times I was down. 

And I was down not just because of health issues either, mind you,  but emotional - eight of my bffs moved away within six months time - and spiritual, too. 

With every thing that came up, every challenge, every hard spot...I'd break down. Most people don't know the hard times I had, and I'm not under any circumstances asking for sympathy, just making my point: 

He never let go...ever.

In every challenge, He was there.

In every hard spot, He was there.

Every time I broke down, He was there.

Every time I would have given up, He held on tight and never ever let go...

EVER.

--------------------------

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back

I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

-Matt Redman, You Never Let Go

Waiting for a Sign

Just a moment ago, I sat here at the computer looking at the comments that you, my dear readers, have left on my last couple of posts. And as I sat, a song came on. It was Lift Me Up, by the Afters.

I've always loved this song, but the timing seemed impeccable. So here I am...posting about it.

Waiting for the sunrise

Waiting for the day

Waiting for a sign

That I'm where you want me to be

I love this part, I mean, it's SO true! Sometimes, when I don't know where to go, don't know what to do, don't feel like I'm making an impact for the Kingdom...just the feeling that I'm wasting time...I am just waiting for the sunrise, the day, a sign, any sign, that I'm where HE wants me to be. 

I feel like I'm open. I feel like I am just supposed to sit and wait for direction, and until then do....well, nothing but sit and wait.

That's not what the Christian life is supposed to be. We are to continually be shining our lights in the world, though small they are, they are still a light in a dark world. 

Even a little glimmer can be clearly seen in the pitch dark.

So, here I sit.

Waiting.

But is that what I'm supposed to be doing?

I - we! - have already been given direction.

Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the world. -Matthew 28:18-20

That sounds a lot like directions to me. 

I'm a firstborn, I like structure, I like specifics, I like order. So this command, this direction, this guidance, seems pretty broad. But keep in mind that that's not all the direction that He gives us! 

He guides and directs us, this is very, very true, but in some instances we might not receive specific instruction.

Sitting on your rear end waiting for specifics is one thing. Working to further His Kingdom and serve His people in any way you know how is another thing entirely. 

Most likely, we are not going to get moment by moment instructions, but that's ok, because we've already received an order from our Lord - go ye therefore.

So, in the meantime, I - we - just have to keep working. We've need to pray for guidance and direction, but always look towards the goal, never stop learning, serving, and worshiping Him, and continually work to further His Kingdom.

There's no time to sit around and wait. 2000 years ago the time was at hand...what does that mean for right now?

You are what you Eat

You've no doubt heard this at one time or another, it's a pretty widespread phrase.

You are what you eat.

But have you ever thought about it in a different aspect?

How about, you are what you believe?

Interesting statement, yet true.

What you believe determines your actions, attitude, and choices throughout your life.

Now I'm not talking about what you say you believe, I'm talking about what you believe deep down. So deep may be these beliefs that you never really put them into words, you just...believe them. They're who you are - what you're made of.

The choices you make show what you believe. They show whats important to you. They show who you are.

It's the same with your attitude and every other aspect of life. 

You are what you believe.

What do you believe? Is it really what's in your creed? Or is it just what you say you believe cause that's what makes sense in your head? 

Does the stuff that makes sense in your head make sense in your heart?

You are what you eat believe.

Worth Fighting For

The clock ticks. Slowly. Steadily.

You chew your pencil. Day dreaming. Staring.

You inhale. You exhale.

School, chores, work, church, volunteer work, hanging out, video games...these things fill your life, your spare time, your thoughts.

Life seems boring. Dull. Repetitive.

You want adventure. Excitement. Purpose.

You know what you could be doing. You know what you want to be doing. You know what you need to be doing. 

But somehow, these things often don't happen.

Life becomes grey. Purposeless. Worthless.

You need something. Something new. Something exciting. Adventure. Purpose. 

Something worth fighting for.

Every hour, dozens of abortions take place in the US alone.

Every hour, Dalits are raped and murdered.

Every second, a mortal life ends and an eternal life or death begins.

These are battles that are currently going on in your world.

These are battles most people either don't know about, or just chose to ignore. 

These are just a few examples of causes worth fighting for.

End abortion. End the raping and murder of Dalits. Show the lost the Savior.

You have a choice.

You can chose to ignore these ongoing battles like most people, or  you can fight. It's your choice.

No excuses.

There are things in this life that are worth fighting for.

The Legal Mass Murder

It’s a mass murder that goes on both continually and legally. It has claimed 15,167,502 (fifteen million, one hundred and sixty seven, five hundred and two) lives since the year 2000. It tears families, friends, and a country apart. This ominous monster is known as Abortion.

          Abortion is the killing of unborn infants in the name of freedom. But what freedom is this? This so called freedom is the freedom to kill defenseless children, to end their lives that have hardly even begun, just so that the woman doesn’t have the “burden” of raising a child. But what freedom does this child have? If you are honest, then the only answer is that they have none at all. This unborn child has no say in whether or not their life will end right then and there. They are completely defenseless in the arms of the ugly fiend known as “choice”.

          Many people are unaware of how this monster works. And many people, like me, know as much as they can handle knowing. The act of abortion is utterly sick. It is brutal. The unborn child is not thought of as human excepting where the furtherance of science is involved. They are inhumanely murdered – taken from their only life support (their mother’s womb) and then they are killed in one of the many indescribable ways that man has thought up. When dead, they are used to further science, not buried or cremated like a normal human being. Their still forming, beautifully designed, little body is treated like garbage. Tell me there are not people that evil in this world who take pleasure in doing this! But there are.

          Here are a few reasons why you should not support abortion.

          1. By supporting abortion you are supporting murder – which is sin. Period. From the time of conception that baby is a human being – nothing less.

          2. The woman who goes through with an abortion usually regrets it. There have been many testimonies of women who had abortions having nightmares and hearing the cries of their baby whom they wanted dead, and other horrible things that only succeed in causing great grief, regret, and depression.

          3. You end a life. The numbers are unreal, the process horrific, the regrets exceeding painful. But the worst part is the fact that that child, that unborn person, doesn’t have a chance to live.

         

          I think that the most intelligent people on earth cannot truly believe that the unborn baby is not human. If life does not begin at conception then when does it begin? I think that doctors know deep down, even if they don’t admit it, that the unborn baby is indeed human. How can they not when they hear that little heart beat, feel the feet kick, see the baby suck his thumb? And then still, they can take that baby out of his or her mother’s womb and lay it on the table to suffocate, or worse – why?

          There is nothing good about abortion. Choice? Why should we have a choice? The choice to commit sin and not to commit sin is prevalent all day every day. Abortion is murder. Murder is sin. Abortion is encouraged; therefore murder (and sin) is encouraged by the giving of a choice.

          It very well may be that the way to end abortion is to steal away the hearts of those who carry them out – by communicating to the doctors the truth about the awful task they are carrying out and the implications of it. And then telling them of the love and forgiveness that Christ alone supplies.

          What will you do? Will you assent to the murder of innocent unborn babies? Will you allow it to carry on when you can do something about it? Will you promote this mass murder by your admission of being “Pro-Choice”?

*originally written as a speech for a homeschool co-op class assignment*

James - part 13 - "Not listening!"

Dear readers,

Last time I wrote of how we must ACT like Christians. James is still going on with this topic, so just read on. For now though remember this: what's inside comes out. Good and bad. Get the inside fixed by Christ and the outside will follow along.

---------------------

James 1:23-24

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

---------------------

Take note that the first word in verse twenty three is the word "for". This word is in the same family as all the therefores and wherefores we already talked about. So remember what I said - if you find one of these, be sure to read what's next in light of what came before! With that in mind, let's go back and see what the last few verses were.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James, it seems, is spending a lot of time on this, so we should probably take it pretty seriously. James wants us to know that we are not to be HEARERS of the word only, but DOERS also. 

Getting on to our current text: James tells us WHY we should be doers as well as hearers. He tells us the consequences of a mirage-like faith. A faith that in only in your head and not your heart. 

He writes that the person who is a "hearer-only" is like a man who looks at himself in the mirror, then turns around and  forgets what he looks like. We girls especially can see how crazy this is. The question I asked in utter shock at how stupid this guy was, was this: Why look in the mirror if you're just going to forget as soon as you turn around? What good does that do? I look at myself in the mirror - I know what I look like. I don't look, turn around, and utterly forget. If I did that once I'd probably give up on looking into the mirror! Just a waste of time if you don't remember. 

So what is James' point? "Hearers-(or Lookers-)Only" will disregard (forget) what they hear (look like). His point being that if you don't act on what you know then you are as bad as the man that forgot what he looked like the instance he turned away. You turn your back on Christ. You heard. Yes indeed! But you didn't act on it. You didn't believe in Christ while you had the chance, now you are nothing. You have disregarded and turned your back on that which you needed most. You have become unresponsive to the Gospel because you chose this world instead of Him. 

As a final note, I think it interesting that James puts in the little phrase, "and goeth his way". I believe this implies not only a turning your back on Christ, but also of a rebellious "going your own way"; going the way YOU want to go, not the way Christ has offered to you (which is way better!).

So, what is James trying to communicate to us? That if you only hear and don't do anything about it, then you are lost.

Don't just be a Christian in word, but also in action. That's the definition of a true Christian.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

James - part 10 - Adopted by Him

Dear readers,

Last time we were reminded of how great, powerful, and fantastic our God is, this time, we will be taking a look at a slightly difficult verse to understand. But don't let that scare you away!

----------

James 1:18

Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

----------

"Of His own will..." implies that this was His plan. His will was that He would have adopted sons and daughters - believers. 

"...begat He us with the word of truth..." Begat. When you produce children, you have begotten them. They are your children. God begets believers "with the word of truth". This word of truth is the gospel. We hear the gospel, we receive it, and we become God's children. Adopted children, but nonetheless His own children. Just as a (good) parent loves the adopted child as their own, so God loves us as His own. 

So, why would God want to adopt us? Why save us from our sinfulness and pay for our salvation with His own flesh and blood (so to speak), His own Child? Its as if a King, who had but one Son and loved him dearly, when seeing the plight of His people and knowing that only if His Son gave His life, would the people be saved - and He gives His only Son for His people who have sinned against Him. This is the great love of our King and our King's Son. This is the price that was paid for our adoption. 

But, do we have to be adopted? You may ask. No. The King, in His great love, allows us to remain in our sin and in our plight if we so desire. Sadly, many people do reject this offer. This offer of life, this offer of a home, this offer of salvation.

"...that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures..." This is a strange phrase, and I don't really understand it. My best guess is this: "we," as we have seen by the first part of this sentence, is referring back to believers. "His creatures" are either all living things He has created, or just human beings. I'm not sure which is the correct interpretation. In the case of it being all human beings, which I am leaning towards, this would mean that we (believers) are the firstfruits (or the first fruits produced in each batch) of His creatures. The firstfruits are those that are taken to the lord and owner of the land for him to see how things are growing. Believers are those who are taken to be with the Lord. Although this continually confuses me, this is my best guess.

I hope this served to get your mind working around one of those seemingly impossible to understand verses of the Bible. Some verses are just so hard to understand! But man, not being able to understand them serves to keep me humble - seeing as I cannot explain everything! Praise God for this blessing! And, oh so much more, thank God for adoption!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

What's on the inside?

Luke 11:39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Ever heard the phrase: "it's what's on the inside that counts"? That's what Jesus was talking about in Luke 11:39 when he told the Pharisees that even though they look good on the outside with all their good works, their hearts were full of wickedness. How about the phrase: "don't judge a book by it's cover"? That can go both ways. The cover may look bad, but the book could be amazing. Or the cover may look amazing and the book be horrible. It's the same with people.

Take this example.

One day a handsome young man came walking into the grocery store looking for all his fruits and vegetables. In the store he was pleasant to all, and he left the store, got into a brand new Mustang and drove away.

Soon after that man left, a scruffy old man came walking into the grocery store, he bought a few items also. While in the store, he was sad and didn't speak or look at anyone, he left the store, and started walking down the highway.

Later that day, the handsome young man was seen at a bar, utterly drunk, cussing and fighting with other men there.

Also later that day, the scruffy old man was seen walking into a cheap housing area, and into one of the houses. Inside, the man was taking care of his wife who was sick. He had walked the two miles to the grocery store for her. He knelt by her bed, and prayed.

You see, it's not what WE see that matters. It doesn't matter what the person may look like on the outside. What matters is where their heart is, what matters is what God sees.

Examine yourself, are you a Christian on the outside, inside, or both? If you are only a Christian on the outside, what are your motives? On the contrary, if you are only a Christian on the inside, what are your motives? We need to be both. If you are a true believer, then you will be both. Your Christian life when no one is watching should mirror your Christian life when everyone is watching.

Ultimately, is Christ as important to you in public as He is when you are alone with Him?

In Christ alone,
Buttercup

Meat or Milk?

Hebrews 5:12-14

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

When taken literally, this sounds...strange. But this is one not to be taken literally.

Instead of literal milk and meat, the author of Hebrews (probably Paul) uses these two elements to represent levels of understanding when it comes to Biblical and spiritual things.

Milk represents easier to swallow things, simpler things, more general things. Things such as: you are a light in a dark world.

Meat represents harder to chew things, more difficult, complex things. Things such as doctrinal things: did Christ die for the whole world or just for the elect?

This whole meat vs. milk thing if very important. The reason it is important is because if a new believer, or young believer, is immediately bombarded by difficult questions, their faith can be damaged or even destroyed by questions that they are simply not able to answer. But as you grow as a believer it is important that you are challenged by harder stuff - not too hard as to tear at your faith, but hard enough to force you to keep learning.

It's just like with many things in the world. You learn by being forced out of your comfort zone. You won't get anywhere if you just stay with what you know. In fact, you won't know anything that an infant doesn't know. You must be forced out of your comfort zone to learn anything.

Something too hard can discourage and oppress you, something too easy won't teach you anything. The balance in the middle is what we're looking for, and shooting for as we study God's word.

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

It's not green, it's blue!

Recently, my sister Poppy and my mom were debating about whether a certain piece of fabric was green or blue.

Poppy held it up to the lime green dress she was wearing and stated emphatically that the fabric was blue.

Mom held it up to her sky blue shirt that she was wearing and proclaimed the fabric to be green.

I laid it down on my white shorts and announced that it was pink. But I was totally joking. I promise.

But that little discussion made a point. Depending on where the fabric was, you could claim that it was either green or blue. It's perspective that matters.

It's the same with everything in this world. Two people can look at the exact same thing and draw completely different ideas from what they see. Perspective.

Take the Bible for example - many different religions all look at the same Bible, but they get completely different ideas from it. Even within the realm of Christianity you have Calvinism and Arminianism. For example: Calvinists believe Christ died only for the elect; Arminians believe that Christ died for all people. They both read the same Bible, but they read it with differently biased glasses on.

How about you take worldview for an example? Evolutionists and Creationists look at the exact same world, but they think of it in utterly different ways. Evolutionists do not believe that God created the world but that it came about by random chance. Creationists believe that God did, in fact, create the world. They're both looking at the same world - the exact same thing - but draw completely different conclusions about it.

Since it all depends on the way you look at it, how do you know if you are looking at it the correct way?

The only answer is that you have to base all your knowledge off of something or someone that always has, is, and will be the same. Someone who is Truth, Love, Justice, and quite simply - Perfect.

God.

When you base all you guesses, all your beliefs, all your trust on God, who always has, is, will be, you will know that what you believe is the truth. When you look at the world through His word, when you look at the Bible unbiased, you will find the truth. In simpler terms, when you look at everything with a heart that is completely impartial to worldly things and simply sold-out to God, you will find what is true.

In the end, does it matter if the fabric was green or blue? No. Actually, it was probably exactly in the middle. But, what if it did matter? Does it matter if you are an evolutionist or a creationist. Yes. Depending on which you are, you will look at everything differently - including God and His word.

I end with this one exhortation - don't just END with God and His word, BEGIN with it! When you are not sure which to believe, before you even look at any of the evidence, START in prayer and in God's word. You won't regret it.

For His glory,

Buttercup

Yeah, it's gonna hurt...

I thought I had it all under control
I thought my fate was still in my hands
All of my plans were firmly set
By the words they I say
I forgot how quickly things can change
Now my vision can not be the same

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

I need to let go of my destiny
I need to trust in things unseen
I believe in having faith
Though I yield my control
I forgot how quickly things can change
Now my vision can not be the same

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

I'm embracing all of my fears
I am watching them turn to delight
The very fears which
Were gripping my mind
Are now the hands shaping and sculpting my dreams

(Chorus)
My life is not what I thought
I'm not where I planned to be
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world
Though something's gone
There's nothing wrong with my changing world

In my world
In my changing world
In my world
In my changing world

(http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/kutless/changing-world.html)

-------------------------

I've always liked this song. It's got great music, lyrics, voices are amazing...but...now I love it.

It's so true.

I thought I had it all under control....I need to let go of my destiny, I need to trust in things unseen.

My world is changing.

The highlight of my week is Sunday night Youth Group - I get to fellowship with my bestest friends. Those guys mean SO much to me. Now, with the approaching school year, things are changing - because the graduates are leaving.

D is moving away. A, C, and K are moving away. J is moving away. Another J isn't moving but won't be coming to Youth Group anymore. Another C will be leaving in the spring....That's half the youth group. And half of my best friends.

That hurts...ya know?

That section of my world is changing.

A year ago, it didn't occur to me that at some point, people would leave the youth group. I didn't even think of it. Honestly, I didn't think about it until our youth camp out that happened this May.

At camp, on the last day, Mr. W told us all to put our hands on the seniors - we were going to have a prayer time for them. It was sweet. Actually, it was really, really sad. We were all bawling. I couldn't STOP crying. I mean, here are those friends that mean the most to me, and...we're saying...goodbye.

At the moment, everyone staying, everything just remaining the same, seems best to me. But...that's not how life works.

We grow up. We change. Those around us change. Plans change. Life changes.

Starting soon, I will be the oldest teen in youth group. Dude, I remember when I was one of the YOUNGEST only two years ago. Now, I will be the one that the younger ones look up to. Not the one looking up to the older ones. My role in the group is changing.

I forgot how quickly things can change...

Yeah. Everyone leaving will be insanely hard, but you know what?

Romans 8:28 stands.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, for them who are the called according to His purpose."

God knows what's best. And He will work all things together for the good of those that love Him, and for His glory.

Easier said than done? Oh yeah. I'll be crying. I know I will. But tears are not forever. And neither is separation. Praise God, not only are these guys my best friends but also my brothers and sisters in Christ. I'll be with them forever worshiping our great, fantastic God.

God has a plan for each one of us. I believe that with all my heart. I don't know what those plans are, but I know that God will do what's best.

I can deal with the pain that comes before the sweet. But not on my own. Philippians 4:13 says that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Through Christ, I can do anything.

Now, "I will praise YOU in this storm!" (-Casting Crowns) Praising God through the hard times is both the hardest and most beautiful.

Yeah. It'll hurt. Bad. But God is always with me, my friends, and you if you trust in Him.

Giving HIM the glory through the storm,

Buttercup

That's what faith can do

Hey y'all,

Recently I was in the car with my sister and a friend of ours and I heard this song. Now, you must understand that I am the WORST at identifying artists, I listen to Kutless a lot, and when I heard this song I had no clue it was Kutless. I listen to the LYRICS, not the voice or the music, ok?

Anyways, I love this song. It's "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless, on their newest album, "It is Well".

Here's the song and the lyrics below it:

Everybody falls sometimes
You gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you’re stronger, stronger than you know

And don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
You may decide to take that step
Out on the water
But it’ll be all right

Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

Overcome the odds
When you don’t have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It will tell you that it can

http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/kutless/kutless_what_faith_can_do.html

------------------------

I love this song because it's so true. "Everybody falls sometimes - you gotta find the strength to rise - from the ashes and make a new beginning." I know I'm not alone, feeling like I'm the only one that falls, and that everyone around me doesn't fall, but I have to be reminded of it sometimes. "Everybody falls sometimes." And when you feel like you have fallen beyond the point of return - "you've gotta find the strength to rise from the ashes". And then you must try again - "and make a new beginning!"

"Anyone can feel the ache - you think it's more than you can take - but you're stronger, stronger than you know." Even when you're going through what you think is the hardest thing ANYONE has EVER gone through - you can make it! "You're stronger than you know!" When you are in Christ, He gives you strength. And oh man! That strength will NEVER fail! It's like a platform that can hold whatever you put on it. It's so strong that no matter how heavy a weight is put on it - no matter how much stress, sadness, and pain is piled on top of it - it will never break! Now THAT'S strength!

"And don't you give up now - the sun will soon be shinning - you gotta face the clouds - to find the silver lining!" Everyone needs to be encouraged, everyone needs to be lifted up. This is one reason fellowship with believers is SO important! We must encourage and uplift each other as well as edify one another. I like the last two lines of this part especially - you've got to go through some hard times to get to the good ones. You've got to sweat to get the reward.

The chorus is my absolute favorite part of this song! Such an encouragement! "I've seen dreams that move the mountains - hope that doesn't ever end - even when the sky is falling - I've seen miracles just happen - silent prayers get answered - broken hearts become brand new - that's what faith can do!" At the end of the chorus there should be, like, a TON of exclamation points. "That's what faith can do!!!!!!"

"It doesn't matter what you've heard - impossible is not a word - it's just a reason for someone not to try - everybody's scared to death - you may decide to take that step - out on the water - but it'll be all right." I LOVE that! Impossible is SOOOO NOT a word! Many times I tell my younger siblings that "can't" isn't a word - it's a mindset. When you think that something is impossible - say, a task - then there is no possible way for you to do it. Simply because you BELIEVE that you CAN'T. Impossibility is only a reason for someone not to try. It's scares you to death. But when you BELIEVE that it really is POSSIBLE then "you may decide to take that step out on the water" in faith and with the strength God gives you.

"Life is so much more - than what your eyes are seeing - you will find your way - if you keep believing." Sometimes Many times, we see only the surface. We can't see what God has in store. We can't see where all our decisions and trials and happy days will lead us in the long run, but God does. Therefore, we MUST rely on GOD for HE knows! You WILL find your way if you keep believing!!!

"Overcome the odds - when you don't have a chance - (that's what faith can do) - when the world says you can't - it will tell you that it can." You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! Even when the sky is falling. Even when the world's coming to an end. Even when everyone leaves you. Even when you think you are all alone - God is there and HE gives you strength.

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I've seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts get made brand new...

THAT'S WHAT FAITH CAN DO!

In Christ alone,

Buttercup