Sunday School Thoughts

In Sunday School, we have been going over the passage of Matthew 5. This morning, we talked about verse 7. It spoke to me, so I thought I would share. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7 KJV)

Mercy- Giving someone something that is not deserved. EXAMPLE: Sinners deserve hell, but God came to earth to save us from our sins. 

I. The Beauty of Mercy

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV)

Luke 10:30- The Good Samaritan 

There are 3 kind of people in the world: 

The beater-uppers

The passer-uppers

The picker-uppers 

What kind of person am I? 

II. The Basis of Mercy

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalms 85:10 KJV)

III. The Blessing of Mercy

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; (Psalms 18:25 KJV)
~Charis

When Your Heart Needs a Pep Talk

A couple days ago, I read this post from http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/and I thought that I would share it.

Enjoy! 

-Autumn 

My heart is way too good at being sad. Bogged down. Bummed out. Frustrated, annoyed, wearied, and so done with everything.
I’m really good at feeling extra insecure about all kinds of things. My hair, my makeup, the way I get tongue-tied when I’m nervous about talking to someone.

Jesus lavishes the beautiful rays of His love all over you.

It doesn’t take long for me to feel lonely, especially when I feel like I’m so introverted that I just don’t know how to make friends the right way. I wonder if people actually like me, if they just smile at me because they’re supposed to, and if they think I’m fun to be around.
Sometimes I feel defeated before I even get out of bed in the morning. The stress of what a day holds overtakes me, and my stomach turns into knots. I’d rather just pull the covers over my face and hide.
And my heart feels like it’s a 100-pound weight, keeping me down, not letting me feel free.
I’m not the only one who’s ever felt like this, who’s ever felt darkness overtaking them. We all wrestle with our hearts, because the enemy shouts words of defeat and sadness and darkness and ugliness. But he doesn’t have to win. We can’t let him win. Because we have the One who’s more powerful than the darkness.

Jesus is the resting place for our souls.

So sometimes, our hearts need a pep talk. Mine needs one almost every day. I’m weak, sinful, and desperate for the joy of my Savior to shine into my aching heart. Because it’s Him we’re really aching for.
Here’s a gospel-power-filled pep talk, from my wearied heart to yours.

Jesus Loves You

Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. He doesn’t show love one day and remove it the next. No, it’s always there, and it always will be. That’s who He is. The Lover of our souls; the One who lavishes the beautiful rays of His love all over you.

Jesus Wants to Know You

He wants to know you. You, with all your messiness. Because He wants to heal you from it, little by little, piece by piece. He knows the ugliness in your heart, but He’s not backing down. He whispers to your heart, “I’ve set you free. Live in my glorious light.”

Jesus Is Good

And even when you mess up again, He won’t withdraw His goodness. So keep running to Him. Run with abandon to the King of kings who offers freedom from the brokenness of ourselves. He’s good, and He’s kind, and He’s the resting place for our souls.

Jesus Is Your Friend

He’ll be your best friend, even when you feel alone. Don’t let the enemy convince you of your insecurities. Your identity? It’s not the insecurities rushing around inside you. No, your identity is in Christ. You’re His. He claims you. Let that sink in . . . and let that make you sing!
So take your sad, wearied, broken-down heart, and lay it at your Maker’s feet. He doesn’t just put those pieces together again. He makes a whole new creation—and it’s glorious.
Breathe deep. Smile. Because the Redeemer of this aching earth is at work. There’s beauty around you—and He doesn’t want you to miss it.
Step out into the sunshine, and let its rays radiate onto your face, and know that His love is shining on you, too.
And when you start to feel sad again, run to Him, and let His saving power wash all over you again.
He’s made this day, and it’s going to be good.

Promises to Live By

Here are some verses to run to, when your heart needs a pep talk.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lam. 3:22–24).
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Ps. 103:1–5).
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good;his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100).

What gospel truth do you need God to shine into your heart today?
~From Lies Young Women Believe.

Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God

At my church, I am involved in many children's ministries. One of my favorite things about working with kids is that when they genuinely care about someone, they aren't afraid to show it. Sometimes, they send home a paper they colored, a poem they wrote, or just a little handwritten note. They never fail to make it clear how much they appreciate and love you. 

There's just something so unique about a person taking the time to write down a heartfelt note that makes you truly feel loved. It doesn't have to be poetic, romantic, or pretty, just truthful and sincere. 

The Bible is God's letter to us. It was written by people that God handpicked to have the special task of writing the most important letter of all time. God revealed himself through written words so that we could read those words again and again, to gain an even deeper understanding of who He is and His love for us. 

 

II Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Recently, a co-writer on this blog (Autumn) sent me the verse above. I read it through several times, just thinking about what it meant. What a blessing that God sends us little messages through friends, family, church family and others when we need them most. 

There are so many encouraging messages throughout the Bible. God tells us over and over again that He is sufficient for us. His grace, love and strength will get us through any trials that we go through. Although we aren't perfect, God still took the time to write notes to us in many different places. 

Joshua 1:9 - ... Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

No matter what we go through, God will ALWAYS be with us. 

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 28:7 - The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Although there are so many incredible love notes throughout the Bible, we are all guilty of neglecting and rejecting God's words. We start reading the Bible out of obligation instead of yearning for more. Instead, we listen to sermons, Christian Radio, pod casts and recordings ABOUT the Bible without really studying it for ourselves. We might even feel like all we do is learn about the Bible, when in reality, we haven't actually opened a Bible in weeks. 

We have the opportunity of living in a time when we have everything on our phones, our computers, or on google. These resources are amazing when they help us study God's word, but not when they replace the Bible. 

For example, imagine that you're trying to learn a formula in Algebra. All that your teacher has given you is a paragraph on how to use the formula. Without the formula itself, the "how-to" would be useless!

It might take more time, it might not be as easy to understand  and it might take more effort on our part, but God took the time to write the Bible for us. The least we can do is take the time to read it. 

Remember: reading what someone else has to say about the Bible can never have the same impact as studying God’s word for yourself.

Ask any questions you may have at Girls Inspiring Girls.

Q&A | Take Two ;)

Sorry this is so late!! Have an awesome Thursday!


     1. Where do y'all go to church?

Autumn: Lighthouse Baptist Church in New Concord, Ohio where my dad is the pastor.

Charis: Heritage Baptist Church in Michigan. My dad is also the pastor.

Caitlyn :Grace Baptist Church in Kettering, Ohio

Carissa: Same as Audi, my sister;).

     2. Do you all live near each other?

Autumn and I (Carissa) live in  Southeastern Ohio, Caitlyn lives  about 2 1\2 hours away from us also in Ohio, and Charis lives in Michigan about 5 1\2 hours from us.The last time we all saw each other in person at the same time was almost a year ago in May. :(

     3. Would you rather be forced to do grammar or math for an hour?

Autumn: Math. Only because I don't like grammar.

Charis: GRAMMAR!!!!! No questions asked!

Caitlyn: Math, because I have to do math for an hour and up a day anyway...(But I like Grammar better)

Carissa: Hmmm. Well, probably math because I don't like grammar unless I'm in my writing mood:)

     4. What is your favorite Bible verse?

Autumn: I have a lot, but here's a couple: Isaiah 41:10 and Colossians 2:12-14

Charis:I have many favorites. It's literally impossible to choose just one, but one of the passages I like is Phillipians 2:4-11.

Caitlyn: John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and  Romans 8:37

Carissa: I have two favorites; Joshua 1:9 and Jeremiah 32:17.


~Not I But Christ:)

Ask any questions you may have at Girls Inspiring Girls

Questions About Prayer

About a week ago, my youth pastor preached on prayer. It was a huge blessing to me, so I thought I would share.

Prayer is a personal thing.

"Prayer is the Christians greatest privilage, and the Christians biggest failure." 

Prayer can do ANYTHING God can do. Which is everything. 

Why should we pray? I mean, God knows our needs and wants anyway. 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:7-8 KJV)

We don't pray to impress God. We don't pray to inform God. We pray to invite God into our lives. Prayer is for fellowship with God. Also, it helps us learn how to depend on Christ. 

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:6-7 )

Prayer shows that we completley abide, or depend, in Christ. 

What should I pray about? 

Everything. There is nothing to big, or too small for God. God made the earth and everything in it, so what could be bigger than Him? 

Why do we pray in Jesus' name? 

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

We want to make sure God approves of our wants. 

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16) 

We want to give God the authority to say yes or no. 

A prayer that begins in heaven has a better chance of getting back to heaven. 

Does God always give us what we ask for? 

No. This is because sometimes we ask for things that are not right. 

And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. (Numbers 11:11-15) 

Does prayer change God's mind? 

No, of couse not. God doesn't change. 

What if my prayer is not answered? 

God says to be persistant. God needs to know how serious we are about our prayers. Daniel prayed for 21 days. 

Just some thoughts that spoke to me... :)

~Charis

Questions Please!!

Hi!! Tomorrow or next week we're hoping to have another Q&A post ready to go, but first we need some questions. Is there anything at all anyone wants to know more about? Be them about us, or anything. We love answering them!!!!

In fact, I'll even give y'all some sample questions to get your brain juices flowing (since it's so cold they might have frozen;)).

• Where do you go to church?
• Do you all live near each other?
• What do you think about ______? (Go ahead and fill in the blank. I'm having a mind blank about what to put in there...)
• What's your favorite Bible verse?
• Would you rather be forced to do math or grammar for an hour?

There you go!! You can either ask specific questions for one person, or general ones to everyone:) And you can either comment here or click on the link below.

Thanks so much!

Carissa (and Caitlyn, Charis, and Autumn)

Ask any questions you may have at Girls Inspiring Girls!

Complete in Thee | No Missing Pieces

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"

Colossians 2:8-10 

My dad has been preaching through the book of Colossians on Sunday mornings, and yesterday we were in chapter 2. 

As Christians, we need to be aware of all  the false doctrine that our world is consumed by.

 Many religions, always have something more that needs to be done whether it's good works, or "that's what we've always done" (traditions), the list can go on. 

 If Christ is in me, and I am in Christ, then there is nothing more I need. To use the saying my dad used yesterday, there are no missing pieces. By believing that God sent his Son to die in my place, I am complete in Christ! 

One of my favorite songs is written below:

1. Complete in Thee! no work of mine May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;

Thy pardoned blood hath bought for me, And I am now complete in Thee. 

2. Complete in Thee, no more shall sin, Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;

Thy voice shall bid the tempers flee, And I shall stand complete in Thee. 

3. Complete in Thee each want supply and no good thing to me denied; Since thou my portion, Lord, wilt be, I ask no more complete in Thee.

4. Dear Savor! when before Thy bar all tribes and tongues assembled are, Among Thy chosen will I be, at Thy right hand, complete in Thee!

Chorus: Yea, justified! O blessed thought! and Sanctified! Salvation wrought!

Thy blood hath pardoned bought for me and glorified, I too shall be!

Lyrics by: Aaron R. Wolf

~Autumn

New Years Post | Caitlyn

Well, since all the other girls stated that the New Years post was my idea, I figured that I should probably write one.:)

So much has happened to me over this last year. It's absolutely incredible. I had so many opportunities to learn and grow, especially this summer. I also went to the summer camp in West Virginia, and I was able to attend my church's missions trip in August.

I think the biggest thing the Lord taught me was how to forgive.

Now, I'm normally good with most people. I like to make friends and enjoy being around people as a whole. But over the course of the last year or so, the Lord allowed quite a few people into my life that I did not get along with...to say the very least.

As the months past and it got no better, I questioned God more and more about why he had brought these people to my life. I was even a little mad at Him, but no where near as mad as I continued to get at these people. I questioned and I questioned and He answered me so many times, through preachers and devotion books, but I refused to take these answers; they weren't good enough to take away the feelings that I had toward these people. Deep down, it was almost fun having someone to hate. It was a new feeling for me, and I didn't know how to control it. So I just let it be. And my hatred and bitterness started to consume me.

But the time that broke through to me was at our church's ladies conference. The speaker said that there was a lady from her church that had stolen something from her, and she really struggled with it. Every time she past this woman's house, she would look at it and think "thief." The Holy Spirit would convict her that it was not right to think about her that way, but she would only tell herself that it was true. The woman was a thief. But one day, she was hit with the realization that, though it was true, - God had a better truth. The best truth. And Jesus had died for this truth. If Jesus could die for her sins, then she could forgive the thief. She said that now, when she passes the woman's house, she doesn't think "thief," she thinks "forgiven."

God showed me that I can't see all the pieces of the puzzle. But He can. He knows why He brought those people into my life, and He knows why He did, even if I do not. And I don't need to. All I can do is forgive and allow God to do the rest.

I get along quite nicely with some people on my "dislike list" now. But I wouldn't if I had not listened to God. Always listen to him. He knows best. I look forward to what He will teach me in 2015 and I'm glad now for what He taught me in 2014.

-Caitlyn

New Years Post | Carissa

Caitlyn had the idea to do a New Year's post, so here goes! There were a bunch of things God taught me in 2014.

In February, my family and I went to the Victory conference at Falls Baptist Church in Menominee Falls, WI. One of the messages that really spoke to my heart was about surrender. Although I had surrendered my life to God before, I realized that surrender was not a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but something you do everyday of your life.

In May, I got the chance to see our friends Charis and Caitlyn!! We had an amazingly awesome time at the Ladies Retreat and possibly a little to much fun! I'll spare you the details of our hide-and-go-seek on all four floors of the hotel;).

In July, I was able to go to Teen Camp at Wildwood Christian Retreat. It's an amazing camp and I made a lot of new friends and decisions. Like Autumn said, you never know how many friends you're going to make or how God can change your life through the services.

School started in September (when my little sister Amarisa was born) and thus began a super busy school year. I'm a junior this year and I'm also going to take a college class this semester, so I squeezed as much school as possible in the last semester.

One of the main things that God has taught me this year is that He is faithful. No matter who leaves, what changes, or what happens, God never leaves, never changes and is always in control. I can trust Him no matter what!

This summer I'll have the opportunity to work at Camp Joy. I can't wait to see what God has for me in this new year!

~Carissa:)

Ask any questions you may have at Girls Inspiring Girls.

New Years Post | Charis

Wow! Another year has past! I cannot believe that it's 2015! I might be able to remember to write the date with 2015 and not 2014 by next year...maybe. :)

Anyway, my incredible friend Caitlyn (who also posts on this blog) came up with an amazing idea! She suggested that each of us writers for Not I But Christ write about some things we learned in 2014. When she first said that, my first thought was "I might finally finish writing this by 2016," but I obviously finished it before that happened. ;) 

Many doors were opened within 2014 for me, but I'll only mention a few. First, after going to Teen Camp II at Camp Joy in Wisconsin, I was able to work in the kitchen there for two weeks. It was a huge blessing and I made many Godly friends that I have stayed in touch with throughout this first semester of school. I was able to play volleyball for Laingsburg Christian School and I'm enjoying being a part of their girls basketball team as well. 

I got two jobs in December, one of which is teaching violin and voice at Laingsburg Christian School. This has been such a huge blessing already in 2015. Also, for my 16th birthday that was in November, my family decided to take me on a late trip to Disney World in Orlando Florida. 

Although a lot of changes occured, the Lord taught me alot in 2014. One thing that He taught me was to trust Him. Not just in some things, but in everything. Not with the little stuff, but with the big stuff too. When I try to do things my way, it never works, but when I let God take control and do things in His time, it is so much better in the end.

Not only do I need to trust Him to fufill His promises, but I need to rest in Him and not worry about it. I am the type of person that worries about EVERYTHING. School, music, sports and much more. Learning to rest in God was not easy, but my relationship with Him is so much better because of it. 

I learned alot in 2014, but there was no possible way to get it all down on paper. So as an ending, I want to ask for prayer. Pray that I will learn more and act on what I learn in 2016. Pray that I will be a shining light for Christ. 

~Charis