When many of us hear the word "memories," we normally think of good events that occured in our past, such as get-togethers with family or kind words from old friends. We usually think of times that still bring us happiness even once the occasion has passed, merely because it still continues to live on in our hearts. This act of rememberance is referred to as reminiscing.
Reminiscing mostly means gazing at memories that make you feel wistful—memories that are positive and happy. Sadly, not all pastimes were this wonderful; if they were, we would have lived a perfect life. Believe me, there is a such thing as bad memories, whether they be memories of something hurtful that was said or done to you, or even something hurtful you did or said to someone else. These negative times are hard to look back on, and they often bring us deep sorrow or regret. Now, feeling pain from the past is perfectly normal for a Christian or any other human being, but the inability to forgive the person who caused these less fortunate times is simply holding a grudge.
I myself will admit, it is very easy to hold a grudge. Judging others for a mistake they made long ago is hard to move away from, especially if we know what they did was morally wrong. It’s easy to hold grudges against ourselves, too, if a past flaw we caused in our lives was accompanied by a shadow of lingering guilt. Of course, we mustn’t forget that guilt can be a good thing—when we make a mistake, it’s only natural that we feel bad for what we did wrong until we ask God for forgiveness, and then He takes that guilt away. If it weren’t for the Holy Spirit, which provides this remorse, we’d have a pretty hard time figuring out what's wrong or what's right! However, if even after repentance we still feel overwhelming shame, consider what Jesus commanded in Mark 11:25: "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses." Also observe what He says in Matthew 5:7: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." We shouldn't allow resentment from the past to build inside us, and if our grudges are against someone besides ourselves, we must give them a chance to repent and learn from their wrongdoings. After all, God recognizes every sin we’ve ever made, yet He still has the love to forgive and bring us to Heaven. If He can share such a great oppurtunity after all our errors, I believe we as well are inclined to do the same.
My Christians friends, I hope after reading this you are willing to have mercy on those who have went against you, and that you are able to release the resentment you have held in your grasp for so long. Let us look to the future with anticipance to create better memories---ones that we will desire to remember years after they have passed. God bless.
Danielle Forrester
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Modesty
What is the proper way for a Godly woman to dress? This is a question that causes much debate among Christian people everywhere; some say we should be plain and always wear long dresses, some say it’s okay for us to wear pants. Some say we should never adorn ourselves with ornaments such as necklaces or earrings, others believe it doesn’t matter. Ask anyone, and you are bound to get many different thoughts and musings on the topic.
In my opinion, the clothing we wear are not of great significance, for in the end they will not determine whether we go to Heaven or go to Hell, but there is one particular fashion factor the Bible considers most important of all: modesty. The world nowadays is full of women and girls who are falsely led to believe that immodest ways of dressing are attractive and that beauty is the only thing that matters. They will wear whatever is considered fashionable, no matter how revealing it may be. In fact, it's becoming more and more common to find women who wear such vain clothing even to their church's worship services.
If you're wondering where the Bible mentions anything about clothing, consider this verse: "And they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away." (I Corinthians 7:31) To state the obvious, this means that since the world's standards for beauty are always changing, we shouldn't be dressing to please man, but rather, God. We Christian girls are to wear clothing that covers our bodies properly, protecting the men and boys who surround us from unnecessary, sinful thoughts. We should never expose our bodies in innappropriate manners, especially not in God’s House. 1 Timothy 2:9 states, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, nor gold, nor pearls, nor costly array."
Alas, pride plays a great role in the sin of wearing vain clothing to church. Many women take much pleasure in their apparel and fail to see that church is not a fashion show; it is a place of worship! We go there to praise Him; not strut around with undesirable pride! Fashion is just one of the many things that will be worthless once we're in Heaven. Why allow ourselves to become so hypnotized by its uselessness when we have Him? I admit, this can be a difficult thing to remember—even I often struggle with my love for worldly things, whether it be clothes or jewelry that likely isn't what would be called "modest." It's only natural for any girl. However, like anything else, I believe that through prayer it can be overcome. Try asking yourself next time you wear your favorite outfit: "Why am I wearing this? Am I trying to impress someone? Who am I trying to please by wearing this? God, or man?" The answers to these questions will surely assist you in making the right choice.
My fellow Christian friends, I hope you know God does not judge us by our outward appearance, and He sees no true value in our clothing. Modesty, on the other hand, IS valuable, whether it be in fashion, speech, or attitudes. These are the first three features non-believers will see when we witness to them, and if immodesty is what they view, we will quickly be labeled as hypocrites. Remember this, and you will be respected by others, by self, and by God. May you be forever blessed.
Danielle Forrester
In my opinion, the clothing we wear are not of great significance, for in the end they will not determine whether we go to Heaven or go to Hell, but there is one particular fashion factor the Bible considers most important of all: modesty. The world nowadays is full of women and girls who are falsely led to believe that immodest ways of dressing are attractive and that beauty is the only thing that matters. They will wear whatever is considered fashionable, no matter how revealing it may be. In fact, it's becoming more and more common to find women who wear such vain clothing even to their church's worship services.
If you're wondering where the Bible mentions anything about clothing, consider this verse: "And they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away." (I Corinthians 7:31) To state the obvious, this means that since the world's standards for beauty are always changing, we shouldn't be dressing to please man, but rather, God. We Christian girls are to wear clothing that covers our bodies properly, protecting the men and boys who surround us from unnecessary, sinful thoughts. We should never expose our bodies in innappropriate manners, especially not in God’s House. 1 Timothy 2:9 states, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, nor gold, nor pearls, nor costly array."
Alas, pride plays a great role in the sin of wearing vain clothing to church. Many women take much pleasure in their apparel and fail to see that church is not a fashion show; it is a place of worship! We go there to praise Him; not strut around with undesirable pride! Fashion is just one of the many things that will be worthless once we're in Heaven. Why allow ourselves to become so hypnotized by its uselessness when we have Him? I admit, this can be a difficult thing to remember—even I often struggle with my love for worldly things, whether it be clothes or jewelry that likely isn't what would be called "modest." It's only natural for any girl. However, like anything else, I believe that through prayer it can be overcome. Try asking yourself next time you wear your favorite outfit: "Why am I wearing this? Am I trying to impress someone? Who am I trying to please by wearing this? God, or man?" The answers to these questions will surely assist you in making the right choice.
My fellow Christian friends, I hope you know God does not judge us by our outward appearance, and He sees no true value in our clothing. Modesty, on the other hand, IS valuable, whether it be in fashion, speech, or attitudes. These are the first three features non-believers will see when we witness to them, and if immodesty is what they view, we will quickly be labeled as hypocrites. Remember this, and you will be respected by others, by self, and by God. May you be forever blessed.
Danielle Forrester
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Unworthiness & Unclean Speech
Ah, Sunday! The holy day which most of us have spent the morning or afternoon at our churches, singing praises to God, and listening to the pastor's sermon. This is probably my favorite day of the week; you get to see all your Christian friends and have fellowship with them, praying to God together with hearts united.
While we all love God, and of course we know that God loves us, there is an increasing number of Christians---mostly teenagers such as myself---who think that's all that matters. They go home and curse and swear and lie and think un-Godly thoughts to the point where it would make others wonder, "Why do they bother attending church if they don't even learn anything about changing their sinful ways?"
The response would probably be, "Don't judge! God still loves me no matter what I do. I've asked for forgiveness of my sins. I'll still go to Heaven. That's all that counts."
This is, in fact, a bad answer for a Christian to reply with. Yes, if we've asked for God's forgiveness and if we accept Jesus as our Savior we'll have a place in Heaven, but think about it: As a Christian, shouldn't we WANT to do the best we can to stop swearing, cursing, telling dirty jokes, and everything else He considers unholy? Shouldn't this be our greatest desire, to please Him with all we do while we're still here on earth? This doesn't mean we'll never make mistakes; we all will. But I've met some people who think it's worthless to even try to change. Let me tell you, I've been to the Youth Groups here in my town. I'm thirteen years old, and I've never been more disgusted by the language and laziness of the other teenagers who form these organizations. They think it's okay to interrupt our leaders when they're in the middle of speaking. They think it's perfectly fine to blaspheme in the privacy of their own homes, and believe coarse joking is completely harmless. I, by no means, am perfect when it comes to the matter, but consider the following verse: "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:4) This states clearly that God wants us to praise Him rather than speak sinfully, no matter how "funny" it may seem.
Many teens these days, Christian or no Christian, dismiss this, however. We don't like to believe that even though God's love is unconditional, He wants us to continually seek Him by striving to improve our sinful behavior. We don't like to believe that consequence accompanies sin, especially when the sin is something as seemingly meager as unclean speech. We have too little respect for God because we think of Him too much as a friend---but He is more than that. His greatness is beyond our minds... No friend has as much power and love as He does. Honestly, out of how many sins and mistakes we make each day, and for Him, the Perfect Lord, to allow US to pray to him and be in His church... It's amazing. We deserve not even a bit of it. He has the choice to let us be with Him, and even after all our sin, He lets us. It makes you think just how unworthy we are, doesn't it?
My Christian friends, I hope we can remember this throughout the week and all the weeks to come; not just Sunday. Let us think about this every time we prepare to disrespect others. Let us think about this every time we deny that we've sinned. Let us think about this every time unclean speech bubbles behind our lips. Think of this always. God bless.
Danielle Forrester
While we all love God, and of course we know that God loves us, there is an increasing number of Christians---mostly teenagers such as myself---who think that's all that matters. They go home and curse and swear and lie and think un-Godly thoughts to the point where it would make others wonder, "Why do they bother attending church if they don't even learn anything about changing their sinful ways?"
The response would probably be, "Don't judge! God still loves me no matter what I do. I've asked for forgiveness of my sins. I'll still go to Heaven. That's all that counts."
This is, in fact, a bad answer for a Christian to reply with. Yes, if we've asked for God's forgiveness and if we accept Jesus as our Savior we'll have a place in Heaven, but think about it: As a Christian, shouldn't we WANT to do the best we can to stop swearing, cursing, telling dirty jokes, and everything else He considers unholy? Shouldn't this be our greatest desire, to please Him with all we do while we're still here on earth? This doesn't mean we'll never make mistakes; we all will. But I've met some people who think it's worthless to even try to change. Let me tell you, I've been to the Youth Groups here in my town. I'm thirteen years old, and I've never been more disgusted by the language and laziness of the other teenagers who form these organizations. They think it's okay to interrupt our leaders when they're in the middle of speaking. They think it's perfectly fine to blaspheme in the privacy of their own homes, and believe coarse joking is completely harmless. I, by no means, am perfect when it comes to the matter, but consider the following verse: "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:4) This states clearly that God wants us to praise Him rather than speak sinfully, no matter how "funny" it may seem.
Many teens these days, Christian or no Christian, dismiss this, however. We don't like to believe that even though God's love is unconditional, He wants us to continually seek Him by striving to improve our sinful behavior. We don't like to believe that consequence accompanies sin, especially when the sin is something as seemingly meager as unclean speech. We have too little respect for God because we think of Him too much as a friend---but He is more than that. His greatness is beyond our minds... No friend has as much power and love as He does. Honestly, out of how many sins and mistakes we make each day, and for Him, the Perfect Lord, to allow US to pray to him and be in His church... It's amazing. We deserve not even a bit of it. He has the choice to let us be with Him, and even after all our sin, He lets us. It makes you think just how unworthy we are, doesn't it?
My Christian friends, I hope we can remember this throughout the week and all the weeks to come; not just Sunday. Let us think about this every time we prepare to disrespect others. Let us think about this every time we deny that we've sinned. Let us think about this every time unclean speech bubbles behind our lips. Think of this always. God bless.
Danielle Forrester
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