Mission Amare

Something different

2008-02-04T16:38:00.000-05:00

It has been 5 months since my last post here at Mission Amare. I sort of dropped out of the blogosphere when school began, and even contemplated doing away with Mission Amare altogether so it wouldn't be a distraction for me. But, I was convinced to leave it here, if not to encourage someone else then to take up valuable internet space. :)

The time has come for me to start writing again but not here. It's time for something different, something forthright and fixated. It's time for Forthright Fixation.

Soli Deo Gloria!

What I learned from a colony of ants

2007-08-06T18:41:00.000-05:00

Down here in Florida, ants (the crawly little creatures that taste gross, not this guy) habitually seem to find their way inside without invitation. This morning I was looking for something on my desk when my chemistry textbook caught my eye. Ants were crawling all over it. I'm not usually too creeped out by bugs but having a whole swarm of tiny little ants in my bedroom kind of grossed me out. I immediately tore my desk apart trying to find the source of their attraction. I found it. I was disgusted. I found them crawling about my purse - eek! Then I found them in my purse. Then I found them gravitating towards my cough drops - eew! I only consumed about 5 of them yesterday during church. How many ants did I chew up at the same time? I then hastily thrust my purse to the floor and watched it spew forth all its contents. I abruptly ended the inferior reign of any other life source that may have been trying to make its abode within my bedroom besides myself.

The thought occurred to me, while I was throwing things off my desk, that I'll do whatever is necessary whenever it is necessary to rid my room of any ants that set out to conquer my cough drops, but I find that, more often than not, I let sin just sit around and make itself at home within my own heart. Perhaps I let it stay because I'm unaware of it and have yet to be convicted of it. But what about the sin that I am, and have been, convicted of? Am I doing whatever it necessary to terminate it? Often times no. I don't like struggling. I don't like wrestling with anything. Who does? It's far easier to push sin under the rug than to kick it out completely. However, if sin is not done away with in its entirety when one is convicted, it will only come back fiercer than before.

We, as Christians, must constantly be ready and willing to crush any sin that is lurking about. What have we got to lose? Just because Christ died for our sins and we now stand justified before the throne of God doesn't give us the liberty to sit around not doing anything about the persistent evils that so easily entangle us. Mortification of sin, each and every individual sin, brings us one step closer to conformity to Christ. Conformity to Christ means perfection. Holiness. What more could we desire?

While thumbing through The Valley of Vision a few days ago, I came across a prayer entitled Yet I Sin. The following few lines really jumped out and hit me between the eyeballs:

"My lips are ready to confess, but my heart is slow to feel, and my ways reluctant to amend. I bring my soul to Thee; break it, wound it, bend it, mould it. Unmask to me sin's deformity, that I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it."

While we're quick to stomp out ants, may we be quicker still to stomp out sin!

A Repost: The Heart of Worship

2007-07-26T14:29:00.000-05:00

Music is the most common tool for worshipping God. Worship means to express love and devotion to God. To praise God.

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV)

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe," (emphasis mine)

While checking out Regenerated Radio earlier this week I decided to listen to SquareTalk's newest episode. In the beginning I listened with half an ear. Alex talked about what was new with Regenerate Radio and such. His segment finished. Tim's began. His topic: purity. Towards the end of his segment, he made a comment that caught all of my attention. He was saying that the music we listen to forms our character. Those words that get drummed into our heads time and time again are reflected in our actions, our habits, our attitude. What happens though, when we listen to music where the words are yelled and incomprehensible? Surely we would then, present ourselves with an incomprehensible nature? Or an aggravated one from the yelling?

You may think that only "worldly" music will make you angry. But Christian artists and bands seem to be getting louder and louder. If you don't believe me, walk through the music section of a local Christian bookstore. Maybe you'll end up scanning your own CD collection instead.

If the music you listen to keeps you from keeping your mind pure, I'd encourage you to examine your reasons for listening to it. Is it to worship God with reverence and awe, or is it to drown out everything around you?

It all comes back to the heart of worship.

Rockin' Girl Blogger

2007-07-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

I was awarded my first blog award yesterday by Coie, and now I have to pass it on to another 5 girl bloggers, who in turn will have to pass it on to another 5 girls.

Here are my choices for the Rockin' Girl Blogger award:

1: Katie Marie - She's a rockin' girl even though she doesn't blog often.

2: Elizabeth - Elizabeth is a great writer and she always makes me think plus I've met her in person.

3: Stephanie - My dearest, most beloved and only sister. I miss you and want you to come home NOW!!!

4: Danielle - Danielle's a movie star! This girl has been through a ton in the last year and it's been marvelous to see how her faith has increased through it all!

5: Mrs. Ig - Only because I believe I'm the first one to bestow upon her this charming pink award! Waha!

Not Afraid of Change

2007-07-06T07:26:00.000-05:00

"Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same." - Jonathan Edwards, Resolution 28

Today's churches are full of carnal Christians. All over people claim Christ as their Savior but they live just like everybody else - senseless, hopeless, brainless. They cannot think for themselves so they go to church on Sunday to listen to a shallow sermon about feeling good and loving others just as much as they love themselves. They bring along their Bible but never have to open it. They go home with a spring in their step and a smile on their face but with an unsatisfied heart. Between Sundays they don't open their Bible; if they don't have to in church, what good will it do them at home? So they watch more "Christian" shows, buy more "Christian" music, collect more "Christian" trinkets and avoid the most important Book in history.

The Bible should be every believer's ultimate source of authority. Not because it was featured on Oprah, or because it is sold in secular bookstores, or because some famous movie star made mention of it, but because it is the Word of God, holy and infallible. Jonathan Edwards resolved to read, study and apply the Scriptures so constantly that he would notice change within himself. Isn't that amazing? So often, I wait for circumstances and challenging situations to change me and cause me to grow, but sometimes when those struggles don't arise, I begin to doubt whether I'm saved or not because I don't seem to be bearing any fruit. Change is closer than we think. It's at our fingertips but we need to be consistently reading, and then just as consistently applying what we read. When Jesus says, "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than is comes from evil." [Matt. 5:37], believe and do it. When He tells you to take up your cross [Matt. 16:24], obey Him because "His yoke is easy, and His burden is light." [Matt. 11:30]

Let's not be afraid of change. Let's search diligently for it in the Scriptures and when we find it, let's embrace it because, the Bible will change your life.

It's almost been two months!

2007-06-28T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right. It has almost been two months since my last post. My mom and sister were telling me yesterday that it's time I updated and I agree. However today you won't be getting a regular post, you'll be getting pictures of my trip to Coie's house this last week. Hope you enjoy them all!

Here we go...

Coie milking Belle first

I figured that I had better at least touch the goat before I decided to milk Spot

[All of my family thinks this is a really funny photo of me]

Coie the lovely milk maid

The bottle on the left is mine. I got more milk than Coie did... hehe!

Coie and I made skirts

I look like I'm working really hard here but I was actually hiding from the camera

The end products!

We went to an upside down museum. Pictured from L-R are: Tanner, BoBo, Tyler, Dippy, Ryann, James, Me, Coie and Emmiko.

That's what the ceiling looks like in the lobby

While inside I went to the moon

And so did Coie

We played in the Bubble Room

I pulled myself up using pulleys

Coie helped James up

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

That's all I have time for today.

Until next time, remember what Coie does with herself when she has nothing better to do...

Musings

2007-05-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged properly in a long time. I miss blogging and I wish that I would get myself to blog frequently but I just can't. The only reason I have for not blogging is not having anything to say. You see, I only really blog when I have something I want to say. When I don't have anything to say, I don't blog. The best thing to probably do is pick a topic and force myself to write about it. But I don't work like that. I think that over the next few days, Lord willing, I'll think a lot about blogging. I'll think about what my purpose is and if I want to carry on doing this and other things of that nature. Mission Amare needs some spice.

Question: Can a blog fully represent a person? [i.e If Mission Amare needs spice, do I, Kaitlin?] My immediate response to the latter would have to be "no". :-)

God bless you, readers!

National Day of Prayer 2007

2007-05-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

Not many people know that today is a National Day of Prayer. I've been sitting here for a few minutes thinking about that: a National Day of Prayer. But how many people will be praying? It's one day a year when we can concentrate on prayer. Prayer is so vital yet so neglected. Why? Is it because it takes too much time? Do you find it to be a trecherous task?

Today I encourage you to take some time just to pray. It doesn't have to be long but devote just a few minutes to prayer. It would be simply marvelous if we could all turn a few minutes today into a lifelong habit.

Daniel 6:10

"When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

Tagged:

2007-04-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

1.How many candles on your last birthday cake?
17
How many siblings do you have?
2; Calvin and Stephanie
3.How many first cousins do you have?
16
4. Name five smells you like.
Mud, books, Windex, ink & Sunsilk Shampoo
5. Name the four funniest people you know.
Arianna, Mr C., my sister, & many more
6. How many different countries have you lived in?
2; United States and South Africa
7. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I'd straighten my hair
8. Name the friend who has touched you more than any other?
Touched? How so? Like touched my heart and caused great emotion or physically touched me? Well, the answer is no one either way.
9. Have you ever volunteered your time anywhere?
I think so
10. Do you cry often?
No
11. Something you are looking forward to?
May 19.. if I can find a stupid dress
12. A friend you wish you could see again?
Katie, Coie, Elizabeth, Amy, Kelly, Roxanne... the list goes on and on
13. How many people have you cooked a home-made meal for?
5
14. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Where ever the Lord has me.
15. Tag five people:
Stephanie, Coie, Jacqui, Katie Marie, & Nathan

by: Katie Marie

2007-04-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

Today is a very special day--it's Kaitlin's 17th Birthday!

Kaitlin is an amazing friend and an amazing blogger. Join me in wishing her the best of birthdays!

I Really Do Remember That I Have A Blog!

2007-03-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well... that title isn't entirely true. Earlier this week my Dad asked my how my blog was going and for a brief second I didn't know what he was talking about. *grins* But then I did remember what a blog was and that I had one and replied with, "Eh. Fine. It's slow. I haven't updated in awhile. Oh well." *grins again*

Both this week and last have been weeks where I don't know what day it is. I'm either ahead or behind. Add a spring equinox to the equation and I'm a goner. Only because when you ask someone what day it is you get, "The second day of Spring." Doesn't really help me much.
Next week I hope to get more blogging in. There are at least two posts that I have in mind. One about discipline and the other entitled If I had been there, would I have believed? I'm not going to tell you what that one is about though... haha! I might even wait a week or so before posting it. There might even be one more blog post next week entitled When I know what I don't want. That one's an iffy though.

Until next week I'd highly suggest that you watch this space!

Grace Laced Opinions

2007-03-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

My blog has become extremely boring lately and I will be the first to attest to that. I know what the problem is and I know how I can fix it. The solution is simple but hard. My writing has become neutral. Lukewarm. Unopinionated. I've been so concerned with being tactful that instead of gracefully lacing my opinion with tact, I've smothered it. Smothered it so badly that it is hardly identifiable. I said that the solution was simple but hard, let me explain. One possible solution to my problem would be to write controversial things. Things that will get a response, positive or negative. However, when people read the word controversial, they see the word political. I have absolutely no intention of writing about politics. Politics don't interest me enough to want to blog about them thus ruling out that one possible solution. A second solution would be to blog about apologetics. Apologetics get responses. Problem being I don't want Mission Amare to have a theme of blog posts. Themes in the blogosphere are far too restricting. So, I propose a third solution. In this one, I continue to blog the way that I have always blogged but make sure my opinion is known. It's simple... but hard. It's simple because I just have to carry on doing what I've been doing for the last year and a half. It's hard because I'm stuck in the groove of showing no opinion that I somehow got myself into and now I have to get out of it. I could go on to say why I have a somewhat small problem with my third solution and what that problem is, followed by the solution to the solution but that wouldn't really be necessary.

I know what I have to do.

Blog hard things.

Blog simple things.

Blog with a grace laced opinion.

Oklahoma: A Photo Post

2007-03-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

Some months ago, I posted a list of unknown things about me. The last fact on that list told the number of how many states I’ve been to. Caleb, in his comment, mentioned how he has been to 12 and beat me by one. I then said that I’ll have to change that. So I did.

On Wednesday, February 21st, I flew into Houston, Texas to catch my horribly-delayed-connecting flight into Oklahoma. Thus the number of states I have now been to is 13. In Oklahoma I visited a very special friend who goes by Katie Marie. Ever heard of her? :)

This is her road! You should ask her about her road sometime.

On one day while waking down her road, we passed this puddle and Katie remarked how we should go bathing in it. I gave her a really weird look. She didn't say anything else.

I met Elizabeth Ellen Moore!! That's her in the green. It was so lovely to meet her. She's so nice. We were having a tea party and no tea party is complete without jelly beans. :)

We even had jelly bean flavoured tea. It really tasted like jelly beans.

After the tea party we went for a walk down Katie's road. L-R: Elizabeth, Katie and Kaitlin

Elizabeth and Katie

Katie: "You want me to do what, Kaitlin?"

Kaitlin: "Oh, you know. Be Cap'n Kate. Show them it's your land."

Katie: "Like this?"

Kaitlin: "Perfect." Snap, snap.

Cap'n Kate.

Kaitlin having a bridge moment

Kaitlin, Katie and Elizabeth. We were tired. We'd been up too late the night before talking.

Kaitlin and Ellen. She's amazing!

Kate and Kait

Kait and Kate

And lastly, an Oklahoman sunset.

Truly magnificent. A picture that could never have been designed without a Designer

For Coie..

2007-02-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

Today is Coie's 18th brithday! So I decided to write a poem for her:

Happy birthday to you

I hope your day isn't blue

You make me smile and giggle

Our inside jokes make me wiggle

Goat's milk might make yummy cheese

But chicken eggs you're meant to freeze

Birthdays come and birthdays go

But every year I want you to know...

FRIends... er, eggs are better FRI'ed

And in our FRIendship, I take great pride!

Happy Birthday!!!

Prayer

2007-02-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

Before Joshua lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River and prepared them to march around Jericho, he sought the Lord. Up until the fall of Jericho, Joshua always asked what the Lord had planned for them to do. As soon as Jericho was no more, the Israelites planned to destroy Ai. However, Joshua didn't pray before he sent men to spy out the land.

Joshua 7:2-5

"Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, "Go up and spy out the region." So the men went up and spied out Ai. When they returned to Joshua, they said, "Not all the people will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there." So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water"

Prayer is important. The above passage proves that. When Israel took the next logical step according to mankind, they failed. It wasn't a small failure either. It resulted in death. Yet today prayer is so easily pushed aside. It's common to only pray when we need God. When we want something. When things aren't going well. And when we fail.

For now, I have nothing else to say about prayer. But I'd just like to encourage you to pray always. Set aside specific times to pray during the day like Daniel did. Pray, pray, pray!

"As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause," - Job 5:8

Jesus And The Tax Collectors

2007-02-05T19:04:00.000-05:00

As Christians we, more often than not, mix with people of the same mindset. We choose the "good" side instead of the bad. We want to be with the right people. People with good reputations. People who won't embarrass us. You may even get stiff-necked around someone whose views don't match your views, and maybe you then approach them as though they're contagious flu viruses. Should it be like that?

In Matthew chapter 9 Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Matthew in response to the Lord, gets up out of his booth and follows. Later Jesus was reclining [To recline means to lean in a comfortable position.] at a table and many other tax collectors joined him. It is at this point (verses 10 and 11) that the Pharisees [Pharisee: a person who was of a sect of the Jewish religion strictly adhering to the Law of Moses] question the disciples as to why the Lord is dining with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus answered them (vs. 13), "For I came not to call the righteous , but sinners."

The Great Commission
After Jesus rose from the dead, He went to visit the eleven disciples, who were reclining at that time, and told them this: "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15) He didn't tell them to continue to recline. He told them to go. He's told you to go and me. It can be scary to go. Worry and anxiety about people's reactions make us want to stay close to those who we are most comfortable with. People might even laugh. But don't dwell on the people who don't listen. Do as Jesus said to do in Mark 6:11, "And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them."

Matthew 11:6
"And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

If you're afraid to witness to people face to face at first, try witnessing to telemarketers. The worst thing they can do to you is hang up!

The Fruitful Garden

2007-02-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

My sister got a blog! It's called The Fruitful Garden. She put up her first post just a few minutes ago and, all bias aside, it is absolutely fantastic! Please go read it and leave her a comment. Welcome her to the blogosphere.

Oh, and if you want a good laugh, read her profile - I filled it out and she doesn't know how to change it! :D

The Fruitful Garden is this way...

Comments

2007-02-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

If you are having trouble commenting please will you send me an email at kaitlin@missionamare.com

Thanks!

Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:11

2007-01-31T09:13:00.000-05:00

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof,"

Forgetting to Remember: Part 2

2007-01-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ready to be remembered. Ready to be pondered. Ready to be dealt with. It's there, waiting.

************************************

The first comment of my last post made me smile. Here's what Elizabeth said:

"Forgetting is too easy! I really should write more things down. That is one of the main reasons that I journal!"

That's exactly what I was hoping to get at in part 2 - journaling! I admit, I'm not much of a journaler. I got my first diary with a lock and key when I was 10. I wrote in it every so often. Mostly I'd write about the events of that day and the things I had done. But one day when I went to write in it, I found it open. I was devastated. Heartbroken. Someone had read my diary. My diary. My diary that was locked with a hidden key. I still remember telling my mom that someone had read my diary. As a 10 year-old, I was very quick to give that someone a name! My mom tried to console me but I was too distraught. I wanted justice.

Whenever I read that diary now, I laugh. Some of the things I wrote in there were just hilarious! My spelling was terrible a lot of the time too. But at the time of the diary-intrusion, those were very sacred things written down. Things that were supposed to be burned if I should die! My journaling has changed now. I no longer write down my daily happenings. Part of the reason is because of what's written on the first page of my current journal by my aunt:

April 20, 2004
"We know that the coming weeks will be busy with school, your future move, and all your activities. So we thought a journal would be a nice way to collect your thoughts and prayers. We have found that prayer journals are beneficial in looking back at God's hand in our daily life. "

Thoughts and prayers - that's exactly what I did. That diary is filled with pages upon pages of my musings.

What's the Point

By now, dear reader, you are probably confused. I say that I don't journal much but go on to tell you about my journaling and even quote the first page of my journal? That contradicts itself! But I've done that to prove my point. (My point was made in part 1 - writing things down is important) If I had never written in my secret diary when I was 10, Forgetting to Remember wouldn't have had a part 2 post. On the other hand, had I written everything down, I wouldn't have forgotten anything. Had I not forgotten anything, Forgetting to Remember wouldn't have had a part 1.

Writing Reveals Inconsistencies

Like illustrated in the above paragraph writing can be inconsistent. When I began writing part 1 I wanted 2 things. 1) To write about forgetfulness and 2) To end with Jim Elliot. Those are 2 random points. To you, they're inconsistent. But allow me to close the gap for you with this quote:

"What is written in these pages I suppose will someday be read by others than myself. For this reason I cannot hope to be absolutely honest in what is herein recorded, for the hypocrisy of this shaming heart will ever be putting on a front and dares not to have written what is actually found in its abysmal depths. Yet, I pray, Lord, that You will make these notations to be as nearly true to fact as is possible so that I may know my own heart and be able to definitely pray regarding my gross, though often unviewed, inconsistencies." - Jim Elliot

Dear reader, perhaps the inconsistencies of my own writing may have confused you many times throughout but the point has not changed: Writing is important. If people did not write, we would not read. If people did not write, we would not remember. If people did not write, we would not learn.

Jim Elliot died when he was 29 years-old. However, he left behind his incredible journals. His journals that do reveal his inconsistencies. "How can a man like Jim Elliot be inconsistent?" you may be asking. Well, by nature. Just like you and me.

In 12 years and 67 days, when I turn 29 years-old, I hope that I will have 475 pages of thoughts and prayers written down and splattered with the inconsistencies of my own heart and life to learn from. A lot of things can be forgotten in 12 years and 67 days, and many lessons can be learned more than once.

Perhaps if we wrote more things down to be remembered, pondered and dealt with, we would learn a lesson the first time.

Forgetting to Remember: Part 1

2007-01-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

It's easy to forget. I forget countless things countless times a day. Just today I forgot why I thought I should write a post on forgetting. I'm serious. This wild thought popped into my head, it quickly formed into something more than a wild idea and while I was so engrossed with the details, I forgot what I had originally thought and why I thought it was such a good idea. I would continue to list the things I've forgotten but I can't remember them. But I've learned some things from forgetting that I never would have learned had I remembered:

1. Popping wrinkles over something you don't remember won't help you remember. Thinking hard might but worrying won't.

2. Daydreaming is the easiest way to forget something. There is nothing like drifting off into that imaginary world where pigs fly and goats walk on two legs to ignore your tasks at hand. I do not recommend daydreaming for anyone. It is a terrible time-waster.

3. Write thoughts down! This is probably the most valuable thing I've ever learned. I write most things down. I have notebooks, and journals, and calendars, and day planners, and note pads all over my room. I have one next to my bed, near my Bible, on my bookshelf, in my hand bag, and tons by my desk(with pens, of course!), so that when I think of something, it gets put on paper. Sometimes I feel like I'm always making notes to myself. Maybe this sounds silly to you? But I remember things. I remember thoughts that briefly fluttered through my head. And believe it or not but most of my blog posts were once just one-line sentences scribbled on a piece of paper somewhere. The biggest advantage I've found with writing things down has got to be the freedom of not worrying about remembering something. When something is written down, it's there. Ready to be remembered. Ready to be pondered. Ready to be dealt with. It's there, waiting.

Part 2 coming soon!

Prayer Request:

2007-01-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

Danielle's mom was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2006. She went to be with the Lord on January 05, 2007. Danielle left a comment on Teens On Their Knees many months ago which is how I found her blog and I let a few other girls know about it. But now, I'd like to ask everyone who reads this to visit Danielle's blog and uphold her family in prayer at this time.

Danielle's blog - Mustard Seed Faith

Hide God's Word In Your Heart

2007-01-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."- Psalm 119:11

In keeping with what I started last year as my 'resolutions', I am once again going to be memorizing Scripture. This year, though, instead of working on chapters, I'm going to be following a topical memory book. Memorizing Scripture can be a challenge, especially when you're doing it alone and that is why I'd like to ask you to join me.

Every two weeks, I will post two verses on Mission Amare. That way, one verse can be memorized per week and my blog won't be swamped with verses. The verses are arranged in 5 series:

Series A - "Live the new life"
Series B - "Proclaim Christ"
Series C - "Rely on God's resources"
Series D - "Be Christ's disciple"
Series E - "Grow in Christlikeness"

There are 12 verses per series and they are arranged according to topics with 2 verses a topic. In all there are 60 verses to be memorized which will take a little more than a year.

Can you imagine what it will be like to know 60 verses by heart? Better yet, can you imagine what it will be like for a whole bunch of rebelutionaries to know 60 verses by heart? Let's do something very uncommon in most churches today! Let's hide God's Word in our hearts for the furtherance of His kingdom and His glory!

Will you take me up on this?

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

Round 1

Dates: 01 January - 14 January

Series A

Topic: Christ the center

Verse 1: 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. "

Verse 2: Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me"

**All quotations on Mission Amare are taken from the English Standard Version which I will be using for the memorization but I encourage you to use whatever version you are comfortable with and use that particular translation for all the verses.

The Nativity: Who Was There, Who Wasn't

2006-12-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

Christmastime is approaching again and with it comes the "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" debate, and the shopping, and the food, and family etc. As I'm sure you know, there are countless people who will tell you to remember the real meaning of Christmas or that Jesus is the reason for the season. But there is one thing that most people (non-Christians and Christians alike - but I'm talking more about Christians here) get wrong year after year without fail: The Nativity Scene.

If you look at a manger scene, there are two things that shouldn't be there. Firstly the infamous wise men... Matthew 2:11:

"And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (emphasis mine)

If I recall correctly, Jesus was born in a manger, no? Luke 2:7 says:

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."

Secondly, every nativity set has an angel there and I don't know why.

"'An angel of the Lord appeared to them [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'" (emphasis mine) Luke 2:7-15

Conclusion
If Christians are so jolly concerned about getting everyone else to say 'Merry Christmas' why don't they make sure that their own Christmastime doings (ie. setting up a nativity set) are Biblically correct? This really peeves me. Any thoughts?

Keeping It In Context...

2006-12-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read a Bible verse and immediately thought of how it relates to your situation? I have. Have you ever shared a verse with someone else, thinking it was really encouraging and hoping to encourage them some, only to realize that the preceding and proceeding verses weren't exactly what you would call uplifting? I have.

The Bible is a great place to find encouragement, wisdom, instruction, and so forth but context is crucial. An example of a verse out of context is Psalm 56:1a:

"Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;"

Girls, can any of you relate? Is that your plea to God? For Him to have mercy on you because boys are chasing after you? I find this verse hilarious out of context yet in context, it isn't funny at all. The chapter goes on to say this:

"all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life." (vs.1b-6)

Now, my intention when writing about this was not to make you feel bad or guilty, but rather to remind you that the Bible is God's Word and not something to be taken lightly, or to be twisted to say what we want it to.

2 Timothy 3:16,17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

To God be the glory!