Hey! :) Dara. Bayside '13. Inhabiting the NYC. Sixteen years old at the moment. Just the oddball in the crowd. I'm willing to be your friend. :) My life's a revolution. My heart beats for Jesus Christ.♥

Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

About // Facebook // Twitter // Poetry // My Testimony

耶稣 = ישוע Yeshua = Jesus Christ ♥

Posts tagged message

Is Christmas worth celebrating?

So I explained something bizarre in my previous post. I was questioning about the Christmas tree. But in fact, a while back, I was questioning the whole holiday of Christmas itself. Is it worth celebrating? Are Christians even allowed to celebrate it? I’m not looking for debates. I’m just going to share my opinions. So…just last year, I found out that Christmas actually had a pagan origin. In the past, Christmas was a holiday where people worshiped pagan gods. In reality, December 25th is actually the birthday of an Egyptian pagan god named, Nimrod. I was actually worried, thinking about this. Just last year, my dad told us that we would no longer celebrate Christmas. My heart was torn in half, because I loved Christmas since I was little. Everyone knows that there’s a big debate concerning when Jesus Christ was born. They talk about how it’s impossible for Him to be born in such a cold climate, in a manger. It’s true that in the Bible, it never said anything about celebrating His birthday. So isn’t Christmas full of quirks? 

Sorry, maybe I’m thinking too much. But when something gets me confused, divided, or torn, I will keep searching and searching, until I have answers and come to a verdict. I need the truth.

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth. And the truth will set you free.” 

I know for sure, that when I know the truth, I will be set free. That’s how it works. The truth that comes from God, sets us free. 

I’ve shared this verse before, in my question. I’ll share it again.

Jeremiah 10:2-4 “Do not follow the practices of other nations. Do not be terrified by the warnings in the sky. Do not be afraid, even though the nations are terrified by them. The practices of those nations are worthless. People cut a tree out of the forest. A skilled worker shapes the wood with a sharp tool. Others decorate it with silver and gold. They use a hammer to nail it to the floor. They want to keep it from falling down.”

Doesn’t this verse, get you pondering with questions? Well, it did for me. It reminded me of the Christmas tree. I was completely bewildered. So…these were the practices of pagan people long ago. They cut a tree down, took it to their homes, and decorated it. Basically, in Jeremiah 10, God declares that there is no other god like Him. We shouldn’t uplift any other god. 

What about the warmth and joy of Christmas time? What about its encouragement in giving? Isn’t that something good?

Matthew 10:8 “….You have received freely, so give freely.”

Knowing that there’s paganism behind the history of Christmas, killed me internally for these past 2 years. It really upset me. What is the right thing to do? I wasn’t so sure.

Just a few months ago, I ran into some verses that caught my eyes. You always find something “new” when looking back into the Bible. For the past year, I cried to God for answer, concerning celebrating Christmas. I believe He gave me the answer right here.

Romans 14:2-6 “The faith of some people allows them to eat anything. But others eat only vegetables because their faith is weak. People who eat everything must not look down on those who do not. And people who don’t eat everything must not judge those who do. God accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? Whether they are faithful or not is their master’s concern. They will be faithful, because the Lord has power to make them faithful. Some people consider one day to be more holy than another. Others think all days are the same. Each person should be absolutely sure in his own mind. Those who think one day is special do it to honor the Lord. Those who eat meat do it to honor the Lord. They give thanks to God. Those who don’t eat meat do it to honor the Lord. They also give thanks to God.”

Seems like a confusing and vague passage, right? But of course, the Bible speaks in figurative language. But there were also words there, that directly spoke the message, concerning “special days” or holidays. Here’s what I thought. When I read this, I automatically thought of the whole situation about Christmas. This whole passage, about “diet” isn’t simply talking about what we eat, but our lifestyles and personal beliefs. Why do you think Christians are divided up and have denominations of their own? It’s because of their personal convictions. The Holy Spirit will always give us some sort of conviction. And people will always come up with their own conclusions. 

Some people say that Christmas is worth celebrating, because we do it to honor Jesus Christ. They say that we should honor the fact, that God came into human form, to live among us imperfect humans, and save us through a sacrifice. So regardless, of whether Christmas had a pagan background, we only uplift God, during Christmas time. Others strongly stand on the belief of being disconnected during Christmas time. They say that we honor Jesus Christ everyday of our lives, so why make a big deal one day in a year? 

Why is there so much diversity in the world? People will always have different viewpoints. That’s why debates happen. That’s why wars happen. What matters, is that we could take the time to understand and accept that we have different opinions.

This verse really struck me in the heart. It gave me a sense of joy and relief. 

Romans 14:22 “No matter what you think about those things, keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not feel guilty for what they allow.”

So I finally came to a conclusion. It’s all up to you. I agree with those that said that God looks into the heart. That’s very true. And God knows all our intentions. 

The funny thing is, my dad disregarded what he said last year. This year’s different. We’re celebrating Christmas again. :) Of course, we’re well aware of the truth now. But God knows our hearts. So…that concludes what I want to say.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! God bless you!!<3

“Faith WITHOUT work is dead.” James 2:17

It couldn’t be any more straightforward than this. These words strike me in the heart with conviction. I realize the wrong I’ve done. Can I simply ask God for a miracle, without lifting a single finger of effort? Of course not! And if I were to treat my dreams and prayers as though they were crops, how can I gather them, if I don’t work? If I’m always so passive and lazy, nothing can be done. And maybe all there would be, is a mess. So it all starts when I make the effort. Then the mustard seed of faith I have, will work its ways. 

Ecclesiastes 11:4 “Anyone who keeps on watching the wind won’t plant seeds. Anyone who keeps looking at the clouds won’t gather crops.”

Luke 9:62 “Jesus replied, ‘Suppose you start to plow and then look back. If you do, you are not fit for service in God’s kingdom.’”

Be the change you want to see. 

I know, there are several things that I want to change in myself. All because, God convicts my heart. Change starts when I take that first step. God, guide me through this. 

So it was another tiring day of school. Stress and tiredness is inevitable in life sometimes. I was worried about a Trigonometry test. But I was blessed because I just came from Seeker&#8217;s Christian Club in my school. Yes, my school has a Christian club. :D I walked outside, where every part of the ground was damp and wet. Yeah, it was a rainy day. Obviously, just like anybody else, why would I pay any attention to any litter on the ground? &#8230;.Or so I thought it was litter. As I passed by the wet paper, the words caught my attention, &#8220;Do not worry&#8230;&#8221; I stopped and turned around. Like the weirdo I was in public, I took a few steps back and noticed the verse in front of me. 
&#8220;Do not worry saying, &#8216;What shall we eat?&#8217; Or, &#8216;What shall we drink?&#8217; Or, &#8216;What shall we wear?&#8217; &#8230;.For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you.&#8221; Matthew 6:31-33
It totally brightened up my day!! It brought a big smile on my face. Obviously, if someone wrote it out like that on paper, they were trying to send a message. I don&#8217;t know, whether it was dropped or something, but wow&#8230;.even if it was on the ground, I still caught sight of the message. And it really blessed me!! 
God&#8230;works in the most mysterious ways. Sometimes, we may not understand. But His ways are always perfect. And He never fails to comfort us and show His love.
And today I felt like God spoke to me through this. He gave me a reminder right in my face for my eyes to see.

So it was another tiring day of school. Stress and tiredness is inevitable in life sometimes. I was worried about a Trigonometry test. But I was blessed because I just came from Seeker’s Christian Club in my school. Yes, my school has a Christian club. :D I walked outside, where every part of the ground was damp and wet. Yeah, it was a rainy day. Obviously, just like anybody else, why would I pay any attention to any litter on the ground? ….Or so I thought it was litter. As I passed by the wet paper, the words caught my attention, “Do not worry…” I stopped and turned around. Like the weirdo I was in public, I took a few steps back and noticed the verse in front of me. 

“Do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ Or, ‘What shall we drink?’ Or, ‘What shall we wear?’ ….For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33

It totally brightened up my day!! It brought a big smile on my face. Obviously, if someone wrote it out like that on paper, they were trying to send a message. I don’t know, whether it was dropped or something, but wow….even if it was on the ground, I still caught sight of the message. And it really blessed me!! 

God…works in the most mysterious ways. Sometimes, we may not understand. But His ways are always perfect. And He never fails to comfort us and show His love.

And today I felt like God spoke to me through this. He gave me a reminder right in my face for my eyes to see.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank Him because you believe in Christ Jesus.

~♥ Jesus Loves You ♥~: DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON? ›

youremysweetsurrender:

This is a very good article. Those who are still single may learn something from here…

Those who are already married or in a commitment may take it as a guideline to improve your marriage & relationship …

DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?

During one…

(via alivingcatalyst)

Go to link →

Analyze.

If someone punched you in the face, would you turn the other cheek? If someone provoked you, would you stir up a fight? If someone created flames, would you make the flames any bigger? If someone cursed you out, would you curse them back? If someone hurt you, would you forgive them? If you attempted to forgive, would you also forget? If someone were your enemy, would you love them like you love your own? 

What do you gain of this world? Even if you gained the whole world, you lose your soul. What could you possibly trade for your soul? (Matt 16:26) If you decided to pick up a fight, the flames get bigger, hatred spreads, and someone obviously gets hurt. If you love only your own, and only your neighbors, what do you get out from that? What impact does that make? (Matt 5:46-48) You have to forgive or else God won’t forgive you. (Mark 11:25-26) And when you forgive, you must also forget. When God forgives our sins, He forgets them. (Heb 8:12) We must do the same as His children. 

In this long road, we’ll run into many different people. This world is so diverse. We aren’t all the same. There are disputes and conflicts. Battles happen everyday, whether physical or spiritual. People are naturally afraid of the unfamiliar. People don’t take the time to analyze and so they judge. People don’t give the chance to try to understand one another. Most of the time, people don’t give a care or concern. So they act in the way they do, and live by their standards and own set of rules. But…this world lacks love. Why is this world in a disarray? Why is this world corrupt? It is written that if we don’t have love, we are nothing at all. (1 Cor 13:2) Why does this world perish? It lacks knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

So from now on, let’s live a little more patiently. No matter how hard it is, or how much it hurts, let’s love more. Think of what Jesus Christ did on that cross. That kind of love…is unmeasurable and incomparable. It is infinitive. It is understanding. No one has greater love than the one who give his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

In hatred, there is pain. But in love, there is change and healing. Let’s give this world a chance. We’re still living for so much more. Let’s hold courage and confidence because the God of this universe is on our side. No one, can be against us.

(Note: I’m not changing any words. I’m just interpreting it.)

When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy. -CT Boom

nonelikejesus:

 

DANGEROUS. That’s why we need to maintain our relationship with God in our lives everyday. We can’t just let our faith die out. Then what’s the point in giving our lives to Jesus Christ, in the first place? We give everything to Him, completely and wholly. Nothing should be half and half or divided. We can’t hold onto money and God at the same time. We can’t hold onto the world’s ways and God at the same time. We have to deny ourselves, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus Christ. We need to live out His holy word in our lives.

(via myredemptionstory)

/ Posted on Sep 09 2010 at 8:41pm with 181 notes
#message 
&#8220;Christ has set us free. He wants us to enjoy freedom. So stand firm. Don&#8217;t let the chains of slavery hold you again.&#8221; Galatians 5:1

“Christ has set us free. He wants us to enjoy freedom. So stand firm. Don’t let the chains of slavery hold you again.” Galatians 5:1

I’m not excited for school next week. :’(

New classes. New teachers. Completely new schedule. It’s all new. It’s all too scary. But I have to hold myself together. I have to be flexible and deal with the adjustments. God is going to help me through it all. 

Romans 8:37 “No! In all these things we will do even more than win! We owe it all to Christ, who has loved us.”

“God is real…We can feel him…just like a blind man believes the sun exists…why? He can feel the sun burning on his skin just as God burns in my heart!” ♥