Some music and word...

Ok… My boss inspired this one. I asked him about his favorite verses and such and he sent me 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” He also gave me a song by the 77’s and Mike Roe that talks about this verse in its lyrics which I have included below and I guess I’ll have to figure out how to link the song in too, it’s a live version but it’s pretty rad.

So what does this passage have to do with day to day living and us as Christians? Well this passage is basically saying that the Lord doesn’t make us lust after others and doesn’t induce pride in us. These longings are created by man, and have made man fall from Christ. We saw the epitome of lust in Genesis when Eve ate the apple from the tree of knowledge. Dang you Satan for ruining our chances of eternal happiness, or did he? If Eve hadn’t eaten that apple man would never have the chance to learn to love Christ and to work hard and earn a spot in heaven, I personally like to work hard to earn things. My place in His kingdom included. I feel like everything happens for a reason, God knew what he was doing when he created Adam and Eve and when he created each one of us. We now have to work a little harder to get into the kingdom of God, but I think that for everything we will receive when we join Christ that a little hard work on our part is only expected.
Webster defines lust as an intense longing. I believe that we as Christians lust after Christ. We long to join him in the awesome kingdom that has everything you will need or want. This song that was brought to my attention really helps shed light on how we should be concentrating on being with Christ and not going after things that will only last one night or for a short time. God is eternal life. With Him anything is possible, and He has the power to make you happy forever, how many people can say that? Only one person, the Lord can.
So live everyday like it’s your last and praise and worship the Lord in the way he deserves and at the end of your long hard life here on Earth, you shall be rewarded more than anyone could have possibly dreamed.

Well, I feel
Like I have to feel
Something good all of the time
With most of life I cannot deal
But a good feeling I can feel
Even though it may not be real
And if a person, place or thing can deliver
I will quiver with delight
But will it last me for all my life
Or just one more lonely night

The lust, the flesh
The eyes
And the pride of life
Drain the life
Right out of me

Well, I see something and I want it
Bam! Right now!
No questions asked
Don't worry how much it costs me now or later
I want it and I want it fast
I'll go to any length
Sacrifice all that I already have
And all that I might get
Just to get
Something more that I don't need
And Lord, please don't ask me what for

The lust, the flesh
The eyes
And the pride of life
Drain the life
Right out of me

And I love when folks
Look right at me
And what I'm doing
Or have done
And lay it on about
How groovy I am
And that I'm looking grand
And every single word
Makes me think I'll live forever
Never knowing that they probably
Won't remember what they said tomorrow
Tomorrow I could be dead

The lust, the flesh
The eyes
And the pride of life
Drain the life
Right out of me
“Peace begins with a smile,” –Mother Teresa.

Inflated egos can take up a LOT of room...

Proverbs 11:2 when pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. One of my good friends texted me this quote today and it just made me laugh. Another mutual friend of ours recently won a huge award and honor and she has been walking around like she is "Miss Thang." She is also graduating from college in two short weeks and she will be beginning Graduate studies. She is a marvelous down to Earth girl and we love to tease her. But honestly she is one of the nicest humblest people I know; except when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus!

This verse really struck home for me; pride can be a very humbling experience. If you flaunt it then you will have shame the bible says... I believe that you must have some pride. Be proud to know Jesus, be proud that you are a Christian, be proud that you can openly talk about Jesus.

I called my mom today to let her know I am starting this blog and I had a hard time talking about it. The church and God have become taboo in my home. Jesus is never mentioned and He is forgotten. This really upset me. I have had a hard time expressing my love for the Lord and becoming closer to Him. I hope this blog will be an outlet and that I can share my beliefs with others out there. So back to Proverbs... I am proud to be a Christian and I will not be humble about it, but I will not have shame nor will I be disgraced. I love Jesus and I want to shout it out. You can't just sit on your couch and watch the world pass you by... When this life ends and you are standing in front of the Lord waiting to see if you get into Heaven what will you say when He asks what you did to deserve to go to heaven and spend eternal life with him?

Feel free to leave comments and ask questions!!!

Berle
"Peace begins with a smile" -Mother Teresa