Fearless

Here is another great song that talks about how we can be fearless when trusting in God.

-Marissa :) 

He Is With Us

I encourage you to take the time to listen to the words of this song today. I hope it helps you reflect on what I shared yesterday, and that you will take these things to heart.
-Marissa :)

Fighting Fear With Trust

So, I've been a little lazy, (more like a lot) at this blog thing, and this is super late. Anyway, last summer, I had a new experience and led a topical Bible study with my friends. I thought it would be cool if I could share some of the things we talked about with you! So this week, I want to talk about how we can fight fear.

First off, fear can rob us of our joy.
All of us have experienced fear in one form or another. For example, this past winter I had the opportunity to go skiing for the first time. I was terrified to fly down the snowy slopes, but I decided to try it anyway. I had an amazing time and found it to be a new passion. If I would have let fear get in the way, I would have been robbed of a great joy. A silly example, I know, but something to always keep in mind. Don't let fear rob you of joy in life.

Now to start off the rest of this post, I would like to give you the literal definition of fear from the dictionary.
FEAR: "a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid."
Notice the phrase I underlined in this definition. Fear can be real, or it can be imagined. For this new aspect, I have another definition.
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

Now think back to when you where a little child, or maybe a child you know. Think about this child being afraid of something real, (a thunderstorm), and something imagined, (a monster under the bed). When a child is afraid, the first thing they think of is rescue, and they immediately run to their parents. In the same way, when we are afraid, we can run to our Heavenly Father and find refuge.

                                 

I feel like this is a great visual example of when we run to God and find refuge, "under His wings." So how do we know that God is trustworthy? If we look in the Bible, we see how God has come through on His promises. For example, God promised to make Abraham into a great nation, and He did. Later, He brought the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land (even though they were a stubborn, seemingly-forgetful and ungrateful people!). God also promised that He would reconcile the world, which He did through Jesus Christ. There are MANY other examples from the Bible that would not fit into one blog post, and I encourage you to look them up. ;)
As we can see, when we run to our trustworthy, Heavenly Father, He will protect us as promised in His Word:
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
James 4:8a
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Isn't it great to be able to go to the Bible and read true stories of how God was faithful to men and women? I hope the next time you face fear, you will remember there is a loving God who will take you into His arms and provide refuge. Run to God with anything! He will listen. May you have a blessed week! Feel free to add personal stories or any other Bible examples in the comments!
-Marissa :)

I'm Back!

Hey Everyone!
Let me just say that I have done a pretty lazy job with this blog. I haven't posted in ages, but now I am back! As I had promised, I WILL be writing a couple posts about some of the things I went through with my Bible study group last summer. I WILL be posting very shortly so hang in there! :)
-Marissa

Glow in The Dark

Here is a song to remind those of us who follow Jesus to let our light shine! I hope you enjoy this song!
-Marissa :)

Some Things I Have Learned This Summer

This summer, I felt the desire on my heart to host a Bible Study/discussion time. Every Tuesday, friends from my youth group came to my home, and we discussed different topics.

We learned how to trust God when we are afraid, that we don't have to worry what other people think about us because we are flawless through Jesus' sacrifice, to remember that we are held by God when we go through something tough in our lives, to show kindness and love to others like Jesus did, and to talk to and with God.

I will be posting a little bit from each session, and my prayer is that you will feel encouraged by these topics as I, and hopefully others, did. Hope you enjoy them!
-Marissa :)

P.S. Sorry I haven't posted for a long while! :/

Summer

                                                               

Now that school is over, and summer is practically upon us, here is a reminder: try not to sit around, but instead go do something meaningful this summer. Make memories with family and friends and, most importantly, show God's love to those around you!

   -Marissa :)

             

Flawless

Here is a great song with a great message called "Flawless" by MercyMe.

-Marissa :)

Jesus' Sacrifice

Easter is just around the corner. I have always enjoyed the chocolate and the cute bunny decorations, but Easter is most important to me because of what it really means.

On Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), we remember what Jesus did for us. He suffered TERRIBLE beatings, mockery, embarrassment, and SO much pain. After almost being beaten to the point of death, He had to hang on a cross by spikes in His wrists and in His feet.

 Jesus gave His life for us.

We are all sinners. (Romans 3:23) Each and every one of us. The Bible tells us that the punishment for sin is death.(Romans 6:23) But Jesus loves us so much that He took our punishment. (John 3:16) Jesus was perfect, holy, and lived a life without sin. When He hung on that cross, all of our sins from the past, present, and future were laid on Him. 

And because Jesus took on our punishment, we have a choice to repent of our sins and surrender our lives to Him. (I John 1:9) He wants us to be His children. He loves us. When you give your life to Jesus, you have accepted His great gift and can someday join Him in heaven and thank Him for His sacrifice face-to-face.

On Good Friday, Jesus gave His life. On Easter, He rose again. That is what I celebrate.

-Marissa

Funny Dog Video

Here is a video for all dog lovers or even non-dog lovers!

Video Address

I heard from a couple people that the video from my last post wasn't linked with the email form of my post. Here is the video address if you wanted to watch it.

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=coffee+with+jesus

Prayer

Hi Friends!
I know it's been a while since I've posted, but you know how busy life can be. Okay, yes, I'm sorry, that's a lame excuse. I've been unsure about what to post next but I've found my topic. Today's post is about prayer.

How many times do you set something aside, take the time to sit down, and pray? I know that for me, it can be hard to sit down, be still, and pray. I find that sometimes I go through the motions as if it were a habit; for instance, before every meal, and so forth. When we do take the time to pray, what are we saying? Are we asking for things to be fixed? Are we asking for God to bless us? Are we talking and asking so much that we can't hear God's voice? If we don't take the time to praise him and be still, we can't hear His voice. Here is a video that demonstrates this topic.
-Marissa :)

He Said

Happy New Year!

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas will soon be upon us! As we enjoy the music, cookies, and everything about Christmas, it is very easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. So, today I want to share with you a part of Luke chapter 2.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 Our Savior, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born in the lowliest place, a stable.  Angels, coming to the unwanted, unpopular shepherds, so that they too could share in the birth of our King.  Jesus didn't just come to save the rich; He also came for the poor and unwanted.  Jesus came to save us, the sinners; a king in Heaven being born into flesh to die for our sins. So when we wake on Christmas Day, before we run downstairs to search for gifts, thank the Lord for sending His only Son for us.  Remember, Jesus is the reason whey we celebrate.
-Marissa :)

Philippians 4:13

Here is a bible verse that God has demonstrated to me this week and I know He can do for you too!
-Marissa :)

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Video

Hello Friends!
Now that December is upon us, I would like to share a cool video with you!
-Marissa :)

Thanksgiving

Hello friends!

As you know, Thanksgiving is fast-approaching. Every November, I am reminded of the Pilgrims' sacrifice. They set out from their home country and took a risky adventure to start a new life in America. Their first year here was very difficult, involving sickness and death. Yet, the following year they and the Native Americans held a feast to give thanks. Did you hear that? In the midst of hard times and trouble, the Pilgrims gave thanks! 

Now, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, what really are we celebrating? It's not about the turkey and mashed potatoes. It's not about the parade or football. Thanksgiving is a day where we can thank God for what He has done for us. Even if you are going through a hard time in your life, think of how Jesus suffered for us. Give thanks for Jesus' sacrifice, and for what He has already given you. Remember, my friends, to start your holiday with a grateful heart.
-Marissa :)

                 

In Honor of the Snow........

Yesterday was like any other autumn day. The last leaves were falling from the trees, and I watched my neighbor take care of his yard. This morning, on the other hand, I woke up and peered outside my window to see snow falling from the sky and the ground white with snow. In honor of the first snow, I present to you: a winter Peanuts comic.

-Marissa :)

Bible Verse

Here is an encouraging verse that is one of my personal favorites.
-Marissa :)

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."