Eye for an Eye

Over the past several months there have been a lot of people saying things about me that aren't true. Spreading rumors if you will. The unfortunate thing is some people ACTUALLY believe these rumors that are being spread even though they are the opposite of my true character. The Devil uses other people to try to destroy us and bring us down. Slowly but surely we think that we have a right to get back at these people and to do to them what they have done to us. However, Jesus taught us a very different lesson in Matthew 5. Jesus shows us that the most powerful weapon against darkness is the light.

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^{[a] 39} But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

Jesus shows us that the most powerful weapon against darkness is the light. My mom and I were having a conversation the other day and she reminded me that light and dark are not equal at all. If they were that would mean that darkness could over take the light, but it is the exact opposite, light consumes the darkness. Darkness can't overtake darkness, only light can over take darkness. If we continue to live in the light, no matter how hard the Devil tries to attack us with darkness we will not be overtaken or consumed by him. Continue to draw life from the source itself, God Almighty and continue to live in the Light.

I will leave you with this final verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Persevere

I came across these verses today in Hebrews and felt the need to share them. They come from Hebrews 10:22-25

let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Continue to persevere even through the hard times. As I'm sure many of you have found out it doesn't take long for the Devil to start doing his dirty work as you return to camp. Temptations, fights, feelings of loneliness, loss and heartache may have taken place in your life just in these past few days of being home from camp but if you continue to draw close to God he will fill you with love. Set your eyes on the cross as you go on your journey of faith and use those that God has given you to spur you on in love.

You are loved me friends. Keep the faith. "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" Hebrews 10:36

The start of something...

Hey Gang,

Wow! What an incredible summer. I got to serve at Wesley Forest three weeks this summer and each week was special in its own way. God showed up in amazing ways and touched the hearts and lives of so many people. People came to know Christ for the first time, other re-committed their lives, some were healed by the Holy Spirit and others were called into ministry. It was a great time of renewal and rejuvenation for all that were involved.

Some of us are just returning from camp and are still very much on "the mountain top" but we can not let our "camp high" be the thing that drives us. We must still connect with Christ on a daily basis and be reminded of HIS love for us. In Luke 9 when Jesus is on the Mountain Top himself, it says that he prayed and as he prayed the appearance of his face changed. Just imagine how God will change each of your lives as you continue to pray and seek after him while on the mountain top and long after that camp feeling leaves.

We can not get caught up in chasing after a feeling or chasing after an experience which so often happens. When we chase after these things we often miss God. However, if we chase after God he will show up and our lives will be changed. God revealed himself to Peter, John and James on that mountain top and he can reveal himself to you as well as long as you continue to seek after Him.

You are HIS. "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men" 1 Corinthians 7:23

Love you all!