One Truth

    The other day, I got in a discussion with a non-Christian friend that didn't go very well.
    We were talking about God and the theory of evolution, and that conversation took a turn towards the topic of truth. What it is. The Bible clearly says that there's one truth, but my friend and a bystander who happened to be listening in seemed comfortable with the notion that truth could be something or something else, but it was okay to get it wrong. They didn't seem concerned at all about believing a theory concerning our origin and our eternity that's not true.
    This is sad and dangerous, regarding truth like a flavor of ice cream--as if it's alright to guess on or even make believe what reality is. Believing that it doesn't matter whether or not you believe in God or the devil or heaven or you-know-where.
    But it does matter!  If there's no solid foundational truth, anything--including something very wrong--would and could be considered right. Mainly, if someone chooses to disregard God's Word, if they choose to think of Jesus Christ as an option they could pass on, they'd literally be condemning themselves.
    The truth is this: we mess up. We need a Savior to redeem us in order for us to get to heaven, to have a relationship with God, and to fulfill our purpose. Jesus Christ is that Savior, the Son of God--and God the Son. We need Him. He loves us, and will redeem us the split-second we ask Him to.
    Truth isn't whatever you want it to be. It's singular and real. That's what makes it true. Agree?

Incentive

    Incentive. It's motivation used to inspire a person to work or accomplish a task.
    A lot of people use incentives to get to work. Some people set up a reward for themselves that they'll earn when they reach a goal. It motivates them to work hard and push through issues to reach their goal.
    A lot of writers use incentives to motivate them to write during writing slumps or to keep themselves encouraged. Some writers use the right to watch certain shows as incentive, or relaxing time, or snacks. I use popcorn. :) And these incentives do help a lot of the time, motivating us to get a lot of work done.
    But on the other hand, sometimes incentives can become distractions. If it's something like an addictive show that you simply cannot keep your mind off after watching, or if it's a small snack like M&Ms that you can't merely stop munching on . . . there could be a little problem with getting back to solid work. Sometimes, not always.
    Do you use incentives? What are they? Do they work?

Acts 2:4

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Acts 2:4 (NKJ)

     Now wouldn't that be awesome? One moment, you can only speak English, and the next you can speak in a dozen other languages fluently. Spanish, French, Mandarin, Russian, Japanese, Arabic . . . the skill would certainly open up a lot of job opportunities--and opportunities to spread the gospel.
    As far as I've heard, radical episodes like this are rare these days--but the Holy Spirit definitely still gives utterance to people. Even utterances that are completely foreign to us. The Holy Spirit can make a stuttering person speak with perfect eloquence and He can empower someone who doesn't have a way with words to make perfect sense.
    The Lord has told us not to be afraid concerning what to say because He'll give us the words we need. This verse is a good example of how He does that, isn't it? :)

Awakening

    You know how on school days, lots of people are accustomed to waking up at six or seven sharp, but that when they're on vacation, most people sleep in?
    I've heard that in a way, spiritual life can be like that. When you're not going through a trial or wrestling through a problem, when things tend to be all calm and peaceful, you start to get comfortable. Maybe after a long time, too comfortable.
    When one kicks back, relaxes just a little too much, they tend to drift into a slumber-like state. Soon enough, they can't remember certain important things like Bible verses, they don't have the energy they used to, and they just aren't accomplishing as much as you did before. One just feels . . . tired.
    I think maybe that's why God doesn't let things always be quiet. When we're active, when we're fighting the good fight of the faith, we're using our strength and getting stronger, being wide awake, alert . . . and winning those battles.
    So if you feel like you just can't get a break, don't worry. He does give them, and until then, you're getting stronger. :)

Jocelyn Hughes On Secondary Characters

   I am so sorry this post is late! Homework burns time so quickly . . .

"Treat all your secondary characters like they think the book is about them."

~Jocelyn Hughes

    I adore a story that brings you so deep into it that the storyworld seems like reality and the characters seem like actual people. A well-written protagonist and antagonist are two of the most important factors in a story--and also, having well-written secondary characters are vital too.
    After all, how different would The Lord Of The Rings be if Merry and Pippin were just "the comic relief guys who joke around all the time" instead of two noble Hobbits trying to do their part to save the Shire? Or if Roar from Under The Never Sky was just only Perry's best friend, not mentioning that he's also a charismatic guy on a mission to rescue his love? Or if Christine from Divergent was only another Dauntless girl rather than a humorous, kick-butt best friend of Tris?
    A realistic character is one you have fun with, one you enjoy reading about. Giving secondary characters goals and lives of their own is a great way to make them like that.

Romans 12:21

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:21

    Anyone here ever heard a song called "Overcomer" by Mandisa? It's really catchy and powerful. Fun. :) This verse kind of reminds me of it.
    It's way too easy to fall victim to evil in this world. And I'm not only talking about being robbed or beat up or contracting a deadly illness. Evil can also hit you with fear, unnecessary shame, depression, fury. And sometimes it's really hard to resist these feelings, these tendencies.
    But thankfully, the Lord's given us a way to fight back--with good. What is good? God is. And His Word has been called our sword in spiritual warfare.
    We aren't meant to be victims of evil. We're meant to fight it--and beat it. God will give us all the strength we need to do so.
    I hope this is encouraging. May God bless you today! :)

Be At Rest

 

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God, you'll be at rest."

~Corrie Ten Boom

    It's true, isn't it? When I look at the things that are happening in the world, all the political problems, the global threats, the evil that's shadowing this world, I tend to get at least a little nervous. And when I look at myself, really look at myself and remember the mistakes I've made, the sinful nature I've got, my human nature, I feel really disappointed.
    But when one looks at God and His awesome love, His incredible grace and forgiveness, and His unmatched power, all that fear and worry don't seem to matter anymore. The problems are dwarfed by God's awesomeness. When I see how much stronger than the enemy He is, I no longer fear them. When I see how God is willing to and has already forgiven even the sourest sin, I'm freed from guilt and shame. When I see how God wants to help me change and be better, I'm strengthened in that.
   We can rest in the Lord, in the sacrifice He made to redeem us. And it's a pretty great rest. It's freedom.