By: Chris V A few months ago, I was at a teen community group at my church to hear what the Bible has to say on what my youth pastor calls a "hot topic" (issues that are prevalent in today's culture). That specific night, we were going over a huge topic in today's society: media. When we broke into different groups to talk about some discussion questions that the youth pastor had come up with, we started to talk about different kinds of media, more specifically, music. After going over several questions and talking about different kinds of music, some of the girls there started to ask the question: "Does God really care about what kinds of music that I listen to?" The Short Answer: Yes Yes, God does care about the music we listen to! In the Bible, we see several verses that command us not only to worship and sing to Him, but to keep our minds on pure things and Christ:
These are just a few verses, but they all lead up to a point! If you are a Christian, saved by and through Christ, you want to keep your mind focused on Christ and on things of Christ (Colossians 3:2). How can we do that when we're listening to music that's not God honoring? The answer is that you can't. If we're listening to explicit music, that language (which the Bible commands against, see Ephesians 4:29) gets stuck in our heads. If we're listening to trashy, sexually immoral music (which the Bible tells us to flee from, see 1 Corinthians 6:18), we'll find our minds wandering places where we don't want them to go. But, if we're listening to music that worships and praises Christ, our mind will be set and focused on Jesus, bringing us more towards Christ-likeness. (Added bonus: you'll be more likely to praise and worship God in your heart as well!) How Can I Apply This To My Daily Life? This is the part that kind of hurts, but we need to rip off that band-aid! If you are routinely listening to worldly, trashy, explicit music (and podcasts for that matter!), GET RID OF IT!!! From the verses seen above, worldly things like trashy, explicit songs hinder your walk with Christ. But, I'm not saying to never listen to music again! I'm saying to listen to the right kinds of music, music that is "...true...honorable...just...pure...lovely...commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise..." (Philippians 4:8). One type of music like this is Christian/worship music! Some great artists to check out are Cade Thompson, Keith and Kristen Getty, TobyMac, Leanna Crawford, Matthew West, and Michael W. Smith. Not only should we be listening to God honoring music, we should also apply the same, God-honoring concepts to the podcasts we listen to. Some amazing Christian podcasts that I love to listen to are:
When we consciously make decisions to listen to media that is God-honoring every single day, we can spiritually grow in Christ through Him! Delete those trashy playlists, unfollow those explicit artists (no matter how popular they are!)- and you may find your mind focused more on Jesus than on the fading things of this world. I'd love to hear from you! What are some ways you can put God-honoring media into your life? Let me know in the comments below!
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By: Chris V Freedom. You hear that word used for tons of different things: freedom of a country, sexual freedom, freedom from slavery, etc. According to Dictionary.com, freedom is "The state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint". The second definition of freedom on Dictionary.com is "exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.". The definition of freedom I want to hone in on right now is the second one; this definition strikes me as rebellion instead of freedom. Let me ask you this: is lack of regulation and external control truly freedom? When you rebel against your parents, are you usually granted more privileges or are privileges taken away? If the world's definition of freedom isn't really freedom, then what is true freedom? To answer that, we need to take a look at what the Bible says. Jesus, the Son of God In the book of John, we read about Jesus (the Son of God, as seen in John 1:1, 3:16): the start of His ministry, His death on the Cross, and His resurrection on the third day after His death. What does this have to do with freedom? Here are a few verses give you an idea:
As seen in the verses mentioned above, Jesus came to this earth to be our Savior from sin and death. And that wasn't easy! Throughout Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus was persecuted by all kinds of people (and believers are still persecuted for choosing to follow Jesus today!). Even though it was hard and tough, Jesus succedeed in His mission- the reason He came to earth- through His death on the cross and resurrection on the third day. What does this mean, and what does it have to do with freedom? His Death Gave Us Life When Jesus died on the cross, He took on all of God's wrath and judgement that was meant for us because of our sins, conquering and breaking the bondage of sin (Romans 5:18-21). He set us free from sin! Not only that, but He also conquered death when He rose again from the dead on the third day after He died (Hebrews 2:14). Not only did Jesus prove He has power over all, He set us free from the bondage of sin and death when He died and rose again! This is true freedom. When we accept God's free gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), we become free from sin and are now free in Christ to serve and glorify Him. In other words, Jesus is our Savior, and the true freedom we've been trying to find in things of this world. It can only come from Him; true freedom is found through salvation in Him alone! Can I get an amen? "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed"- John 8:36.I'd love to hear from you! Have you been set free in Christ? What has changed in your life because of that? (If you aren't sure about trusting Jesus yet, that's okay! If you have questions, talk to a mature Christian like your parents, a youth leader, or a pastor. I'm sure they would love to help you!) Tell me in the comments below!
By: Julianna I was leaning back in a booth at Panera the other day, waiting to have dinner with a friend at church. I had my Bible out on the table and was pouring over 1 Peter when I saw them: three girls chatting happily, indistinguishable from any other college-age girls besides their black and silver hijabs, draped gracefully around their faces. I watched out of the corner of my eye as they ordered their food, met up with another friend, and settled down at another booth around the corner. I should go talk to them, I thought. Or was it the Spirit urging? It was one of those moments when every obstacle real or imagined comes flooding into your mind. I’m too tired. I’m reading my Bible. My friend is about to come. Whatever am I supposed to say? After a few moments of arguing with myself, I got up, put on my mask, and walked over. Of course, half of the challenge of meeting new people is overcome by simply smiling at them. But I couldn’t because I had a mask. But not wanting to offend them either, I pulled off my mask from one ear and left it dangling … I suppose to be able to smile at them while also showing them that I didn’t want to get them sick! We chatted about life. They were native Coloradans, as am I. Two of them were going to school for biology. I never had a chance to mention the Lord, which I regret, although they did later come up to me and thank me for starting up a conversation. Though I’m still not sure why the Lord wanted me to talk to those Muslim girls that day, the experience reminded me how crucial it is that I remain constantly available to the Lord. While I’m thankful I listened to his prompting, how many times have I missed opportunities because either my busyness or fear kept me from being truly available? You know God is trying to teach you a lesson when it shows up everywhere. My little devotional from MacArthur I read each morning asked me that very question: Are you available to the Lord? A sermon my sisters and I listened to while making breakfast challenged me: Am I willing to leave anything to serve Him, to be available whenever, wherever He sends? Then, a friend shared with me how ministry often means your job description is simply “Available to the Lord.” All when the world clamors for important-sounding titles and life ambitions. But often, the work to which God calls us does not fit into their neat little box. How can a stay-at-home mom describe the hundred ways she daily ministers to her husband and children simply by making herself available? Nor is that same kind of availability limited to moms. Local churches need servants willing to pick up and help a single mom move, meet with a troubled teenage girl, or bring a meal to a family with a new baby. As Rosaria Butterfield puts it in The Gospel Comes with a House Key, serving (particularly in the context of hospitality) requires the beautiful balance of both organization and availability, planning and flexibility: “The list making and grocery shopping make me small, meager, messy. It ties me to home and hearth and budget keeping. This busy preparation for table fellowship that comes daily, and where Jesus lays his head, requires 50 percent prayer, 40 percent organization, and 10 percent hutzpah.” In other words, being available to the Lord—whether it be through the ministry of hospitality or anything else—isn’t merely a mystical, spiritual heart-thing. Yes, the key to remaining available with the Lord is to nurture a sensitive heart for his leading–and then obey when he does lead! But more practically, availability requires me to both hold my schedule with an open hand and be willing to schedule in serving others. There are days I need to surrender my untouched to-do-lists when I simply need to be available to serve. And there are days when I need to make a to-do-list to ensure that service actually happens. But in the end, the heart must be obedience flowing out of a gospel-saturated life ready to serve whoever God brings my way—my family, my church body, my neighbors, or even random girls wearing hijabs sitting in a Panera! This post originally appeared on Julianna's blog, Whole Hearted (which you can find here). You can find this specific post by going to https://juliannawrites.blog/2021/03/23/hijabs-in-panera-a-journey-of-learning-to-be-available-to-the-lord/. I'd love to hear from you! What are some ways you can be available to help serve others in your life for Christ? Tell me in the comments below!
By: Guest blogger ~ Hilary Osborne Hey y'all! I'm so excited to have a guest blog by Hilary Osborne today! Last Sunday, I heard her give this testimony at the church I go to, and the truths God shared through this testimony got me thinking about my own doubts about my salvation and the truth He has showed me in His Word. (If you're struggling with this, check out Romans 5!) Below are the notes from Mrs. Osborne's testimony, and at the bottom of the post, you can listen to/watch her share it during the service! Thanks so much! - Chris V P.S.- For legal reasons, the lyrics to "Magnificent Obsession" by Steven Curtis Chapman couldn't be posted, however, the post has a link to a site that has the lyrics on it. Check out the first, second, fifth, and sixth paragraph in the song to read some of the words! This is not a testimony about my salvation, but you could term it as a renewal of sorts. Here’s why:
If you want the easy route, don’t pray this.
I. Was. Terrified. that God would cut me off at any time.
I felt so betrayed by my heavenly Father and thought I was losing my mind.
For the next 15 years, I questioned my salvation. I wondered if I would make it to Glory. And I couldn’t stop wondering if God even loved me.
What did I learn from all this?
One final note:
I want to finish with Psalm 34:1-10: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Check out the video below to hear/watch Hilary Osborne's testimony! [Start time: 27:52; End time: 38:56]. (Also, feel free to watch the whole service, which was about the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4!) I'd love to hear from you! What aresome questions that you have struggled with about your faith and salvation? What has God taught you about it? (If you are still struggling with those questions, ask a saved parent, grandparent, pastor, or youth leader about it!) Tell me in the comments below!
By: chris V One relevant and difficult topic seen all over the world and media today is the topic of submission. There's so many voices telling us whether to obey or to rebel against the authorities God has placed over our lives: our parents, guardians, government, pastors, and even our own God! Thankfully, the Bible is clear on the topic of submission and is full of verses about submission as Christians. Check out five of them below! (Also, be sure to check out the sermon linked at the bottom of the blog post! My pastor preached on Romans 12-14 on submission, and I'd love for you guys to get a chance to listen to what God put on his heart to share!) 1. James 4:7"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you". 2. 1 Peter 5:5"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”. 3. Ephesians 5: 20-21"...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ". 4. Hebrews 13:17"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you". 5. Romans 13:1-2"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment". To Submit or Not To Submit? I'm going to be honest here: Submission sometimes isn't the easiest thing! Denying what YOU want and obeying what someone else says definitely is a struggle. But, like seen in Romans 13:1- "...For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God". Whoever that authority is, whether it be a parent, teacher, or government leader, God put them there in that position of authority. When you obey that person in authority, you're ultimately obeying God. However, there are also some times to disobey authorities and instead to chose to obey God. Usually, these situations are when an authority asks you to do something that goes against God's Word, resulting in either choosing to follow the authority or what God says. A few examples of this in the Bible are found in Daniel 3, Daniel 6, and Acts 5. I highly encourage you to check these stories out! Ultimately, as Christians, we should strive to obey God and His Will in our everyday lives (Luke 11:28, John 14:15, Acts 5:29). What are ways you can obey and submit to God today?
Check out a recent sermon on submission in today's context here: youtu.be/II2vbPeHMxc. I'd love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite Bible verses on submission? Share them in the comments section below! By: Chris V Sometimes, we girls don't feel beautiful. We take one look at the mirror and think "Wow. My nose is so big. I wish it looked like that model's on the front cover of Teen Vogue." or "I can't believe my eyebrows look like that!". (I'm definintley guilty of thinking one or two- no, make that more than I can count- of thoughts like that.) Not only does this way of thinking and comparision hurt God (you're basically telling Him (the Creator) He made you (His creation) wrong! Check out Isaiah 64:8.), this way of thinking also opens up door after door of lies about your beauty and worth that Satan so desperately wants you to believe. Thankfully, God put verses in the Bible about our beauty and worth in His eyes. (I highly encourage you to memorize some of these verses!) And you know what? These verses about your beauty and worth are true because God declared it! Are you ready to see some of these verses? Check out five of them below! 1. Psalm 139:14 "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well". 2. Song of Solomon 4:7"You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you". 3. Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them". 4. Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end". 5. 1 Peter 3:4 "...but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious". Girl, You're BEAUTIFUL! You are God's beautiful creation He designed you to be. He already made you beautiful; us girls got this outward beauty part already nailed! I think the Apostle Peter already knew that when he wrote 1 Peter 3:3-4: "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious". Instead of fretting about our outward beauty (e.g. our hair, nails, makeup), we should be focused on our inward beauty (becoming Christlike), which is immensely beautiful (more beautiful than our outward looks!) and very precious in God's eyes. First Samuel 16:7 tells us "...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart". Inward beauty is something that will last for eternity, while external beauty will just fade away. Working on our inward beauty instead of our outer beauty stores up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Now, I'm not saying you can't take the time to have/wear nice, modest clothes, do our makeup, and brush our hair. However, we shouldn't let these things take over our time, mind, and hearts- we shouldn't make an idol out of beauty (Exodus 20:3-4)! Instead, we should keep these things to a minimum, and use that extra time that we will have to work on becoming more Christlike. So, what are some ways we can work on our inward beauty instead of our outward beauty? A few ideas are:
"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is worth to be praised" - Proverbs 31:30 I'd love to hear from you! What are your favorite verses about beauty and your worth in Christ? Tell me in the comments below! By: Chris V It's been two month into the new year! If you're like me, chances are you have already put together a mile-long reading list. Maybe it's even your New Year's resolution to spend less time on technology and/or read more books! This post it going to talk about four Christian books that I have read throughout the past year, and these books are absolutely MUSTS to your 2021 reading list. Real quick before we get started: I just want to remind you that you don't have to spend a lot of money on books. You can look for books at the library, at Goodwill, and on secondhand book sites like Thriftbooks. Save your money! Okay, here's for books that NEED to be on your 2021 reading list! 1. Girl Defined by Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird I absolutely love this book! Kristen and Bethany discuss what it looks like to live your life in biblical womanhood. This is something that is sometimes hard to identify when we look to our culture (which, by the way, tends to shame and do the exact opposite of what the Bible says)to identify how to live in womanhood! Kristen and Bethany paint a clear picture using passages from the Bible that help identify what God-honoring, biblical womanhood looks like. Please add this book to your reading list! 2. Jesus Over Everything By Lisa Whittle I'm going to be honest here: sometimes, it's hard to hand Jesus the keys to your life and trust in Him to drive it. (I should know- I've struggled so much with the sin of trying to control my life instead of living it the way God want me to!) This book was very eye-opening for me because it helped me identify different areas of my life- areas I've never even thought about!- where I was sinfully taking control of my life instead of trusting God and letting him be in control. 3. you're not enough (and that's okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey This book is a book where you definitely need to buckle your seat-belt before you start reading. Allie Beth Stuckey tackles the topic of self-love in our culture, and gives different myths (a.k.a. lies) that the self- love culture may tell you. Like Jesus Over Everything, this book was also very eyeopening. I realized there were several lies I was believing (ex: I'm entitled to what I want and desire in my life) that snuck into my life; lies that were labeled "normal" and typical for a teen girl. DON'T FALL FOR THAT! This book is such a good read, I have no idea what else to say about it other than READ IT!!! 4. You Can Trust God to Write Your Story by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Robert Wolgemuth This book is such an encouragement after seeing all the sin and chaos in our world constantly. In You Can Trust God to Write Your Story, Nancy Demoss and Robert Wolgemuth share real life stories in different circumstances, and even shared a few stories from the Bible. What do these stories throughout the book have in common? They all share the same message: you can trust God and His providence in your life every single day in every single circumstance. After pulling out of a year like 2020 and heading into a future of unknown waters, this is definitely a book to read in 2021! A Gospel- Centered Message A few weeks ago, I was talking to a friend of mine about solid Christian books. One thing that stuck out to me about the conversation was that she was sad to see so many "Christian" books in stores that preach things that weren't Christ-centered: the prosperity gospel, positive thinking, self love, you name it! I think one of my absolute favorite things about the four books listed above is that they are all gospel-centered. They all clearly preach what Christ has done for us on the cross, what it means to turn your life over to Christ and become a Christian, and learning how to grow closer to Christ in your daily walk with him. I highly encourage you to take the time to read the four books above. Who knows? They may be a huge encouragement in your daily walk with Christ!
I'd love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite Christian books to read? Tell me in the comments below! By: Julianna You see it everywhere. The quiet ‘tween girl who always slides in the back row, carefully noting if her outfit fits the day’s style. The feverishly working student, always desperate to get the professor’s attention by having the right answer, getting the best grade in the class. From the inner city kid who joins a gang to “just belong” to the top-level businessman haunted by emptiness, the problem is a strange one to plague our society—considering we have the best educational systems, comforts, medical care, and family structure perhaps the world has ever known. But still, we as Westerners lack purpose and value, instead turning to a thousand ways of “coping with self-hatred”: entertainment, careerism, religiousity, fashion, food and food disorders, alcohol, and self-harm.
Psychologists diagnosis it as low self-esteem. One study claimed that up to 85% of the population struggles from low self-esteem. To fix it, one must think enough positive thoughts to counteract the poison of self-hatred. Self-help books, like this sample from the top bestsellers in 2020, continue to sell in the millions:
Behind the pretty cover designs, the message doesn’t work. In fact, positivity and self-esteem are some of the most ingenuous, subtle, but fatal lies—even demonic. “Now wait,” you might say. “I agree these books might not be coming from a Christian perspective. But how can you call positive thoughts, peace, and thankfulness demonic?” Let’s take a step back. As humans made in the image of God, we have inherent value placed upon us by our Creator. The devil, however, is a mastermind at taking truth and slightly twisting it, utilizing what looks harmless for his own sinister purposes. If he can’t use outright paganism and possession (which can be taboo in a secular society), he’ll suggest more subtle ideas: “You’re created for happiness,” “You’re made in God’s image—so love yourself,” or “God loves you just the way you are.” Why are such statements so tragically false? They undermine the very basis for which we were created, for which the entire universe exists: God’s glory. God created us, not because he needed companionship, but solely as a means by which to display his infinite array of attributes. He created us as men and women to find our fulfillment, satisfaction, meaning, life itself, within a relationship with him. Our dependence on him displays his strength. Our joy in him displays his affection and care as our Father. And even our sin displays the glory of his grace through Christ’s redemption at the cross. In other words, nothing in this universe is about us. It’s all about him. In other words, nothing in this universe is about us. It’s all about him. Pride, the base sin of all sin in our heart, produces the double, Gollum-like personality of self-hatred and self-love that eats away at our being. Whether we’re thinking negative or positive thoughts about ourselves, we stand guilty of that same sin that kicked Satan from heaven and Adam and Eve from the garden. For all along, we were never made to look inward, either in groveling despair or attention-craving confidence. If the Spirit is at work, that news should be devastating. That means my greatest attempts at self-humiliation, “I am a worm” attitude is as great as a sin as boasting and self-righteousness. No amount of my own effort to humble myself (believe me, I tried it for years) will produce anything but more self-focus, more pride. The only answer is the gospel, which has a Copernican-Revolution effect on the human heart. But like in Copernicus’ day, we can’t bear to think that the universe doesn’t revolve around us on planet earth but the sun. The simple, but painfully offensive, message of the gospel is look away from self to Christ. Renounce all self-righteousness, religion, morals, and goodness and accept his righteousness as the one who died in our place. That simple act of faith is the death of self-esteem. Practically, what does this look like? After all, the issues of mental health, self-harm, depression, and identity issues are so widespread we are bound to know someone struggling if not in the battle ourselves. How can I encourage others to stop thinking about self and look to Christ?
We were made to be small, and God large. Any other arrangement not only robs God of the glory he deserves, it also brings ruin to our lives. The gospel gives God such glory through stripping us of any credit and rewriting the story to be all about him. Of course, the devil hates a gospel about God’s glory, so instead, he has manufactured a subterfuge gospel: the gospel of self-esteem and positive thinking. Tragically, his lies have wrecked the church, wrecked “Christian counseling” (much less secular counseling), and wrecked the victims of this false gospel. After the millions of self-help books sold, it was one lonesome man in the desert, wearing camel skin and eating locust, who said the only words that will fix man’s problems: “he must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). The original blog post appears on Julianna's blog Whole Hearted. You can check it out by clicking the link here. Used with permission. By: Julianna Merry Christmas, guys! I just wanted to pop in real quick and tell you about something super cool! Are you ready? Julianna has been writing some amazing advent blog posts on her blog Whole Hearted! I highly encourage you to check them out after reading this repost from her series of advent posts. You can find them here. Happy reading! - Chris V
Search the entire world, and you will find no love comparable to the act of the incarnation: God Himself suffering as a man in order to reconcile those who hated him. And yet, I am often oblivious. It’s not that I don’t know about God’s love as put on display in the Christmas story, but that I haven’t let the reality of it sink in. Or more often, I’m allowing the busyness of life to keep me from dealing with the nagging questions of doubt: If God is sovereign and he loves me, why hasn’t he fixed this problem in my life? Why is He giving others what I don’t have? Those questions—questions I am learning to identify as lies—cannot be shoved aside or buried beneath the accumulating pile of life. It takes courage to bare my soul before God, face these questions as the temptations they really are, and then wrestle with God until He enables me to fully rest in both His sovereignty and love, even if circumstances never change. My encouragement this advent is to come face to face with God—and refuse to let Him go until you’ve come away with a deeper understanding of His love. It is far too easy to be caught up in the busyness, all the while what started as a few nagging questions becomes lies that take over our hearts. God’s love has been poured out abundantly through His son coming to earth. Not only that, but for those of us who have looked to Christ for salvation, His love has been set specifically on us. Christ’s coming, the baby in the manger whose story surrounds us at Christmas, is proof of that love. The original blog post appears on Julianna's blog Whole Hearted. You can check it out at https://juliannawrites.blog/2020/12/16/day-18-advent-and-gods-love/. By: Chris V Once upon a time in a small town not so far away, there lived a Christian girl named Janna. Janna absolutely loved Christmas! Seeing the lights, smelling festive candles, wrapping Christmas presents, watching Christmas specials, and of course, drinking as many peppermint mochas as she could made Janna feel very happy. Most important of all, Janna loved to celebrate Jesus's birth with her family and friends. Everything seemed perfect, except... wait, where was Prince Charming? Janna wished she had a guy to do fun, romantic Christmas things with, like she saw in the Hallmark Christmas special she watched the other day. Soon, Janna started to focus on- no, obsess- over wishing she had a boyfriend to spend the holidays with. Janna became so obsessed with wishing she had a boyfriend, she started to lose sight of the purpose and real reason for the Christmas season: Jesus Christ. Are you able to relate to Janna? Have you ever become obsessed with wishing you had a guy to spend Christmas with, so much you've started to lose sight of Christ during the Christmas season? We've all been there at one point in our lives. So how can we girls keep our thoughts on Christ this holiday season instead of the guy under the mistletoe? Check out the five ideas below! 1. Listen to Christ-Centered Christmas Music It's hard to keep your mind off romantic daydreams when all you can hear is "All I Want For Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey. Instead of listening to Christmas music filled with romance and longings (ex: "Last Christmas", "Underneath the Tree"), swap it for Christ-centered Christmas music. Some ideas are For King and Country's album A Drummer Boy Christmas, Mandisa's album It's Christmas, and TobyMac's album Christmas in Diverse City. 2. Avoid Romantic Christmas Movies 'Tis the season for Hallmark marathons! (I'm going to be honest, I'm one of those people who makes fun of these predicable, sappy romance movies.) Unfortunately, instead of keeping our minds off Christmas romances, watching romantic Christmas movies do the exact opposite. Instead of watching the newest Hallmark Christmas romance this year, swap it for fun, non-romantic movies like The Star, The Polar Express, and A Garfield Christmas Special. 3. Spend more time in God's Word! Spend more time in your Bible this holiday season! Take the time to read the Christmas story at the beginning of Matthew and Luke. (Check out the December Bible reading plan post from a few weeks ago here for ideas on where to read in your Bible.) Also, don't limit yourself to what areas you read in your Bible this holiday season! 4. Spend time with gal friends Even though you may not be able to have an in-person Christmas party, you can still have one over Zoom with all your gal friends! Some fun ideas to do for a Christmas Zoom party is an ugly sweater contest, unmuting your mics and singing Christmas hymns, and sharing favorite Christmas memories! 5. Spend time serving others! When you're focused on serving others, it's hard to keep your mind on yourself! Not only that, but Jesus came onto this earth "...not to be served, but to serve..." (Mark 10:45). What better way to show Christ's love to others than to serve them this holiday season? Some ideas are:
Spend time this holiday season focused on Christ- the real reason for the Christmas season. We'd love to hear from you! What are some other ways to keep your mind on Christ instead of on guys and romance this holiday season? Tell us in the comments below!
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