Summary Of Measuring Up (49th Post)

1 Thessalonians 5:5-11-"For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can living with him forever. So ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER and BUILD EACH OTHER UP, just as you are already doing."

God has called me to do a summary of all the verses He's had me go over and share about in this blog for the 49Th post. In case some of you were wondering, I got off Febook, because it was too distracting to me, taking up too much time, and I didn't need it. So, since I can't post a link to this on facebook anymore, if you really like my posts, please share them with people!!! I would really appreciate it. Also, e-mail me if you have any ideas for posts. My next posts are going to be over the Lord's Prayer.

PROVERBS 31:30-"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

God knows that true beauty comes from the inside. Why focus on outer appearance that is here for a little while, and then fades away? Focus on God, and He will make you beautiful inside and out. Even today, strive to be a Proverbs 31 Woman: "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'"-Proverbs 31:25-29 written by Solomon, inspired by God. :)

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7-"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

At K-West this summer when I was there, (that is a Christian Athletics summer camp) a kid got to go up in front of everyone and talk about the importance of the Bible in his life. One of his favorite scriptures was 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and he said if everyone followed just these four verses of the Bible, just think about how much different our world would be...Strive to live these verses out today and always by loving everyone you know. Love is so important to God, he says it is the greatest!!! He is love! 1 Corinthians 13:13-"Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."

1 TIMOTHY 4:12-"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believer in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

This verse speaks loudly to those who have felt like they are too small to make a difference. Take heart!!! We can do whatever God calls us to do by obeying Him, knowing His Word, and trusting Him to strengthen and help us-no matter who we are or how old we are. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish is work so that you many be mature and complete not lacking anything."-James 1:2-4 'Perseverance is KEY!!!'

BE ON GUARD-Proverbs 4:20-23-"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. GUARD your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

Guard what you see. (Psalm 101:3) Guard what you hear. (2 Timothy 1:13) Guard what you drink. (Proverbs 20:1) Guard what you speak. (Colossians 4:6) Guard your touch. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) Guard your mind. (Philippians 4:8) Above all else, GUARD YOUR HEART. (Proverbs 4:23) As Christians, we are called to be on guard against the enemy in every way, and not to let him enter into our hearts and minds. God is the best bodyguard ever!!! :)

EPHESIANS 6:13-17-"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Shoes of peace? Check. Body armor of God's righteousness? Check. Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword?(Hebrews 4:12) Check! Sure, the devil is strong, but God is stronger!!! He loves us so much, that even though He allows us to be tempted, He also always provides a way for us to say, 'No thanks, Satan. I'll choose to obey God.' If you want to stay planted in a relationship with God, put on the armor that He gives you through faith and through the Holy Spirit, and you will be victorious! Matthew 12:28-29-"But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger--someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house." Christ has overcome Satan!!! Thanks to Him, we are free! :)

Have a great day!!! Thanks for reading. Keep Measuring up. You are loved!
-Jenna Hampton
with a lot of encouragement from others, and answered prayers from God, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.