Caroline Grace

“WORD OF THE WEEK” with Caroline Grace

———–(Devotional #5) ——————-

(August 2012 – Back to School Blog)

———–( Devotional #4) ——————-

——–(Devotional #3) ———-

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Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Always do what you are afraid to do.” I know you are probably thinking “What does that really mean?” I think it means to reach outside your comfortable zone and doing something to help others, even if it is difficult to do.

As Christians, we need to reach out to others even if it means feeling uncomfortable so others don’t have to. One way to do that is to reach out to people, share personal experiences and proclaim your faith. God’s put us on this planet to share his glory and fame. So … don’t be afraid to tell other people about cool bible verses you come across or personal experiences with the Lord.

I know sometimes you might feel embarrassed to reach out to others because you’re afraid of what your friends may think. I have had similar feelings of doubt. Just remember, Jesus condemns those who judge and God is the creator of everything.

Without Him there would be nothing. Mark 15:16 says, “Go into the world and preach the Gospel to all creation,” and Mark 13:10 says, “The Gospel must be proclaimed to all nations.” Even if preaching the gospel is not in your comfort zone, branch out. Don’t be afraid. Remember, God is always with you so there is no need to fear.
Weekly Challenge: Tell someone about your faith! Friends and family do not count. Reach out to a total stranger (with your parents permission) and tell them about God!

———— (Devotional #2) ———————–

TODAY

Psalm 118:24 says,  “This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it“. I know we have all heard this verse probably a billion times, but have we really been listening to what it says?

Have you ever heard the term Carpe Diem? It means to seize the day. In other words, it means live life to its fullest. Remember #YOLO! (you only live once). Jesus was never aware of what time it was. He never anticipated anything. He only lived in the moment. He focused on the obstacles that God put into his life and did not worry about Satan trying to interfere.

Sometimes we can get really worked up about future or past events. We get so caught up that we forget to be present in the moment, like Jesus was. Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Pretty self explanatory: just live in the moment and model yourself after Jesus.

Donate $1 to your local newspaper stand, pick up trash on the side of the road, the possibilities are endless. And because life can get pretty complicated, always ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” He would be present in the moment. He would embrace every situation that he encountered: good or bad, because you can always help someone else or learn in bad situations. You don’t need to worry about what God has planned for you next. Just live with no regrets.

What if today was your last day?

Would you be able to look back at your life and be proud?

———-(Devotional #1) ————

FEAR

Fear is a distressing emotion aroused by danger, evil, discomfort and the unknown. Don’t we use these same words to describe Satan? I think yes!

Constantly, Satan is trying to beat us down by putting fear into our lives. For example, you’re fearful of the dark at night, you’re fearful of your mom’s reaction when she sees a poor grade, or maybe you’re fearful of growing up and continuing on your journey with God. It is normal to be fearful. I, myself, am fearful of many things.

One of my biggest fears is being alone! I always like to be surrounded by company. Although this world has many distractions that can scare us and cause fear, we need not to worry because God is always in control. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’” God guides us through every step we take in life. He always has our back. No matter what situation we’re in, God will be there to help us. Psalm 115:11 says, “You who fear him, trust in the Lord — he is your help and shield!”

God covers us with a strong shield made of his love and mercy. Isn’t this reassuring? Jesus was constantly aware of God’s assurance. Jesus was never fearful. He trusted in God and lived in the moment. It is our job to be like Him and try our best to live in the moment, and not fear. I want to challenge you all to think of God next time you are scared. When we are stressed, it is easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about God. In reality, you should rely on Him, because you will always be safe when he is holding your hand.

-Caroline Grace