I think the Lord has been trying to get a message across to me lately. Almost every sermon that I've heard, or Bible verse or devotional that I've read has carried a common theme. Not conforming to the ways of the world. In Romans 12:2 the Bible says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." With all the excitment of college coming, I've noticed how easily I push God aside. I've been letting the internet, my obsession with all my new things, and even fears of the school workload consume my mind.
In the real world, and in college, I know that I'm going to encounter a lot of
other views that will try to drag me under. This world has got so much evil in it, that sometimes its hard for us to stand up against it. In college, there are a lot of new things. I know that there is drinking, drugs, sex, atheism, cheating and things that I know that God doesn't want me to get into. It would be the easy thing to not study, stop reading my Bible and going to church, get into partying...but thats the thing. Being a Christian and standing up for the Lord isn't the easy thing.In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego wouldn't let the ways of this world overtake them. King Neb (Nebuchadnezzar) wanted everyone to bow down to his idols and worship them. But the these three guys knew that God was their only God. King Neb told them that the penalty would be death, but they refused to bow down to the idols. So the king decided to throw them into a firing furance! But guess what? God heard Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's prayers and He sent an angel to save them! How cool is that? God knows that a lot of time the right thing is the hard thing, but He is right here holding our hands and saying, "It's alright! I'm here and I'm not going to let you go." And after the king saw that an angel had rescued them, he praised God and declared that the people should worship Him! What an awesome testimony! Don't you think?
I think God's been trying to prepare me for college, and asking me to do what is right and stand up for Him, even when all are against me. When we stand before God on judgement day, the sweetest thing He will ever say is"Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Because if God is for us, then who could be against us?
Beautiful, Kasey! We will be praying for you, for God to give you wisdom, for Him to provide you with good friends when you need them, for you to be able to ward off those evils in the world and see the truth, to allow you to be His light and to be able to maintain your wonderful attitude. God will always provide you with the door, and it will be up to you to use it. We love you, and you will be missed while you are at college.
ReplyDeleteTrevor
Wow, that's quite amazing how you laid it all out. To think that I'm going to College next year is also a scary thought! However, like you said, all of those temptations will be there and it is only if we decide to welcome them in. College is an evil place, no longer like it was back in the older days where only a few were selected to the University, now it is for everyone! I pray that the Lord will guide you in your steps and keep you safe from all the harm and sinful desires. Not to plug in this world, but to plug out of it. To be in the world, but not of it! Remember those words, and keep God's Word grounded within your mind, stay away from evil, and the reward will be far greater than you ever can imagine-just hearing the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" We can't be faithful if we slip n' slide ever so often. Know that God is always watching and always with you! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kasey,
ReplyDeleteThanks for following my blog! I am so glad that you were encouraged in your stay. Just curious, how did you find me?
I really enjoyed reading through your blog and hearing about your trip to Peru! Because I'm interested in mission work and trips, I really liked reading and learning all about yours...
I look forward to future posts!
In Christ Alone,
Josh
Kasey,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add:
Yes, standing up for the Lord and staying strong in your convictions will not be an easy thing to do. However, know that I will keep you in my prayers! I will pray that God continues to draw you closer to Himself, than ever before. And that you would shine as a light in the world of darkness...
Blessings,
Josh
Josh,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your prayers! I appreciate them so much. I found your blog when I was reading "Feelin Femminine." I think they had a link to your blog or something, so I decided to check it out! I pray that the Lord will keep you strong even amongst the evil of this world. My prayers are with you as well.
In Christ,
Kasey