Scripture Snack: Power to Break Every Chain

I was reading my Bible last night, and this passage really stood out to me. It's from John 8:31-38.

'So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

They answered Him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill Me because My word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father."'

How amazing are these verses?! 

Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 

Some of us might think, you know what? I'm a pretty good person. I don't do drugs, I don't smoke, I'm nice to my mom. I'm sorry, but no. There are some sins that people can see (such as doing drugs and smoking), but there are also other sins that no one can see but God..the ones that are hidden in the dark corners of your heart. Sins such as pride, jealousy, and selfishness. No matter how good we may think we are, we are all sinners. 

Also, you might be on the other side of the coin. You might be struggling with addiction. You've tried to quit  so many times, but it's just so hard, and you keep going back. Or, you've been struggling with a particular sin in your life, and you can't seem to get rid of it on your own. You're in chains. 

The amazing thing about this passage is that it doesn't matter what sin you're struggling with or what kind of chain you have (everyone has a different chain), there is power in the name of Jesus..and He can set you free! 

In my own life, I struggled with fear for many years. Years ago, people who were very close to me died very suddenly, and also very tragically. Their deaths had a huge impact on me- I became crippled with fear. Every time my mom went to the grocery store, I'd fear that she would get into a car accident and I'd never see her again. Fear had a grip on me. I was in chains.

Then, one day, I decided to open my Bible and I told God, here's Your chance to speak to me. And He did!

Through several passages of Scripture, God showed me that He is the Giver of Life, the Creator of all things, He is powerful and mighty, and Sovereign.

(These are some of the passages: 1 Samuel 5:1-5; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Daniel 1:4,17-20, ch 3+6).

God loosened my chains and set me free. Praise God!

When I went to Cambodia in the summer of 2011, I was teaching Bible class one day on the subject of fear. I asked the kids in my class, what is something they fear. I got all sorts of answers- snakes, spiders, heights. But one boy said he was scared of evil spirits (which is not uncommon in Cambodia. Many believe in evil spirits there). God, after working in my heart and life, and after setting me free, had given me the opportunity to fly across the world to Cambodia, and share with this little boy that he doesn't have to fear evil spirits, because there is One who is Greater and more Powerful than any evil spirit- and that is the One True God, my Savior Jesus Christ. 

Today, I just want you to be encouraged. There is power in the name of Jesus. Jesus can break any chain and set you free! 

Jesus said that anyone who practices sin is a slave to sin...but He also said that He can set you free. Abide in the truth, and the truth will set you free. My friends, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He will set you free.

Be blessed,

Anna

I was thinking about the verses I read last night, today, and this song came to mind. So fitting.

Natural Makeup Remover: Olive Oil

When it comes to makeup and beauty, we tend not to think about all the chemicals we`re putting on our faces when we put on makeup. So, rather than use more chemicals to take off my makeup (which can be expensive!), I really would just use soap and water (gasp!)..When I learned that might be too harsh for the skin, I looked up some other natural solutions..and I discovered olive oil.

There are countless beneifts to olive oil. It is so good for your skin and your hair. There really are no downsides.. and it is so easy and gentle to use as a makeup remover (not to mention, it works great!). Once I tried it, I never went back. I`ve been using olive oil as a makeup remover ever since.

What You`ll Need:

• a few tablespoons of olive oil
• little glass jar or bowl
• cotton pads or toilet paper

What You Do:

1. Pour a few tablespoons of olive oil into the glass jar or bowl
2. Then, under some warm water, lightly wet the cotton pad or toilet paper wad and squeeze out the excess water (just needs to be damp..Don`t soak it)
3. Then, dip the cotton pad or toilet paper into the jar or bowl of olive oil (you really don`t need a lot..so don`t soak it)
4. Gently wipe your eyes and face 

The makeup comes off so easily and your face feels so soft afterwards!

If you want, you can rinse your face off with water afterwards. 

I do this myself everyday. I love the healthy glow it gives me, as well as how soft it makes my skin feel. It`s a great moisturizer. And I feel really good about the fact that I`m not putting any harmful chemicals on my face.

If you try it, let me know what you think! :)

-Anna

MIA

I know I have been MIA (missing in action) for the last few months... and I apologize!

I have been crazy busy with school (I am now officially done my undergrad)...yay! =D 
I cannot even express how happy I am to be done with the essays, exams, and readings.

Big shout out to God for giving me the strength to get through these last four years, and another big shout out to my family for all their encouragement, support, and help. For all the edited essays, rides to and from school, and prayers. 

I got into the teachers college of my choice, which is another answer to prayer (thank you, God!). 

I am looking forward to the future and all that it holds.

I am so excited to start blogging again =) 

I'll be updating soon.

-Anna 

Scripture Snack: Storms in Life

Luke 8:22-24
``One day Jesus and His disciples got into a boat. He said to them, `Let`s cross to the other side of the lake.` So they started out. As they were sailing along, Jesus fell asleep. A violent storm came across the lake. The boat was taking on water, and they were in danger. They went to Him, woke Him up, and said, `Master! Master! We`re going to die!` Then He got up and ordered the wind and waves to stop. The wind stopped and the sea became calm.``

By this point, the disciples have witnessed countless miracles performed by Jesus. They have followed alongside Him,learning from Him, and witnessing the great power Jesus possesses.  However, when a violent storm comes along, they cower in fear and run to Jesus.

In your life, storms will come your way (if you haven`t already experienced one..you will!). There`s no way of avoiding them. The most important thing, though, is who or where you will turn to when it does.

Many people turn to drugs or alcohol. Others turn to despair and become depressed. 

A few years ago, a very mighty storm came towards me. A good friend of my family`s was killed in a terrible accident. A few months later, my grandpa died. I took both events really hard. Rather than turn to God, I turned away from Him because I was upset at Him. I look back and think that those were the darkest times in my life.
But through it all, God was pursuing me, calling me back to Him..and telling me He still loves me and wants to be in a relationship with me (crazy,eh?! how amazing!!). 

Unlike the disciples, I didn`t turn to Jesus when my storm came. But I`ve learned my lesson.

Just like the disciples, I learned that God is powerful. He is able to calm the storm. He is also with you during the storm. So you don`t have to be afraid and you don`t have to worry. Just have faith.

So when a storm of life comes your way, remember that God is with you through it all. You don`t have to be afraid. Instead, turn to Him and cling to Him.

Be blessed!

-Anna