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1 Cor 10:13

“But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it.”

Note to self: You can't please everyone, and you don't have to.

TheCheekyChesk

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What do horror movies do to you spiritually?

Movies are a powerful medium, and they have a profound impact on culture. And the sad truth is that many movies these days, including those outside the scary “horror” genre, are either completely antithetical to Christian values or at the very least are at odds with God’s divine standard of holiness. As for most horror movies, their “entertainment” value often lies in their ability to titillate our youthful desire to be scared witless. The gruesome means by which moviemakers attempt to shock our consciences usually involves an abundance of carnage and bloodshed. The problem is, however, that it takes more and more to shock seared consciences these days, which means the level of depravity is continually on the rise to accommodate our increasing desensitization to hard-core gore and evil. All things considered, true Christians would likely find it difficult to enjoy the majority of today’s horror movies.

Let’s consider the horror movies that delve into the supernatural realm with a particular focus on demonic activity. Scripture makes it clear that our earthly struggle is “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Christians are keenly aware of the evil reality of demons and how every moment of their very real existence is spent trying to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10) or to otherwise separate us from our Savior. As such, this is a subject that should hardly be taken lightly; neither should it be considered a form of “entertainment.” If something would offend Jesus Christ, it should offend His children in whom His Holy Spirit resides.

As we mature in our Christian walk, sin and evil should bother us more and more all the time. We are to be beacons of light in an ever-darkening world, striving to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Scripture tells us to be moral and pure, abhorring what is evil and to have our minds focused on things which are noble and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), and that “whatever [we] do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). These verses should guide us daily in everything we do, including the movies we choose to see. How can it be possible to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) when we are at a horror movie laden with murder and mayhem and, essentially, being entertained by the very sins that Jesus Christ died for?

Now, notwithstanding the above, it should be noted that there are some Christian moviemakers who actually produce horror movies, albeit not the bloodlettings referred to above. Realizing that evil is a very real part of our existence on earth, they feel it is not only possible but responsible to make a horror movie that accurately depicts the reality of the dark forces of evil with which Christians’ constantly struggle. Certainly if such a movie could help the audience appreciate the depth of our worldly struggle between good and evil, then such a movie could indeed be congruent with a Christian paradigm. Better yet, how beneficial would it be if such a movie could even point to our need for a Savior?

In deciding what movies to watch, perhaps it would be wise to heed the words of the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 emphasis added). As Christians, we of course know that the Spirit of Christ resides in our hearts (Romans 8:9). He is with us wherever we go. What if, however, rather than occupying a place in our heart, Jesus Christ walked beside us so that we could literally see Him every moment of the day? What effect would this have on our behavior? What if when we went to the movies, for example, we saw Jesus Christ sitting beside us – watching the movie that we took Him to? Knowing the divine character of our holy and sinless Savior, and knowing the sanctity He places on the very life He died to give us, what sort of movie would we feel comfortable taking Him to? God bless you! Maranatha!!! :):)

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You don’t meet people by accident.

(via motivated-mindset)

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ABC Lettering Essentials: Materials

I’ve been constantly asked about the materials I use as a hand letterer, and while I have shared some of the weapons of mass creation that make my lettering pieces come alive, I’m doing an update to let you guys in on some tools I currently use. A year of freelancing has opened many opportunities for me to further enhance my craft and know which materials are essential for my work. Although it’s only been a year and I have more to learn, I hope this post will be adequate enough for aspiring letterers out there who are planning to start this out as a hobby. Freelancing at a young age is hard, promise - I’m not discouraging you, but it took a lot of effort to work especially if you’re like me who started this thing as a student. I suggest taking it slow first and making it a hobby to not put too much pressure on yourself. Anyway, I’m not here to sermon about lettering in general so let’s move on to the materials I use. :)

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Serving God would make you leave your comfort zone.

via TheCheekyChesk

Obey NOW, Understand LATER

There comes a time when I am being moved by the situation- being moved AWAY from God’s wisdom that I start to make my own decisions. It’s the time when worry starts to crumple your faith, leaving you feeling hopeless inside.

I’ve been into a very well-known company here in Phil. Yes, it was, at least, a privilege for me to be a part of this company. It was a good start. I’ve learned many things from my co-workers, and at the same time, God had used this company to mold me into a more "improvised” version of myself.

A time came when they have decided to promote me and extend my contract for another 6 months. Being promoted in my dream company is a total blessing!

Until a memorandum was delivered by the management stating contractuals would no longer be promoted since there is a major problem the company was facing that time. Bc of that, they offered me a position with a fixed rating (yes, no payment for OTs). They even let me sign a contract stating the length of my stay in the company (12 months). I’d really wanted to be a part of that company. Hey, it’s my dreeeaaaam!!! But half of me says I don’t want to be bound by that contract. It’s like a clam enclosed to its shell; like a lion imprisoned in a den.

I then discussed this matter to my leader. He instructed me to let go of that company and find another job. If it’s God’s will for me to stay in that company, then there should be no pressure at all.

I started to question God why this is happening to me. Worry starts to occupy my mind, “What should I do now? Is there still a company that would hire me? How long will I find another job?”. Instead of trusting God in His ways, I let worry drown my being. I let fear sink into my soul.

After a week, another company has hired me. This is not as popular or as big as the first one. But I would say I’m getting a lot of favor from this company. My boss allows me to leave for a couple of days to attend my church activities--which are very relevant for my spiritual growth. The people are also easy to get along with. Since my workplace is nearby the church, I am able to go there as early as I can.

God’s plan is not really the way we wanted it to be. But as you follow His lead, understanding will surely take place. This situation had taught me to TRUST in God more as I walk closely with Him. :)