The Heart of Man

Intellect:

1. Thinks-Genesis 6:5
2. Believes-Romans 10:10
3. Understands-Matthew 13:15

Converted by faith-Romans 10:17, Romans 1:16, Acts 15:9

Affection

1. Desires-Romans 10:1-3
2. Loves-Mark 12:30
3. Trusts-Proverbs 3:5

Converted by repentance- John 14:15, James 4:8, II Corinthians 7:10

Wills

1. Intends-Hebrews 4:12
2. Purposes-II Corinthians 9:7
3. Obeys-Romans 6:16-18

Converted by baptism-Romans 6:17-18, Romans 6:1-5, I Peter 1:22

All the parts of the heart are involved in the conversion process. Becoming a Christian isn't what you do because it FEELS like something you're supposed to do or based simply on emotion. Becoming a Christian is a change of heart. A change of the WHOLE heart. Through hearing the word, repenting of sin, and being baptized for the remission of those sins. Don't listen to the world and think that being a believer in God and His Word is unintelligent. That is simply not true. 

How to Avoid Being a Fence Straddler

• Take time to be holy (II Timothy 2:15)
• Develop a good prayer life (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Choose friends wisely (I Corinthians 15:33)
• Set priorities (Matthew 6:33)
• Just do it! (James 1:8)
• Accept personal responsibility (Numbers 32:23)
• Get rid of the clutter (Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Grow up! (II Peter 1:5-7)
• Be true to yourself (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
• Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Adapted from the book "Straddling the Fence" by Anita Whitaker

Beautiful YOU.

I want you all to read this and start believing it!!!

happy Wednesday, girls.

-C

How to Live a Happy Life!

• Be content (Philippians 4:11)
• Learn to forgive (Luke 6:37)
• Esteem others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3-4)
• Consider the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-29)
• Develop a good sense of humor (Proverbs 15:13)
• Get a life! (James 4:14)
• Find your niche (Romans 12:4-5)
• Don't forget you're a woman (Genesis 2:22)
• Never give up on God (Hebrews 13:5-6)
• Be a real Christian! (Romans 12:2)

This list was adapted from the book "Straddling the Fence" by Anita Whitaker

Easy Evangelism Ideas (New!)

• When you make denominational friends look for opportunities to begin a conversation by asking a question such as “I’ve been wondering what your church teaches a person to do in order to go to heaven,” or “Who was your speaker at that youth event last weekend?” or “How old were you when you ‘got saved?’” Questions like these are great study starters. Imagine how the conversation might go from there and try to prepare accordingly by individual study or talking with a parent, youth minister or older mentor.

• When you attend lectureships/gospel meetings pick up business cards/material to pass out to your friends or just leave them on the table when you go out to eat. Some I would recommend are The Light Network, Apologetics Press, Focus Press & The Gospel Broadcasting Network. Also check with your local congregation about this type material; they may keep this type of information in stock or they might decide to.

5 People You Should Be Following

If someone were to look at your followers on Twitter, what would they learn about you? Would they find that you are obsessed with Hollywood celebrities? Would they see you following others who constantly use foul language or the Lord’s name in vain? Or would they notice how carefully you choose those you follow? Our social media is not a place where we can go and leave our Christianity at home. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or whatever your social media preference are opportunities for us to share our faith, be godly examples and encourage others. By using Philippians 4:8 as our standard before we click that follow button, we can be sure that are filling our newsfeeds (and therefore our minds) with things Christians should be thinking on.

Social media can be a powerful (& fun) tool for us if we use it properly. Here are 5 people who always strive to do just that. 

1. Us! We are striving to share great article links, quotes & Bible verses with you. 
2. MarliReese. A single Christian blogger who is always sharing a positive thought or verse.
3. Apologetics Press. A work dedicated to the defense of New Testament Christianity.
4. Adam Faughn. Youth Minister/Preacher. Husband. Father. We live in Nashville, Tennessee, and love to encourage all to love and serve Christ.
5. Kathy Pollard. follower of Christ, wife of Neal, mother of OhBrother, blogger, baker, tea-lover, Bible-marker, reader, hopeful author

Links to Love

The Royal Family - Who isn't just a little fascinated with the Royal family? I know I am and I've found a kindred spirit. Emily Hatfield is a tiny bit fascinated with them as well...so much so that she is doing a podcast that...well, just read her own words...
"The premise of the show is simple: who doesn’t adore those lovable Brits? Will and Kate? Super adorable and mildly relatable. Prince George? Full on cuteness monster. Queen Mum? Precious and hilarious and always keeping it classy. Fortunately for me, with each of those names, a mental image came up in your mind, because really, who doesn’t know something about the royal family? We probably all know something, and some of us probably know a whole lot. Because we’re stalkerazzi, let’s be real.
While I love the bunch across the pond, my greater concern is for the royal family that I’m a part of, that all Christians are part of, and that’s the royal family of God. We are called heirs, we get crowns—sounds pretty legit to me. And, it sounds pretty parallel to the earthly kingdom we see in the British Monarchy. So that’s exactly what we’ll be doing: paralleling those lovable Brits to the truly important and eternal royal family."
This podcast is awesome. The episodes are short and easy to listen to and once you start you will be hooked. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

God's Handiwork - While we're talking about Emily...have you looked at her blog featuring God's Handiwork? Emily had the opportunity to visit several countries (most mentioned in the Bible) and she shares her journey with us through articulate wording and beautiful pictures. Take a moment to visit her blog and travel to another place and time.

From the Mouths of Teen Girls  - The following comments were made by Christian teen girls at an out-of-state retreat.  They were asked some questions in a very casual setting.  I was just an observing visitor, but I was struck by their determination and sincerity so I started writing down their answers...

Southern Snow  - If you watched the news within the past few weeks, no doubt you've seen the south get hammered (rather unexpectedly) with winter weather. You may have even been right in the middle of it. This link is nothing but pictures taken in and around Birmingham, AL. Looking at these photos and reading the story about Chick-fil-A's generosity will warm your harm and remind you that there are still some good people out there.