Monday, April 28, 2014

Emma's Thoughts Devotional: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

This is a question I've heard asked A LOT! I have asked myself this before too. I have come up with a theory! But these are MY OPINIONS! Take them or leave them I just thought I would share! Please no one take offense!

1. What is a "good person"?

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. {John 1:8}

If you ask me if I am a good person I would probably answer something like "yeah I mean I'm not horrible" but the truth is I am! I am a sinner that should not be worthy of heaven. Only by God's grace am I forgiven. So I don't know a "good person" I do know lots of wonderful people saved by God's grace.

I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." {Psalms 16:2}


2. Are These Things Punishments or Faith Builders?

Yes, God does punish us but when you ask "Why do bad things happen to good people" you kind of imply they did nothing to deserve this but they are being punished. Not so! I know when my bestfriend was almost killed in a motorcycle accident that it was one of the biggest faith changers. Even though it hurt me more than words can express I got to see God move! Through the prayers in the waiting room, the milestones she reached, the comfort in my heart that only God (no earthly doctor) could provide. Even though these things hurt REALLY bad and they don't always end for the best these are often the things that shake us up and bring us back to Him.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.{James 1:3}

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.{James 1:12}

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. {1Peter 5:10}


So I hope maybe this helped you or you just enjoyed hearing my thoughts and convictions! Have a lovely day! 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. {Romans 12:12}

XOXO,
Emma 

Friday, April 25, 2014

I KNOW! IT'S CRAZY!

I AM ACTUALLY 15... I know I act like a 12 year old but no mean jokes! Okay? Okay.

My piano recital is in 10 days. MY piano recital is in 10 days. MY *starts breathing fast* PIANO RECITAL IS IN *starts hyperventilating* 10 DAAAYYYYSSSS *passes out from panic*

SCHOOL IS OUT IN 2 WEEKS AHHHHHH SO EXCITED

I'm going to be in 10th grade next year... OHMYGOODNESS YALL I CAN'T BE THAT OLD... how did I not fail school.....

I SAW MATTHEW WEST IN CONCERT I CAN'T EVEN EXPLAIN HOW AMAZING IT WAS (actually I didn't know who he was until after I heard him and I was like "Oh he's the one who writes all my favorite songs..." <seriously I DID NOT KNOW WHO WROTE MY FAVORITE SONGS *and he wrote most of them!*) Is it strange I have his signed poster over my bed?.... *ITS JUST BECAUSE IT WAS THE ONLY AVAILABLE NAIL IN MY ROOM I'M NOT THAT CREEPY! AND ACTUALLY IT'S MY SISTERS BED CAUSE I DON'T WANT IT TO FALL AND KILL ME WHEN I SLEEP.*

I want to spend all my time outside! If you know me well you know I'm not an outdoors person (and Mississippi weather isn't an easy place to be outside a lot!) But lately the weather has been GORGEOUS!

I am actually taking the time to blog! I know you are all shocked! Haha!

Have a great day! TTFN!