Re-Evaluating Life

   Recently I've gotten into the habit of going to my iPod first thing after meals, school, etc and playing games on my iPod- a lot, instead of building relationships and doing something productive or for the Kingdom of God.
   So, a week or two ago, I was lying on the couch playing Candy Crush when my older sister's music drifts into the room I was in. And these two lines just touched me. I sat up straight and threw down my iPod as I listened. The song simply said: 

                                   This is your life/Are you who you wanna be 
                                          (From This is Your Life by Switchfoot)​

     That was just what I needed to hear right then. I was being so self-centered, so "me me me" all the time, so quick to being aggravated, and deep down, I knew that wasn't who I wanted to be. I wanted to do God's will- whatever that may be. If He called me to North Korea, I'm gonna do my best and go. Honestly, I don't really have a dream in life- except to do God's will. I am His servant. I am His. I owe my life to Him.  And I'm not saying that having a dream in life is bad. It's not! However, Matthew 16:24 does say, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (italics added). But, it could also be God's will for you to fulfill that goal/dream in your life- and to do it for God's glory, too! 

   Hearing that song was a big turning point for me. I've been feeling like I was going backwards in life instead of moving forward in faith for a while now. It didn't use to be like this- I think something changed after I turned thirteen or something. 😞 After hearing that song, I did well for that day... and then went back to living life like a "normal teenager." I must confess- I haven't been the best Christian example recently. Maybe it's the stress of school starting again, or the fact that I won't be able to act for a whole year (I LOVE acting and filming), but I know that's no excuse, and I'm sorry.
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    I've been reading the book series Left Behind about the end times in a Christian's point of view for a while now. I was required to write a summary about a book/movie I really liked for a class I was in, so I chose that series. In it I wrote all about "living for today" which I do very much believe in, but at the time, I don't think even my own words really registered with me. But last night, as I was praying, the Holy Spirit reminded me about living for today and not for tomorrow, or next week, or next year. We don't know when Jesus is coming back, but we do have to be ready. I don't want Him to come back and find me playing endless games of Candy Crush.  I have to live for today. Today. Be the best person you can be and love like there's no tomorrow. Serve like there's no tomorrow. And live for JESUS. 

    This week I challenge you to live for today. Go shine Christ's light into someone's life. One encouraging word you say to someone could become a turning point for them. I don't know. But we've gotta take that chance. I know you can do it. God created you to do BIG things. The Holy Spirit will lead you and remember that He'll always be with you. Though you may be young, you can still make a difference. And please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Texas, where the hurricane hit, and that many would come to Christ through this trial. 

    God loves you and so do I. You are not alone.