Verse of the Week: Isaiah 40:6b-8

Wow, I haven't done a Verse of the Week post in quite a long time. But now seems like a great time to get back into it!

This week's spotlighted Bible verse (or verses, as it turns out) comes from Isaiah 40:6b-8:

"All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (ESV)

At first glance those verses sure seem rather depressing. Normally I'm sure most of us would be fine with being compared to flowers (which are quite beautiful) or even grass (which comes in a very fine shade of vibrant green), but in this passage we are being compared to how these plants fade, wither, and die.

We are made of flesh, as verse 6b states, and for a while we all are beautiful like "the flower of the field" (v. 6b). But that beauty doesn't last long, just like how plants don't last very long without care. We begin to wither and then fade, just like dying plants.

Have you seen grass during a dry spell? It manages to hold on for a little while, but if the rain doesn't come then it starts turning a gross shade of brown and becomes sharp, hard, and crunchy when you step on it. And if a flower doesn't get a consistent dosage of water it will turn gray, shrivel up, and lie on the ground in a pitiable sprawl.

But if a kind, caring person set out a sprinkler system and made it his duty to water his poor grass during the drought, the grass would slowly regain its green color. It would straighten up, become soft and pliable again, and would even start to grow. The same thing would happen to the withering flower if it recieved a regular water supply.

That's like us.

Without God we are spiritually dead. We walk around doing our own thing, often not even noticing that our spirit is withered up inside of us with no hope for any kind of salvation or for a life beyond this one.

One of the many things I love about God is that He could just leave it at that - giving us a sharp slap of reality and leaving us in despair - but He doesn't.

Even though we are mortals, God and His word "will stand forever" (v. 8). And if we realize our sinful, withered state spiritually and turn to Him for salvation, He will water us with His word and (if we continually accept it) we will slowly grow stronger in our faith, soft and pliable so He can mold us into a vessel for Him, and our spiritual life will flourish.

Sure, there will be tough times when it seems like we're going through that drought again, and maybe even sometimes when you wonder if you were ever saved in the first place. But God will always be with you and will continue to pour out the revitalizing water of His word on you when you continue to seek Him and His will for you.

And, sure, we are mortals on this earth. Our bodies will wither like the grass and fade like the flower. That's just part of how it works right now. But even as our bodies wither away, if we are Christians we can find comfort in our eternal God and His eternal word that continues to bring us closer to Him, who continues to water our spirits, and who will one day give us eternal bodies and allow us to live with Him forever in heaven.

And that is so amazing!




 - Edessa, signing off

John 3:16

If you were ever part of AWANA or any other Bible memorization group, you most likely have memorized John 3:16. I think it might actually be one of the first Bible verses I ever memorized. It's a verse that has been quoted so often that most of us kind of glaze over it, but I'd like to highlight it for the Verse of the Week.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (ESV)

John 3:16 basically tells the story of salvation. God loved us so much, even in our sin and rebellion, that He sent Jesus - the second member of the Trinity, God the Father's only Son, the Savior - to earth as a human to die for our sins. Whoever believes in Jesus and accepts Him as the only true, living Savior and lives for Him will have eternal life with Him in heaven.

I may have heard John 3:16 quoted probably a hundred times, but when you stop to think about what that verse means it's just so amazing. The One, True, Perfect, Sinless, All-Mighty God sent His equally One, True, Perfect, Sinless, All-Mighty Son to die for a sinful rebel like me just because He loves me and wants me to live forever with Him in heaven. I didn't do anything to deserve that, and I still don't do anything to deserve grace like that. All I can do is believe in Him, follow where He leads, repent of my sins, and live my life completely for Him.

That's just so awesome! =)




 - Edessa, signing off

2 Chronicles 30:10-11 and Screenshots

The sermon my preacher gave today was on all of 2 Chronicles chapter 30, and one particular passage really stuck out to me.

As background, King Hezekiah (who ruled over the Southern Kingdom of Judah after the country of Israel was split up into two kingdoms, Southern and Northern) and all of his people had been working to rebuild God's temple. When they were finished, they decided to follow God's laws and celebrate the Passover, and Hezekiah decided to invite not only his people but also the people of the Northern Kingdom to the seven day celebration. So he wrote out notes that asked the people of the Northern Kingdom to turn away from their idolatry and the bad things their forefathers had taught them and, instead, to humble themselves before God and come to celebrate the Passover. He sent these notes by runners all across both Kingdoms, and then here is the passage I want to highlight:

"So the couriers went from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. However, some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem." - 2 Chronicles 30:10-11 (ESV).

The reason why this passage stuck out to me is because I'm at that stage in life where I'm transitioning from being under my parents' bubble to being a member of the world, and the world is not a very nice place for Christians like me. God, my King, has given me a message - the truth about Himself, the gospel, and the way to eternal salvation through the Savior Jesus Christ - and I am tasked to spread that message from one end of the world to the other and back again. It sounds easy enough to just run up and tell someone the message I'm carrying - I'm sure Hezekiah's couriers thought it would be a cinch - but the truth is that it's gonna be hard. The world doesn't like the Christian message, and they will ridicule anyone claiming that Jesus Christ is the only way to get to heaven or that there's a God to begin with. And it may not stop at mocking and scorning. It could escalate to full out persecution, including torture and death. True, Hezekiah's runners probably didn't experience death threats or anything, but as God's runners we just may. A lot of people in the world won't listen to our message.

But some will.

Some guys were strongly convicted by God through the couriers' message, humbled themselves, and went to honor God at the Passover. And that happens with Christians, too. Not everyone I witness to will become a Christian, but God will hopefully touch the hearts of a few and save them.

I just thought that the story at the beginning part of 2 Chronicles 30 was quite a close allegory to the Christian walk, at least when it comes to evangelism and witnessing. I encourage you to read all of chapter 30 sometime. It's a very good one - all of the Bible is good =D - and I really like the allegory it presents.


Well, let's see, what sort of randomness could I talk about now? My grandparents had a 50th anniversary party yesterday, which was a lot of fun but there was so much cake that I can't stand to even think about cake now! I was so exhausted when we got back home that I couldn't even bring myself to blog about it, so that explains why there wasn't a Random Rant post yesterday.

I don't have any pictures from it (they're all on my grandma's camera), so I guess I'll just post some screenshots I took a few months ago from the Season 4 Umbara arc of Clone Wars episodes. These are some of my favorite shots, and I hope you enjoy them!

 - Edessa, signing off

Matt. 3:13-17 and Baptism

Wow, what a crazy weekend! Not only did I have my high schoold graduation ceremony/party (and even an after-party) on Saturday, but today (Sunday) I was also baptized! Woot!

Now I've been a Christian for quite a few years, but baptism was something that, honestly, had always kinda creeped me out. The only reasons why it made me nervous were:


1. I didn't want to give my testimony in public because it isn't one of those "super cool conversion stories" (e.g., like those people who used to be drug addicts but then were touched by God while in jail and are now Christians). My testimony is, basically, that I accepted Jesus as my Savior after an AWANA meeting when I was eight, and then two-ish years later I recommited my life to Him during another AWANA meeting.

2. (And I know this sounds petty) I didn't want to get wet in public.


So those were the two reasons why I kept putting off baptism, kept telling myself that "Oh, I'll do it next time" but then never made good on that promise.

But lately my pastor has been talking about salvation, and baptism was mentioned quite a few times in his sermons. I started thinking about my reasons for not wanting to be baptized, and I realized that:


1. I don't need to be ashamed of my testimony. God still worked a miracle in my life by saving me from my sins, and I'm just as saved as the converted druggie. The converted druggie's story may be touching, but that doesn't mean that my conversion was any less real or touching.

2. I get wet in public every time I go to the pool, so lame excuse there.

3. It's, what, five minutes of my life? Put that into perspective of the rest of your life. It's not that long to be dripping wet.

4. As a Christian, I am called to publicly show my faith in and my allegiance to God, and I do that by being baptized. Why should I be ashamed of following God's commands? Besides, getting wet is absolutely nothing compared to the persecution that so many other Christians face around the world. If standing up for my faith and showing that God is my King means getting wet or even getting killed, then I'll do it.


So, with those thoughts in mind, I decided once and for all that I was going to follow God's call for me and be baptized. Sure, the water was kinda cold and I was a little nervous about the whole thing, but you wanna know what? I'm so glad I did it, and as I look back on my life I find myself wondering why I put it off this long. I put off my baptism all because of a bunch of excuses and self-conscious, prideful fears. But now that I have been baptized, I feel very much at peace, knowing that I followed God, and I can't wait to see where He will lead me for the rest of my life.

In light of this baptismal day (my little brother and another brother in Christ were also baptized with me), I decided that the Verse for the Week will be the story of Jesus' baptism. Now, being fully God, Jesus was perfect, never sinned, and didn't need to be baptized like we do, but by being baptized He set an example for all of His followers. Now, over two thousand years later, Christians are still following Christ's example by being baptized after conversion.


"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?' But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He was the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well please.'" - Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV).




 - Edessa, your baptized blogger, signing off

Memorial Day Verses

I apologize for the very long and sudden haitus. I got my mom's head cold and have felt truly awful until today. Ah, well. Better late than never, I suppose. :)


Since today is Memorial Day, I tried to find a verse for this week that will remind us of the men and women throughout the ages who have give their lives for our freedom. While there isn't a verse in the Bible that specifically deals with remembering the Armed Forces, I did find an article that listed these verses, among a few others, that I thought were very appropriate:


"The memory of the righteous is a blessing," - Proverbs 10:7a (ESV)


"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)


"Pay to all what is owed to them...respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." - Romans 13:7a, c (ESV)


Today - and preferably everyday - remember those who gave their lives so you could live and enjoy your freedom. It's so easy to take that freedom for granted, but I urge you today to not only remember those who have died but also pray for those soldiers who are living and fighting for you. Pray for their safety, for their families, for their command to make wise decisions. If you have the chance, I encourage you to thank a soldier personally for what he has done on your behalf.

(from a poem a wrote for school about a soldier:)

"Remember that while you're living, someone else is dying,
Someone sacrificing for you without ever knowing
Who you are, or if you care, or if your life
Was worth his death.

When you think of your liberty,
Think of me.
When you live your life,
Consider those who live to die.

Please. Remember Me."

Never forget.

Always remember.

To all soldiers, both veterans and currently enlisted: Thank you so much for your sacrifice. Thank you for fighting for my freedom, for facing unspeakable horrors for my liberty. I pray that God would continually bless, encourage, and strengthen you and your families every day. Your sacrifice is the reason I can live free today, and I celebrate you today and everyday. May God bless you today, tomorrow, and forever!

Happy Memorial Day!




 - Edessa, signing off

Mark 10:6-9

I apologize that this post on the Verse For the Week is a day off, but I suppose that late is better than never. :)

Since I went to my friend's wedding yesterday, I figured that it would be appropriate for the Verse For the Week to concern marriage:

"But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." - Mark 10:6-9 (ESV)

I really like the last sentence (verse 9) which says, "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." There seem to be a whole lot more divorces lately than there ever used to be. Many divorces are because of adultery, not feeling loved, because one spouse won't change, or even because the couple has "fallen out of love" with each other. It doesn't help that it's become easier and easier to get a divorce and that it's also so acceptable in not only American culture but also across the world.

But God instituted marriage to be lifelong, a commitment until death between a man and a woman. When you get married, you're making a commitment to stay with your spouse - and only your spouse -for life. There is no place for other extramarital "partners" or anything like that. It isn't a contract that you can break if you don't feel loved enough or if you meet someone else. God joins people in marriage, and whatever God - the only, perfect, just, righteous, all-knowing God - joins should not be broken by man - man who is a created, fallen, imperfect being.

Of course there's going to be rough times. I'm not married and even I know that. No true relationship is without the occasional hurdle or ditch. But we're not supposed to bail out the minute things get hard, or something unexpected (like losing a job) happens (and bad things will happen). Just like in any other situation, the husband and wife are supposed to stick together for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer. That vow isn't something you just say flippantly and then expect life to be all rainbows and puppies from then on out. It's a serious, lifelong commitment, and I pray that people not only here in America but around the world would have their eyes opened and see God's plan and will for the institution of marriage.

My pastor gave this cool picture while giving some advice about marriage (I made the one below using Paint). He said to imagine a triangle with God at the top, and the husband and wife each on a bottom corner. The closer the couple draws to God, the closer they will draw to each other.

I think that is really good advice, and I don't think I'll ever forget it.


Well, I hope that wasn't too "preachy," but I truly believe the sanctity of marriage is something that both Christians and non-Christians need to realize. I encourage you to look in your Bibles and study what God's Word says about both marriage and divorce. It's a big issue, and we Christians need to know how to defend what we believe in.




 - Edessa, signing off

Ephesians 6:1-3 and Happy Mother's Day!

Today is Mother's Day, so I thought it would be appropriate for this Verse For The Week to concern those very special ladies. The verses I picked talk about both fathers and mothers, but I think that they're still very appropriate:

"Children, obey you parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land'" - Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV).

So on this very special day don't forget to thank God for your mother, and I hope you all have a very blessed Mother's Day!




 - Edessa, signing off

Ephesians 4:1-3

At church today, my pastor was giving a message on Ephesians 4:1-3. The title of the sermon was "How Can My Character Change?", and I liked the passage so much that I've decided to have it be this week's Verse For The Week:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain unity in the Spirit in the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)

One of the questions that my pastor raised was "How do I become humble?" (which coincides with the part in verse two that talks about walking in "humility"). He challenged us to seek humility, to ask God to build humility within us (and by asking for humility you are being humble because you realize that you, on your own, can't make yourself humble). But asking God for humility doesn't make you humble immediately. It happens over the course of time - in God's perfect time, not in my own schedule - and is a proccess, much like a relationship. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will humility be built up in you in a day.

If you are seeking to be a more humble person (like me), then I would echo my pastor and encourage you to ask God to build humility and the desire to be humble within you. God will answer us when we call upon Him. All we have to do is ask.



I would write something random for today, but I really can't think of anything. So I guess I'll just leave you with Ephesians, and I'll see you all again tomorrow morning!

We'll see if The Avengers managed to beat the all-time opening weekend record that is currently held by The Deathly Hallows, Part Two........




 - Edessa, signing off

Ephesians 1:4 And A Scribble

For the past few weeks, my pastor has been going through the book of Ephesians. This morning he tied part of chapter four back to this passage in chapter one:

"Even as He chose us before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will" - Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV).

I won't get into the predestiantion vs. free will debate that has been going on for quite a while, but I think that it is so awesome that even before God ever created the world He had already chosen which people would follow Him. And He didn't just choose us to follow Him. He adopted us. We who were chosen now have God as our Father. That is just so amazing, so incomprehensible! No other religion has something like this, and it just goes to show that God isn't some far off being who created the earth and then stepped back to watch it run. He is a personal God. He wants to have a relationship with each and every one of us.

How awesome - how convicting - is that?

I encourage all of you to remember Ephesians 1:4-5 this week. If you are struggling with your faith, this passage tells us that we have eternal security with God if we believe in Him because He chose us, adopted us. And He didn't do it because He had to. He did it "in love" (v. 4b). Think about that this week, and don't forget God's love for you.



For randomness, below is a picture I drew yesterday and colored today. It's a character from a story I've been mulling over for the past month or so. I'm not sure if she's a Mando-turned-Sith or vice-versa, but I think she looks pretty cool, personally. :D

The weapons she's got right now are a pair of double-bladed guard shotos (like Maris Brood's, but with another blade on the back), but having two blades on a shoto is probably not very practical. I'm thinking that I'll either have her have just a pair of guard shotos, or a double-bladed 'saber, or two 'sabers, but I'm not sure which one, yet.

Let me know what you think! It's probably just going to end up being one of those stories that I never get around to writing, but you never know! :D




 - Edessa, signing off

Is. 55:13 And Some Randomness

Every Sunday I will post my Verse For The Week as well as some general randomness.

Today at church my pastor cross-referenced his sermon with Isaiah 55:10-13, and I would like to share the last verse with you:

"Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off" - Is. 55:13 (ESV).

I really like this verse because, in context, it shows a really amazing transformation. The thorns and briers in the verse are us - sinful human beings who are, by nature, eternally separated from God - but when the Word of God falls on us our sin (the thorns and briers) do not grow bigger. Instead, we grow into magestic cypress and myrtle trees (plants that are very special and prized in the Middle East). I just find it so amazing that God would care so much about us that He would turn our sharp edges into something that glorifies Him forever and ever. It really is so awesome, and I encourage all of you to think about how God is currently changing your thorns into a prized tree. :)



One of my hobbies is taking screenshots. Kind of a strange hobby, I know, but I think it's such a fun thing to do. Anyway, below are some screenshots I took from The Clone Wars Season 2 episode, "Brain Invaders." Enjoy! :D

Tomorrow I'll be posting the weekend Box Office numbers. We'll see if The Hunger Games managed to keep the #1 position for the fifth week in a row....



 - Edessa, signing off