Shining Hope & Light in Dark World

It seems like there is story after story on the news about different things happening in the world that are dark, or negative. Much of the news of the earthquakes, fires, floods, and devastations are all signs of the times and reminds us as believers to be on guard and to keep watch in the last days. I pray that as the church, we rise up and shine brighter than ever before because there is a lot happening in our world. Between technology, the distractions, and our fast past society, it is sometimes hard to keep swimming against the current of culture. I am reminded of the scripture,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”- Romans 12:2

I pray we dig into the Word a little deeper,  pray longer, and seek God more than ever before It seems like every few months, there is another celebrity or prominent figure who dies and  who loses their life from the lies of Satan.

The youth are desperate for leaders, FOR THOSE WHO WILL SHINE AND BE BOLD. Let us STEP UP and SHINE BRIGHTER than ever before. The next generation needs us. Let us arise from the ashes of some of the apathetic mentality, and let us do as Jesus said we would do…GREATER THINGS. Let us BE Jesus, the Church, the Bride, let us SHINE FOR HIS GLORY. We need to do this for the sake of the souls. Not for our self, our glory, for our name, for our church, or for any other reason but to reach a lost and dying world.

People are SEEKING for truth. They HUNGER for the Living Word of God, the truth. We have this truth, we know the way, we need to give it to others and not keep it to ourselves. We need to spread the GOOD NEWS>> Jesus Died for the world, so that NO one shall perish, God sent His Son for them because HE LOVES US and wanted relationship. There is nothing we can do to earn this love, it is unconditional. All we need to do is BELIEVE and serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (John 3:16, Revelation 19:16)

I want to share with you the new single “Glorious Ruins” off the latest HILLSONG UNITED album, it is very powerful and has an encouraging message. I pray it blesses you and encourages other believers out there to shine for Jesus even more and no matter who you are or what your mistakes- that your life can be used by God and for God-He uses the broken not the perfect! Well-there is no one perfect or righteous except Jesus-but He uses those who have been tested, tried, and have been through a lot too! Don’t fear your past! He loves people and the Lord died on the cross because of that very reason. Remember the lyrics of the song, “Let the ruins come to life..”

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

-Romans 10:9-11

            If you don’t know Jesus, as your personal Lord and Savior, call upon His name and HE will draw near to you. The Holy Spirit will come into your heart and you will have salvation. Ask Him,

Confess your sins and proclaim Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, the awaited Messiah and Savior, I believe you died on the cross and shed your blood for my sins as the sacrificial lamb and offering for the penalty of death. I thank you for new life in Christ, and I ask you

Lord Jesus come into my heart, cleanse me of my filthy sins that separate me from God and renew me, wash me clean and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may live a godly life and give you glory and honor. Help me to do this and to walk with you all of my days, forgive me of my past, I thank you for a new day, in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

If you need help or have questions: write on facebook.com/thechristigiven

I also have a worship EP “Let Us Worship” on iTunes I would love you to be ministered by it- Message me and I would love to send you a copy of my cd!

*In the subject line-write “Daughter of King Blog” and I will send you it!! J

You can listen for free online at myspace.com/christigiven or on www.christigiven.com

May God bless you and feel free to comment below.

“A Girl’s First Kiss & Waiting for the One”

(A True Story of a Girl who wanted to have her first kiss be with her husband but ran into temptation and peer pressure along the way…)

Edited by Christi Given

“I was 17 when I lied to my dad and told him I was going running to go clear my head. I was really running up to the hills to secretly meet a boy, a boy who wanted to go on a hike with me. I shouldn’t have kept that information from my Dad, but I did. And I did because if he knew what I was doing, he would have said “No”, duh! The best-case scenario would have been him asking to meet this boy, and I didn’t want my Dad meeting this boy, for good reason. So I lied, laced up my running shoes and I was out the door, before he could question my reason for needing a run so suddenly.

…

He started to ask me questions about myself. He asked me about my dating life, and why I was single at 17? Why I didn’t have a boyfriend, or haven’t ever really had one. I told him that I was waiting for “the one.” He didn’t know what I meant. I was frustrated when he questioned me, as if no one believes in “the one” anymore. A similar reaction occurred on the school bus the night before. Where I was misunderstood and ridiculed. I was on a softball team in high school and my teammates always gathered in the back of the bus after a game to gossip and joke around.

Well this particular night, they wanted to play a game. We had some time; the ride back to the school was going to take an hour. So they settled on a game called “10 fingers.” Well I had ten fingers, so naturally, I figured… I would be good at this game.  They called me to the back of the bus and the game felt like it took ages and ultimately, I lost. I lost so poorly in fact that my love life had now become the new topic of discussion. “10 fingers” is a game where each person openly admits to doing something sexual with a guy or girl and if you have done that thing, you put a finger down. Each person shares something they have done, giving all the girls bragging rights, I guess. I was the only one with 10 fingers held low…having never even kissed a boy. My teammates didn’t understand and made me feel like an outcast, not cool and definitely too prude or too Christian. “Too Christian?” What did that even mean?

…

I told the boy this story, while on our hike, because of my frustration with people not understanding me, and why I wanted to wait for ‘the one’. While I was sharing my story, he looked genuinely interested in what I was saying…but unfortunately, this boy was now suddenly determined to be my first kiss, I could see it in his eyes and he was going to kiss me before the hike was over… He made comments like, ‘a kiss is not a big deal.’

…

Then it happened, just as we were nearing the end of the hike the storm finally hit and it began to rain. There we were finding shelter under a tree, dripping wet with only the sound of the rain pouring down around us. I remember telling myself this is like a scene from a movie, if only he would just kiss me here. I knew that it was now or never for him. I could see it in his eyes, so I started to get scared, and because I couldn’t run because he had me pinned against the tree, I decided to climb. I climbed up the tree, and from the top I looked down at him scared. He just looked up at me with a smile and waited, like a fireman waiting for a Cat to finally trust him, and eventually I got too cold and I climbed down out of the tree. He placed his dry, warm hand on my cold cheek and moved my wet hair back behind my ear and kissed me. I opened up my eyes and he was still kissing me, I couldn’t believe it was still going.

 He finally finished and opened his eyes. He looked at me with this, “So…how was it?” face. I didn’t enjoy the kiss, at all…I didn’t want him to feel bad, he was proud and felt accomplished like he did me the best favor. So I smiled at him and then sprinted home… and I mean sprinted. It was late and time to face reality. I walked through the front door and there sat my father still watching T.V. and he asked me how my run was. I was out of breath from the sprint but still managed to lie again, and said it was good. I went straight to my room, closed the door behind me, and threw myself face first into my bed. I cried, silently, into my pillow until my head hurt and my pillow was a puddle of tears. I remember asking myself in the midst of my regret, why did I really go for a run tonight? What did I really want to happen?”

A Note from the writer of the story: “Weakness is what makes us human. It’s not an excuse, just a fact. It’s what makes us in need of a Savior. We were designed to need the Lord. Yet, so many people spend their whole life searching for what can strengthen them, or give them purpose and never find it because either they refuse to believe in God or they have never heard the good news. There is helper that was sent to strength our human weakness. Your weakness might be insecurity about your looks, relationships, eating unhealthy…or in my case knowing your worth. My weakness is something I am still dealing with today, almost 10 years later, as I still wait for “the one.” I know now that I am worth waiting for, and so is he. But I am only as strong as what I lean on in moments of weakness. I have been training everyday in God’s word, and increasing my prayer time with the one who made me… am. He designed us to need him.

I should have run to the Lord with my insecurities about being pure, instead of running away from home into the hills to be comforted by a boy who didn’t have a clue how to comfort me. God would have reminded me that I was designed to wait, and that I am pure for a purpose. And that purpose is greater than any temporary claims from a friend, or experiences that leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled.  My purpose was and still is to love the Lord my God with all my mind, body and strength and love my neighbor as myself. God is faithful and ever present. (That night) I chose to run away from him. But maybe, just maybe this story will cause you to think before you run. And if you do run, run to the Lord and I promise you, you will find strength. Just wait. As I wait.”

I felt that this story was impactful and could help many people who battle peer pressure and temptation. I hope you learned a lot from Cate’s story and walked away with more wisdom. Here is some take-aways and advice from the personal experience Cate shared.

            This story is relatable to many different girls who have face temptation whether it be the fear of man’s opinion, peer pressure, or the temptation of lust. God knows your heart and knows Cate’s heart but the important thing is to watch, pray and remind each other that it doesn’t matter what man thinks but what GOD THINKS. Sometimes in life, we may be tempted to sin or to do something we know we shouldn’t but we need to remind ourselves daily and ask ourselves, “Would this glorify God?” A lot of times my Aunt growing up would tell me to just simply ask yourself in a uncertain situation, “What is the fruit of this situation?” or “What is the fruit or outcome of this relationship/friendship?

“Am I trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still  trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” –Galatians 1:10

Sometimes in our walk of faith, we can make excuses or not really know what to believe or to do, but we need to stay in the Word of God (the Bible), pray and stick close to Christian friends who can help us along the way.  Just like Cate mentioned, run to Jesus! God is always with you, so ask Him to help you and to give you wisdom. We can all learn from our experiences or from others. I hope you were inspired to be even more bold in your faith after reading Cate’s story.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17

Do YOU have a similar story where you were cornered with temptation?? How can you be strong in the midst of an army of those who are not for God?? 

GRATITUDE

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad...Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy, He who continually goes forth in weeping, bearing a seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bring his sheaves with him." -Psalm 126:1-3,5-6

Is it ever enough?? Can I be satisfied? To just be still and thankful for where I am. To look at what God has done and just praise him. To not ask for a thing and just basque in his greatness and beauty of the Lord. ~ He is all forever worthy of all honor, praise, glory and worship. His splendor is beyond any comparison…there is truly no one like my God!~ He is always faithful, never failing, always there, He inclines His ear to me, He answers, He has my best interest, speaks to me through His Holy word, is constant, is just, Holy, majestic, all-powerful, he is good, a consuming fire, a strong tower, My Father, my helper, my Best Friend, my Keeper, my love of my soul, never hurting always healing, holding me, walking with me, He covers me, forgives, gives me abounding mercy, He gives me abundant favor, loves me endlessly...He Is my Prince, Gives me supernatural peace, gives me strength when I feel broken, He gives me hope when I feel hopeless, Makes me smile, is my Light, is my life, my keeper, my Husband, the Seal upon my Heart, my confidence, my Shepard, keeps watch over me, He knows me intimately, He knows every thought, every need, He holds the World in His Hands, He created me in my Mother's womb, He knows every hair on my head, He believes in me, Smiles and cheers me on, He gives every perfect gift even undeserving at times, He is the overflow of my life, my Source, My Shelter, My Hiding Place, my Safe Place, my Deliverer, My counsellor, my comfort...I could go on and on...He is my rock. God is beyond amazing and is more than enough. He is more than enough for any believer no matter what life throws at you, (Philippians 4:13) you are a victor, a conqueror, (Romans 8) a Child of God, (2 Cor. 6:18), you are redeemed from the grave (1 Cor. 15) and you have an eternal inheritance no money or thing could replace!

"Do not sorrow, for the JOY of the Lord is your strength."- Nehemiah 8:10.

Jesus paid it all! He is the lamb that took our places...we don't have to sacrifice an animal for our sins to be forgiven; we don't need to strive for perfection-Jesus was it! He did it all. It is finished!! By faith we will move mountains, see miracles, heal, and be witnesses to the people of this earth. We have a mission. Let us not be misled or distracted because we couldn't get what we wanted, God didn't answer you fast enough, or because you're afraid of change. (2 Peter 3) God has the BEST for His children and for His lambs...don't lose heart, don't compromise or give in. (Ephesians 3) Give Him thanks, keep believing, hoping and persevering while you serve Him because everything in the earth is His anyway and He gives us multiple gifts daily! (1 Peter 4) Remember, the JOY of the LORD is your strength!!!

"Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us a Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." -2 Corinthians 5:5-8 <3

May you walk boldly with the Lord in steps of gratitude, and press on towards your heavenly goal. Let us enrich one another’s lives with truth, encouragement and wisdom. I pray for you all who read this and I hope that you are uplifted and blessed in the fullness of what the Lord God Almighty has for you in Jesus’ name! I love you all dear friends. <3

Listen to this song by Kristene Mueller...I pray it blesses you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvIf7VZu8xY&feature=related

Embed: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hvIf7VZu8xY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Image credit: pretty-random-things.com]

[Image credit: al-lachner.blogspot.com]

What are you living for???

This entry will be a thought provoking journal to say the least. I have been thinking about life, death, its cycles of growth, loss, love, joy, hopes, failures, dreams, faith, and heart-ache. There are seasons in life and depending on which season you are in (some may always think of this thought), you may or may not ask yourself what I challenge you to further engage: what are you living for??? 

[Photo:  musicandlyricss.tumblr.com]

I have experienced much loss in my life. My Dad passed away when I was a freshman in High School and it was one of the hardest experiences I had to go through. I got through the loss and this storm through walking with the Lord, through the support of family, my friends, and also with the valuable support of my church. I also have seen young people at my High School face death through sudden accidents, sickness, and other unfortunate reasons. In addition, my Grandparents on my Mother's side of the family and other relatives have gone on to be with the good Lord. I have seen life, death, healing and miracles. I know God is so real and loves ALL of His people. He created us, he loves us, he wants a relationship with us...not religion. A genuine relationship-that we DESIRE to read his Word, to talk with him in prayer and to fellowship with his people -who are the church. The church is not a building, but the body of Christ. During these seasons of ups, and downs I have been very thankful that I have had such love, and strong godly relationships in my life.

My question for you is: 

Are you living by going through the motions? Are you living for a bigger purpose than yourself-to further God's Kingdom? Are you a servant of the Lord in love? Do you live for a paycheck or salary? Do you live for family? Do you live for Friday nights and the anticipation of the weekend? Are you investing in the eternal or only earthly investments? What are you really living for??? 

On this earth, it is hard at times to think eternally or beyond what is seen but I can't help to think on the things in heaven, the new earth, the future of God's Kingdom, His everlasting reign, the eternal peace, joy, and love we will live in. No more tears, sorrow or sadness. Wow, what a thought. But for now, as always there is reality. We have a purpose here to accomplish and hopefully you are moving towards that goal or living out that God given purpose. 

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. "– 2 Corinthians 4:18

 It is not about us. As much as we want to think it is, it's not. It is all about the Father and the Son and giving honor to the King of Kings. In the culture and society we live in, the mind-frame is the opposite: Do what is best for YOU, climb the ladder for YOUR success, YOUR family, YOUR life...No, it is not about you, you, you. 

Yes, God desires us to have life abundantly and to the fullest (John 10:10) but those who have found the hidden treasure of the one TRUTH and have found that fulfilling life-giving Word of God, we DO live an overflowing life. Psalm 23 says, "You anoint my head with oil, my cup OVERFLOWS." Yes, it sure does! I am so beyond grateful, thankful, and blessed. 

I was meditating on the words in the Bible in Psalm 23 where is says, in verse 6 "...goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of my life.." 

I kept hearing it in a unique way, the Lord pointed out to me the word right before "goodness and mercy.." it says..." SURELY goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." <3 I just love that! It is FOR SURE! 

Not maybe, or possibly but the living Word of God says, "SURELY!" Sounds like a guarantee to me! David sounds very confident in this. It almost is worded as a promise. I love Gods word, His truth. It is inspiring, life giving and full of depth and richness. 

I hope you cling to the Word of God, His truth for your life and that you will live in purpose on purpose for His glory and that His GOODNESS will follow you! Be blessed today, I love you. May God get all of the glory and honor. 

Credits: [Photo: annieslittlefootprints.blogspot.com]

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Hello my name is Christina. I am a California native and have lived here my whole life. Yes, I guess you can consider me a "Cali Girl". Recently I graduated college and wanted to share some of things I have learned not only in life but spiritually I have grown so much. This blog is really to encourage & inspire others. I love writing music, singing and playing the acoustic guitar. I love the Lord with all of my heart and hope to share the things the wonderful and good Lord Jesus has done for me. <3 The reason I named this blog "Daughters & Sons of a King" is because if you believe in God the Father and that He came to the earth in the form of the Son Jesus, and if you BELIEVE in faith, then you are heirs to God and His Kingdom in eternity. That is the gospel of the Bible and belief of a Christ follower. If you have this in your heart, then YOU, who are so special.. are a child of God!! Isn't that amazing?! We are all Sons and Daughters of the Most High God in faith. We are truly royals!

It says in the Word of God



 "...you also like living stones; are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ...But you are a chosen people, a ROYAL priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were  not a people, but now you are a the people of God; once you had not recieved mercy, but now you have recieved mercy." - (1 Peter 2: 5, 9-10)

I am blessed by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and hope that if you do not yet know Him that the Holy Spirit will speak to you and that God will show you His power and glory.  I am beyond grateful and feel I need to share... One word for the day B.E.L.I.E.V.E

As a part of my graduation present I went to the beautiful Sydney, Australia. There, I traveled with one of my favorite people, my Aunt Cindy. We went to the Hillsong Conference & worshipped with over 20,000 people! We saw the Darling Harbor, went to Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, saw the famous Opera House, had dinner on the beach, went shopping, exploring and grew to love so many nice people there! So many friendly Aussies! I have to say we also learned some of the Australian sayings such as "its involved" (for ex: the tax is "involved" or aka "included"), "mind the gap", "flat white" (aka-coffee with milk) "keen" (adventurous), "heaps" (lots) and more!!! I had the most amazing time...we went the end of June mid July. The theme of the conference was "Cornerstone" how ironic-the scripture I JUST shared in 1 Peter 2 was the theme of the weekend, and was the main message! 

I can't wait to share more about what God is doing in my life and how amazing He is! 

Since I love music I want to share a song that is so inspiring and one of the songs we heard while at the events at All- phones Arena. It is one of my favorites and is called "Beneath the Waters."