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Wednesday, January 1st, 2014click here for past entriesThe Difference Faith Makes
Not all of you got to hear our confirmands back in October as they shared their thoughts on how their lives are different because of their faith in Jesus. They have given me permission to share their speeches with you here.
In Christ,
Pastor Lynne Hutchison
Lauren:
How my life is different with Jesus:
My life is different with Jesus because I think that I can live a happier life. Even when I’m sad, angry or just feeling lost in the world, I’m not alone. People who don’t have Jesus in their life may feel depressed at times, and might feel like they have no one to turn to. But with Jesus, I know that I’ll always have someone there for me. Through Jesus’ teaching I have learned to be there for people when they need it too. I know how to be more caring, and empathetic to people, than others who don’t have Jesus would. I try to think of others before myself, and be more respectful to everyone. Through Jesus, I have also learned how to appreciate the life I’ve been given. Instead of taking it for granted, like some people without God might. I have learned how to be thankful for the things I have every day, and the things I don’t get the privilege of having every day. For example, LutherVillage, where I go with my youth group. LutherVillage is an amazing place, filled with God’s beautiful creation. Every time I go out there, I get a new sense of admiration, because of what God has made, just for us. People who don’t have Jesus by their side may not see the greatness in what we’ve been given. I’m just happy to have a wonderful life to live every day, in a beautiful, safe country. I really think that some people take what they have for granted, and just get caught up in themselves. Everyone thinks of what they want from the world, and not what they can give it. We all abuse the resources we have so much, we want to use everything all up, when we should be enjoying and appreciating it. I’m grateful to have God and Jesus to humble me when I start to get that way, as we all do. They help me to remember when I start to get selfish, that it’s a huge world, and we all need to live on it. Not just me. We all need to share what we have. Sometimes, that can be hard to do, but with God, I can always turn to Him for help when I’m unsure of something. If I’m stuck with a decision, and don’t know what is right or what is wrong, He can give me an answer. If I’m feeling lonely or confused, I can ask God what to do about it, and He’ll help me through it. I know I will always have Him to help me through the hard times in the future. God will stay in my life till the end, and even after that. I’m glad I have Jesus, because I do have a very different life than most people without him would, but it’s the best kind of different I could ask for.
Angel:
Because I believe in Jesus, my life is different then it would be without that faith. Here's how its different: In Gr.4 one of my friends was very, very worried, crying even, about where she would end up when she dies. I was thinking to myself, "doesn't she know?" so I told her, "You will go to heaven, You will be with God." I felt so bad that she didn't have God or Jesus in her life. I'm glad I have Jesus in my life. I would be so lost without him. Jesus died on the cross for me. I feel like an important person. I have many friends I met from church, youth events, and confirmation. Without that faith I would have never met them. Christmas is an excellent example. People without faith would never experience the true meaning of Christmas, of how Jesus, the Son of God, was born on Christmas Eve. Easter too. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, for ME.
I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST GOD’S ONLY SON.
Cristal:
Because I believe in Jesus, my life is different than it would be without faith. I feel that with faith, there is hope. When you think the world is so bad that it cannot get better, you think of God. You know anything is possible with Him. God can change things, he can fix things. You know that there is always hope. Another thing is well, I think, but it’s my opinion, that we tend to be more peaceful. I think that I am more peaceful than some of my friends who don’t have faith. Every day of my life, I think of the Ten Commandments. I try to follow them the best way I can, therefore making a good life. A good life to me is a peaceful life. My last difference is that I think that if I live without faith I would feel like another face in the crowd. But because I believe in Jesus and know what he has done, that he has died on the cross for me! - I feel so amazed, so loved, so important! Jesus died for me! Jesus has done nothing wrong ever! But he died for the people who actually sin. In my opinion, we don’t deserve it. How lucky are we to have Jesus. Wow. I am so glad to have Jesus in my life.
Thank-you
Molly:
I think that without faith in my life, it would be very different. I wouldn't have the faith in myself that I can do things, and do them well. For someone who doesn't believe in Jesus, they may find themselves making the wrong choices in life, and end up being unstable. As for someone who does believe in Jesus, they may think about Jesus and what he would want you to do before doing something. People who do and don't believe in God may have a completely different outlook on life, rather than just their beliefs, or they may act differently. Being a Lutheran means living by a higher standard set by God to be set apart from those who are living without the knowledge of His forgiveness. By building a relationship with Jesus, you're set free from sin because you're accepting his forgiveness.
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