I have seen many powerfully stirring movies, but among the most moving is the Passion of the Christ. Although there have been films made which depict the life and final days of Christ, none is more vivid or unsettling. Directed by Mel Gibson, the Passion of the Christ offers a very real glimpse into the days leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Although the film has additional content that is never mentioned in the Bible, the details reveal a very accurate portrayal of Jesus’ betrayal and death. Tension in the movie results from the violence committed against Christ, and has been criticized by many as being too graphic. To relieve some of this tension and offer a human aspect to Jesus, there are occasional flashbacks into His earlier life. Although parts of the movie are difficult to watch, I believe it has most effectively shown how horrible Christ’s death was––something I think many of us tend to disregard. The scenes showing Jesus’ beatings and death made me realize how much He really went through for me, a sinner who would disobey Him and neglect to realize that sacrifice.
I encourage you to see this movie. The Passion of the Christ will reveal to you, or remind you, of the suffering our Savior endured for us. We spend much of our time watching movies and shows that have no meaning to our lives, or that display negative and sinful themes and situations. We need to consider God’s Word when we sit down in front of a screen. In Psalm 101:3, David declares, “I will set my eyes before no vile thing.” Paul encouraged the Philippians to set their minds on “whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely” (v. 8). This month, let’s change our habits so we will use our time to study God’s Word and to learn what is right and pure so that we can set our thoughts on these things. Let’s learn more about Christ so we can be passionate about Him, just as He is passionate about us.
Lisa Grimenstein
10. Put time into studying. Don’t rush through Bible reading just so you can say you read. Make time to read, and take your time so you can fully benefit from studying God’s Word.
5. Take notes. Jot down any questions about the reading so you don’t forget to ask about them later. Writing a summary is also a good way to help you understand what you are reading. Also write down verses you love and memorize them or post them where you’ll see them often.
We were about to have a baby, we did not have jobs, and we didn’t have any baby items except a few outfits, a green blanket, and some rubber duckies that had been given to us by family members. We were worried sick. And then …
Until just a few months ago, I could count the number of times I had read my Bible in the past several years on one hand. Sure, I had read it when I needed to look something up or when I was doing a group Bible study. But even then, I would cram that week-long Bible study lesson into the couple days before our meeting. The saddest thing is that if someone had asked me what the most important book in the world is, I would have said, without having to think for a second, the Bible. So why was I spending so little time reading something I had such easy access to? “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (I Corinthians 2:12).
And so, I made a commitment that I would start first thing in the morning the next day. And I did. I will admit, it definitely took some discipline at first. Not only would I have to get up a little earlier, but I’d have to go to bed a little earlier so that my mind would be fresh the next morning. I know that some of you are not morning people, and that you’d like to read your Bible at night. Although I think that spending time in God’s Word is important regardless the time of day, there is something so wonderful about being with Him at the beginning of my day. And somehow, if I don’t spend the first part of my day with Him, the day is suddenly gone and I’m too tired to focus on any time with Him.
With the new school year underway, it is very fitting that our theme this month is “Pierce my heart to study Your word,” and our scripture is Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Regular Bible study is important regardless of where we are in our walk with Christ. Maybe you’ve been coming to church your entire life and know a lot about the Bible; maybe you’ve only been coming for a short while; or maybe you just stumbled across this magazine and haven’t really given God a second thought. It doesn’t matter where you were in your Christian walk yesterday; what matters is that you choose to start today to move forward.
Maybe you have only been to church a few times in your life, if ever. You might feel totally lost when people talk about the Bible or God or what Jesus has done for us. I encourage you to get a Bible and read it. Ask someone who is a biblically
If you’re new to Bible study, I recommend reading our 
I love Bibles. I love their smell, their look, and their feel. I love to carry my slimline Bible in my purse so I can open it whenever the mood strikes me to look something up or read a few verses. This is also a great way to fit extra study time into a busy schedule. I can spend a few minutes studying His word when I am waiting somewhere, since I have a Bible at hand. I’m so blessed that I have the freedom to carry a Bible and study His word anywhere I choose. The great thing about reading the Bible is that it’s not just useless reading; it will help us to learn and grow as people as well as Christians.
Also, keep in mind next time you see a girl whose face is covered with acne, that she did not choose to look that way. She probably works very hard to try and clear her face, and it is unfair and ungodly to judge her by her appearance. The same holds true for everyone, whether they have big ears, a large nose, or are overweight. What if something happened and your beauty was taken away today? Would you still be the same person inside? Would you want others to judge you by what you look like?
Step 1: Learn to read product labels! This will save you time and frustration! Don’t believe every commercial on TV; look into products for yourself. Read reviews online before buying products, and learn to read product labels for yourself so you know what you’re putting on your skin! For instance, let’s say you have skin prone to acne. You want to look for a product that either has 2% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) or 2% Benzoyl peroxide. However, if you have sensitive skin, be very careful, because salicylic acid is known to dry out skin. If you have this problem, talk to a dermatologist. When looking for an exfoliant, look for something with an alpha-hydroxy acid in it. There are many effective ingredients used in sunscreens; some you want to look for are: Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene and Oxybenzone. If a product has alcohol in it, beware––it can irritate and dry out skin. Take the time to research what you buy.
Step 5: Autumn is a time of year when people, especially teens, start giving up the sunscreen because they think summer is over and they don’t have to worry about it anymore. Wrong. Every single morning, you should put on a moisturizer with sunscreen, and if you plan on staying outside for a while, plan on reapplying every two hours with at least an SPF of 30. Cooler temperatures don’t mean less risk of a burn. Try your best when outside to stay in the shade or to wear a hat. This is the single most important thing you can do for you skin. Remember not only to put it on your face but your neck and everywhere else that is exposed, including your arms, legs, and hands.
Step 10: Beware of using body wash or other soap products on your face––they will dry out your skin and strip away your natural acid mantle (the top of your skin is a natural layer of oil and sebum called your acid mantle). The skin is naturally acidic, and this layer protects the skin from outside bacteria. Body wash strips away this layer, leaving your skin unprotected.
This column is for readers to write about something good someone has done for them, whether it’s God’s blessings or another person’s. I want to tell you about what the Pierce My Heart volunteer staff has done. Volunteers on staff range from fifteen to eighty years old, and include men and women (but mainly women). The women are students, wives, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, active church members, and workers in and out of their homes. The men are husbands, fathers, preachers, and teachers who work long hours at their jobs. This volunteer staff, above everything else, loves God and has come together with one united goal––to spread the Word of God to as many people as possible, with direct efforts to reach young women across the nation, and someday, the world.
Recent Comments