May 2015 – Joy Skarka

4 Ways to Know if a Guy/Girl Totally Loves Jesus

/ Christian Dating, From a Man's Perspective, Relationship with Jesus, Singleness & Dating / 1 Comment

The questions we all want answers to: How do we know if the guy or girl we are thinking about dating is totally in love with Jesus? How do we know if he or she is running after God with everything? How do we know that he or she isn’t just putting on a show? I know that I’ve asked these questions before in a few situations, so I am thankful to have guest blogger Sam Eaton here to answer them.

Comment below and share how you have decided if a guy or girl totally loves Jesus. How did God reveal this to you? What have you learned from previous situations? Sam and I love hearing from our readers and love knowing how God is working in your hearts. Love, Joy

As I took the lid off of my Caribou cup, a rush of steam rose and quickly evaporated above the table between my incredible friend Anthony and me. For many years we have been meeting in overstuffed chairs to catch up on life and talk about everything from our dating excursions to where we see God calling us to next.

Amidst one of these discussions a few weeks ago, Anthony asked if there were any girls I was interested in as he gave me his sly, “you better tell me, bro” smirk. After some bantering and ridiculous laughter, we landed on this complicated and important question:
If you’re attracted to someone, how can you tell if they are recklessly pursuing Jesus or just putting on a show?

According to 2012 Gallup poll, 77% percent of Americans identify themselves as Christian. Yet, being a Christian and a Christ-Follower is a very different thing. The truth is I want to date someone who is running towards God and isn’t just checking the box.

Oh by the way, it’s not really an easy thing to gauge, especially when you’ve just met someone. It’s not like Cosmo magazine is dying to publish my article “25 Signs Your Man Totally Loves Jesus.” So how can you tell if someone you’re interested in has a mature and inspiring faith? (more…)

Why Support College Ministry?

/ Christian in College, College, Guest Posts, Ministry Partners / 1 Comment

If you are new to the JP Ministries blog, I want to let you in on a secret – I love college ministry. It was through Cru, a college ministry, that I first heard the gospel presented in a way where I could know God personally. I had gone to church all my life, but I did not know that God wanted to know me – me, broken and hurting me.

My freshman year of college my life hit rock bottom. (Read my story here.) God used my depression to show me that I needed Jesus. As a lonely and hurting freshman in college, I began going to Cru. The Cru staff poured into my heart. I am so grateful for Cru and for the life change they bring by sharing the gospel with college students. For that reason, JP Ministries partners monthly with two Cru staff missionaries – Nick and Sofia Audas. (Read their introduction post here.)

Today on the blog, Nick and Sofia are going to share why they are passionate about college ministry. (more…)

How to Know God and Have a Personal Relationship with Him

/ How to Know God Personally, Relationship with Jesus, Surrender Life to Jesus, The Journey / 17 Comments

The concept of knowing God can feel so abstract that it seems impossible to ever understand. Growing up, I went to church every week, but I had no idea that God wanted to know me. I had no idea that God wanted a personal relationship with me. I was missing out on the heart of Christianity. And because I was missing out on knowing God, I turned to other people and things to fill my emptiness. I was told religion would satisfy me, so I tried to be perfect. I thought being a Christian was about going to church and being a morally good person. As long as I was acting morally better than other people, I believed my Christian life was on track.

Lies. I believed so many lies because I never had the truth fully explained. Growing up not fully understanding the Gospel caused many problems in my heart.

As I strived for perfection, I failed over and over again. This view of “Christianity” was all wrong. Sadly, I think a lot of people have this view – that they have to be perfect and “good” people. Personally, I hate the phrase “good” Christian girl. (Read why). We are not good. I had to come to that realization in order to surrender my life to Jesus. (To read my full story, click here).

Lacking the truth – I had no idea that being a Christian was about realizing how broken and sinful we are, so that we realize how desperately we need Jesus. God had to break me in order for me to see my sinfulness. He had to bring me to my end, show me that I will never be satisfied in this world, and break my heart – for me to turn to him. As painful as those moments were, I can now say they were worth everything, because now I know and believe that Jesus is the only answer. A guy will not complete me. A perfect body will not give me hope. And a friend’s approval will not make me feel good enough.

Only through Jesus and the Cross will we ever find completion, lasting hope, never ending satisfaction, and eternal life. (more…)

Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Daughter’s Day!

/ The Journey, YouTube Videos / Comments Off

To mothers and non-mothers alike, enjoy this beautiful YouTube video created by my church Aletheia Tampa. I hope you have a wonderful grace filled day. A special thank you to my mom, for loving me so well and always being my number one fan. I’m so glad God decided you would be my Mom. Additional thank yous to all my spiritual moms, for always pointing me to Christ and encouraging me in my walk with God.

As the video states – You are loved. You are valued. You are forgiven. I could not have said anything in a more perfect way. I hope you enjoy the video and share it with all the mothers and non-mothers in your life.

Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Daughter’s Day! Love, Joy

Special thanks to:
Amy Young | http://www.messymiddle.com
Elyse Fitzpatrick | http://www.elysefitzpatrick.com

Lift Him Up don’t Pull Him Down

/ Book Review, Guest Posts, Resources / Comments Off

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7

How many times have you heard someone say “Oh my G**” or read “OMG” in a text message? This phrase is common in our daily conversations, yet we have no idea how this simple three letter acronym is taking glory away from our God. We must take action steps to stop misusing God’s name and instead bring him glory.

In one of my favorite author’s new book, “Lift Him Up don’t Pull Him Down”, you will learn the significance of God’s name, why we should never take his name in vain, and how to practically stop our hurtful language.

To learn more about the book and the heart behind the message, read today’s guest post by author Debra Pedrow. You can buy an autographed copy of the book today on Etsy. (Click here to purchase “Lift Him Up don’t Pull Him Down”. (more…)

May 2015 archive

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7