Girls' Heart Point 

What I'd Like to Know About God...Ask Lydia

Click on a Question to go to the answer

1. Is God real...Is the Bible true?

2. Is God not answering my prayers because I'm a horrible person?

3. Will you pray that God will work through us to serve Him through music?

4. What is a great way to connect with God?

5. How can I be a better, more outgoing leader at summer camp this summer?

6. Ideas for books of the Bible to read through.

7. Do Jewish people go to heaven?

8. Why isn't God answering my prayers?

9. Do good people go to heaven?

10. What does God say about when he comes back to the earth?

Dear Lydia,
 
Hey Lydia, It seems like I never get answers to my prayers, so I question if God is even real. So much science is more believable than the Bible. The Bible has some far-fetched tales . . . so is it even speaking the truth? Also, if God is real, I’m afraid I won’t go to heaven. I have sinned horribly, and came to the point where I told someone I don’t really believe in God. And then I randomly remembered the statement, “But whoever denies Me (Jesus) before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” So now I am scared to death that I will be denied going to heaven if God is real. I just wish God would reveal Himself to me, and prove that He is real. .
Brittany

Hey Brittany,
 
You’re frustrated! You need communication with God . . . and it seems like He’s not real: yet you know He is! So what gives?
 
What About the Bible? First, let’s get at your thoughts about the Bible. Brittany, the Bible is the only book ever written that gives satisfactory answers to life’s ultimate questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? What is the purpose of life?
 
Although the Bible is not written as a science book, it never contradicts real, proven, scientific fact. (Evolution is not a proven, scientific fact . . . it’s a theory.) History and archeology combine to actually confirm the Bible’s accuracy.
 
So who wrote the Bible? God says that He Himself ‘inspired’ certain people to write it down as God spoke it through them. (II Timothy 3:16). That’s why all its topics fit together into one unfolding story ― of how God rescued His people. It’s His message communicating His love and purposes to the people He loves. It’s God speaking to you.
 
The more you read and study the Bible, the more you ‘get it’ . . . and the more you get the Author! You see, a person’s acceptance of the Bible is directly related to her willingness to accept its fabulous Author.
 
What About God? Let’s talk about God the Author. The truth is that we’ve all been cut off from God spiritually, until we ‘get real’ with Jesus Christ, our Rescuer ― who came to deal away with our sin problem at the cross, and bring us into personal relationship with God. The key is Jesus Christ!
 
Brittany . . . has there been a time in your life when you personally chose to trust Jesus Christ with your life, both now and for eternity? You can check this out on our website by clicking on Ask Jesus Into Your Life.
 
What About Heaven? This personal relationship with Jesus means everything, Brittany. It means getting His power to change your life now, and getting His free passport into heaven for the future. Once you truly belong to Christ, He will forgive your sins ― even the big horrible stuff, when you repent and ask forgiveness. No being ‘scared to death’ of being denied heaven any more, either, because by truly receiving Christ you ‘inherit’ eternal life in heaven. That’s His promise. Check out the Bible in John 14: 1 to 6.
 
What About Praying? When you pray, are you just asking God for stuff . . . and then not really expecting anything to happen?
 
That’s called praying without faith . . . and it doesn’t go very far. Again, when you truly belong to Jesus (called having a forever, covenant relationship) you can ask Him for the gift of faith ― to believe in Him and His love and His wisdom for your life.
 
Then, when you read the Bible you’ll believe its words and get its message and start praying ‘that’ back to God. It works.
 
Jesus said, “If you live in Me, and My words live in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:17)
 
Why not throw God your challenge by receiving Christ into your life . . . start reading your Bible every day and then, ask Him to reveal Himself to you to prove that He is real. You do your part . . . and He’ll explode into action, big time in your life. You’ll see.  
Praying for this in your life, Brittany.
Luv
Lydia

Dear Lydia,
 
Sometimes I feel like I’ve been left by God . . . I’ve been a cutter for over 4 years and I constantly ask God why I was made. I’ve tried suicide more than 10 times and I’ve been in a rehab like hospital for a couple of weeks. I’ve struggled with anorexia/bulimia and no one knows how hard it is.
 
So many people hurt me and I think God has also! I waited and waited for God but He never answered my questions/prayers, and I think I’m not worth it ― just a horrible person. My meds make me sleep a lot but I have crazy, mixed up feelings in my heart.
 
I go to lots of inspiration web sites where I love to see beauty. I feel somewhat better and I haven’t cut in 3 weeks. That’s a big thing now! Really though, I don’t feel like I have things bad enough for God to even notice me and I need to suffer more.
Alea

Alea,
Got your e-mail messages and listen, Hon, along with all those hard problems and mixed up feelings and thoughts – there’s a good thing happening:- you’re still searching out the ‘God’ factor in your life.
 
God is the one who defines who we are and where we’re going. God has a purpose and a plan for your life, Alea, and although you’re not ‘feeling’ it right now, His forever love is all over you!
 
It’s God who is holding your life safe through everything . . . your cutting, your binging, your suicidal behavior and your hospital stay. It’s He who draws you to His beauty on the inspiration web sites . . . and it’s God who’s letting you write to us to share your anger and grief so we can answer you and pray for you. God hasn’t left you . . . not even for a second.
 
Alea, there are 2 kinds of voices that speak into our lives:- there’s the voice of lies and the voice of truth. The lying voice says, “God has hurt you and left you. You’re not worth it. You’re a horrible person.” But the voice of truth – Jesus’ voice, says, “Alea, I have always loved you with an everlasting love. Come to Me because you are tired and oppressed; I’ll exchange your weariness for My strength and your hopelessness for a brand new life in Me.”  **
 
Alea, we’re starting to pray right now for you . . . that you’ll stop listening and agreeing with the lies, and that you’ll invite Jesus Christ to come into your life in a new way, to rescue you with His truth, starting today. Now the very best place to get God’s truth is in the Bible. Jesus said that His words are truth, and the truth will set you free.
 
You shared a written poem with us in your e-mail about a knife being filled with life and that you are not hurting enough. But those words are not the real words of truth and life; they’re lies.
 
There was this guy in the Bible named David, and he went through times of devastation and hurt and being hunted down. Some people even tried to kill him. But David knew that God was all over his life, and so he got into God’s face by pouring out the truth in poems to God. He asked God questions and then answered them with God’s truth.

From Psalm 31 . . . The Message Bible
I run to you, GOD; I run for dear life.
Don’t let me down!
Take me seriously this time!
Get down on my level and listen.
 
You’re my cave to hide in,
My cliff to climb.
I’ve put my life in your hands.
You won’t drop me.
You’ll never let me down.
 
You can find David’s poems to God in the middle of your Bible . . . in a place called Psalms. David’s life got dramatically changed by the truth he was writing . . . and if you choose to read one of his Psalms every day, Alea, they’ll change your life too! That’s God’s promise. David wrote, - I have hidden Your truth words in my heart, God . . . so that I won’t be shot down with lies, but I will walk in Your truth.
 
When you’re ready, maybe someday you will write a wonderful truth poem to God. If you do, it could change your life and the lives of others too.
 
You are beautiful to God, Alea . . . and like totally loved by Him.
 
We love you too,
Lydia

*Go to www.girlsheartpoint.ca. and click on God Talk and then click on Ask Jesus into Your Life
*Alea, you now have support people in your life who can help you whenever your life feels crazy and desperate. It’s important to go to them right away when the pressure is bad. That’s part of God’s plan too.
 

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Hey M.W.
 
We’re glad that you’ve had a great weekend at Girls’ Heart Point ― twice!
 
Starting a Christian singing group is a “really cool ministry”, and I’m going to share the wisest counsel I can with you three.
 
Coming together to pray regularly, is the secret powerhouse of any ministry. Praying binds you together spiritually  . . . and draws God’s vision and protection around your group.
 
Do you know that Carried Away (Pam, Colleen and Christine) pray in a huddle before and after every music appearance on stage? They each also have their own, daily, personal devotional time with God and His word ― each morning. They understand that the ministry to their audience is really God, flowing through them.
 
That’s why, M.W. you have to open the channel to Him yourselves. Otherwise it’s all just performance. Make sense?
 
Yes, Hon, I’m praying for Jesus to flow through you and your worship ― so that you can serve Him through music!
 
luv and prayers
Lydia

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What is a great way to connect with God? Do you know Bible verses telling us to spend silent time with Him, and to listen more to His voice calling us?
Heaven Connection

Dear Heaven Connection,

We’re lovin’ your heart to zero in on your God!

First, God loves it whenever we initiate this through prayer: Jeremiah 33:3  Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. [NAS]

Second, He loves it when we initiate it through Bible Study: II Timothy 2:15  Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

God responds like big time, to these two keys: praying and Bible study.

Back in the 17th Century, a monk called Brother Lawrence found the secret to continuous, intimate communication with God. Someone wrote a classic little book about it, called The Practice of the Presence of God. It’s a really cool, life-changing booklet. You can order it at a Christian bookstore.

Also, Heaven Connection . . . .if you’re really like truly serious about studying the Bible in a quality way, you might connect up with Precept Ministries about their inductive Bible studies for teens www.preceptministries.ca.

They’re having a Transform Canada Student Conference in August for ages 13 to 18. www.transformcanada.com.

Keep asking God for power to keep you growing into that wise and godly woman that Jesus Christ is calling you to.

luv
Lydia

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Dear Lydia;

I’d love some tips on how to be a better, more outgoing leader at summer camp this summer . . . like Jesus who was involved with everyone to accomplish tasks. What Bible verses will relate to my being remembered as someone who influences lives?
Thanks so much!
Christianna

Dear Christianna . . . sounds like you want to be the best camp leader you can be . . . and that’s so cool.

Catch this special perspective from Matthew 6:33. Jesus says, First seek My Kingdom and My righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.”  [The Message]

So here’s the deal ― I concentrate on building my relationship with God, as the absolute priority of my life. Then, God responds by changing me [my heart, my personality, my life] to become more like Him . . .
like:

• more patient
• more wise
• more loving

Then, when my campers interact with me, they’re really seeing ‘Jesus in me’, rather than just my own fleshly performance.  That is ‘your task’.  Get it?
Then you’re actually loving these kids with His love, His patience, His wisdom.

This influencing kids through the character of Christ means interacting with Him, Christianna, in daily prayer and Bible study.

There is no substitute.

There is no instant, inner make-over.

Do your stuff on the inside with God . . . and your kids will get it because it’s real

Then you’ll literally be changing your world!

You’re special, Christianna, and you can do this!

Amen and Amen

Lydia

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Dear Lydia;

I was wondering if you had any ideas for books of the Bible to read through. I have an audio Bible and I’ve listened through several books, but wonder if you had any favourites. Please let me know a couple that you would recommend.
Thanks, God bless
Seeking

Hi Seeking . . .

Love those audio Bibles, but it’s cool to know something about the particular book first, so you can listen for important stuff.

Why not pick three people in your church whom you know, who are spiritually mature  . . .and ask each to do a short write up on their favourite Bible book . . . giving you great clues, themes and pointers to listen for. Then use those as your fabulous, personal intros!

In the meantime, here’s my intro for the book of Judges [Old Testament].

At one point in Israel’s history, the people forgot about God and how He had delivered them from Egypt’s domination. They began worshiping other gods, and the nation was plunged into 350 years of spiritual darkness. Soon their enemies attacked.
When they cried out to God for help, He raised up judges to lead them. One was Deborah [chapters 4 & 5], another was Gideon [chapters 6 – 8], another was Samson [13 – 16]. Listen to their stories to know how each one depended on God . . . what mistakes they made, and how each helped God’s people ― Israel.

Other fab books are: Gospel of John, Psalms and Jonah. Some Bibles include great intros at the beginning of each book for you.

Thanks for a very good question.
Great listening; great reading!

Lydia

Do Jewish people go to heaven?
What I would like to know is this: Do Jewish people go to heaven? Will people like Abraham and Moses be in heaven even though they were Jewish? Thanks :) Sincerely Lauren

Hi Lauren,

We loved your question about the Jewish people. The Jewish race has always been very special to God. God chose them to be His unique messengers to the world regarding the Messiah, the author of salvation for the whole earth.

Sadly, when Jesus, the Messiah came to earth, He was not recognized as that by many Jewish leaders in that day.

The Bible promises that people can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Jesus Christ alone.

John 14: 6 (the Bible) NAS
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life;
no one comes to the Father (God) but through Me.”

Acts 4: 12 (the Bible) NAS
And there is salvation in no one else for there is no other name (Jesus)
under heaven that has been given, by which we must be saved.

Lauren, did you know that today there are many Jewish people who are Christians? Like non Jewish Christians, they are saved (go to heaven) by God's grace through faith in the promises of God. (Ephesians 2: 8, the Bible). Another of God's promises is that all who believe in Jesus and receive Him into their 'inside life' and trust Him to forgive their sins because of His death on the cross . . . all of these will belong to God's family forever. (John 1: 12, the Bible).

You asked about Abraham and Moses who were great, godly Jewish leaders (from Old Testament days). Since they lived on earth long before Jesus Christ came to die on the cross, can they go to heaven too? You know what? Those Old Testament people are saved the same way others are . . . by grace through faith in the promises of God. Abraham looked ahead to God's promises about the future. God promised Abraham that He would some day send a wonderful Messiah, who would get rid of our sin penalty, and 'save' us for heaven. The Bible tells this about Abraham:
Romans 4: 20, 21 (the Bible) NAS with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in the faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He (God) had promised God was able to perform.

So, people (Jewish and non-Jewish) can go to heaven by believing what God promises about Jesus Christ. Those who lived before the cross incident could look ahead by faith to what was promised. Those who lived after the cross, look back by faith to what has now been accomplished there, for them, through Jesus Christ.

Thank you for you question, Lauren. With love from Lydia

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Hey Maria,

First, let me tell you for sure, that God totally loves you, Maria, and He cares tons for the things you pray about. God is always present, and His ears are always 'open' to what you pray. Ok? (Psalm 34: 15)

Maria, have you ever put a coin into a gum ball machine, turned the knob and have the gum roll out? You pay your coin and immediately get the gum ball, right?

Well, some kids think that's how we get stuff from God . . . we ask for it and then God just rolls out whatever we want. And, sometimes He does answer right away. But, if He always did that we'd just think of God as a huge, celestial 'giving machine'. We'd miss all the fab things about getting to know Him in person and00000 experiencing His love for us. Besides, we'd never learn to respect Him or trust Him.

Praying is really talking with God and listening inside to sense His conversation with us. God does speak and His people do 'hear' Him in their 'hearts' (that part of you inside that knows Him). God might be saying, “Maria, wait for My answer to come; be patient; I know just the right time.” Or God may be saying, “No, Maria, and there's a very wise reason why not right now. You'll understand later.” Or God could be saying, “Yes, get ready; I'm working this answer through right now.”

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33: 3 NAS God's telephone)

The thing is, we can trust God because God knows way more than we do about everything. He is totally good and He has all the power to make it work at the right time.

Here's an idea Maria; try talking to God in prayer . . . like often! Every morning when you wake up, tell God, “Thank you I'm alive.” Tell Him, “Today I'm living my life for You.” Tell Him, “I need to know You're near, so please speak to me so I'll understand and get to know Your voice.” Watch and see what will happen!
In the morning, O LORD, Thou wilt hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. (Psalm 5: 3 NAS) The Bible

Maria, never give up talking to God or expecting Him to answer. I love it that you asked such an excellent question.

Luv Lydia

Visit Ana's Prayer Room to ask for someone special to pray for your prayer request, also.

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Hi Chelsea,
You have two good questions.#1 Is: - do good people go to heaven? The Bible says ‘yes’ . . . except there are no people who are”good enough”! In Romans 3:12, God says that there are none who do good (enough), not even one.

The reality is, Chelsea, we’ve all blown it. None of us is perfect and every one of us humans has done wrong stuff (sin). God hates sin . . . and He will not have sin in His glorious heaven.

So, does that mean we all go to hell? Absolutely not! Here’s the good news: God thought of a way to get rid of our sin. That’s what He did when He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. When Jesus gave up His life, He paid for our awful sins. He took our rap so that all the wrong things we regret can be forgiven. Is everybody forgiven then? Read on -

#2 question is: - will God forgive me and help me not say those things? Here’s the answer. When a girl gets really personal with Jesus Christ by asking Him to come into her whole life, He will come (Rev.3:20) Here’s what He will do then - He’ll totally forgive all the sin she confesses to Him. (I John1:9) And . . . she gets a “free pass” into heaven forever, compliments of Jesus Christ!

It’s not our goodness that gets us into heaven, it’s Christ’s goodness. He brings it inside those who belong to Him.

When you receive Jesus by faith, He actually gives you His divine power to change . . . even in the way you talk to your family,. (II Peter 1:3)

So Chelsea, ask Jesus for two things: to come into your life and to give you His power to change. Going to heaven is His big bonus!

What a neat question. Thanx for asking! - Lydia

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Jeanbob – You have asked a really important question and I want to share exactly what God says about this in the Bible –

After Jesus died and rose again, He said that He would leave the earth to go to prepare a wonderful place for us who believe and belong to Him (John 14: 3)

Later, when He left for heaven,. His friends saw Him rise up and disappear into the clouds. Two angels soon showed up to tell them that Jesus would return the same way He went (in the clouds). (Acts 1:11)

Scripture even describes how ‘radical’ it will be when Jesus returns . . . I Thessalonians 4: 16, 17 says that the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout of command, along with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet blast of God. It will be the greatest event this world has ever known (Probably the loudest too!) There will be many angels with Him.

You’re right about everyone seeing Him, Jeanbob. Revelation 1:7 says that every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him (crucified Him), and all the tribes (peoples) of the earth will mourn for Him. Many, many people will suddenly know who He really is. Jesus is God, and they will be totally devastated by that revelation.

But, for ‘Christ–believers’ it’ll be fantastic . . . joyous . . . magnificent! Know why? Because, He’s coming to take us to heaven. We will instantly have new transformed bodies that will never die . . . like Christ’s new body following the resurrection. (Philippians 2: 20, 21 and I John 3:2) He could pass through walls with His new body!

Here’s something that will ‘blast you away’ : – all of us believers who are alive here on earth, will rise up together (no gravity!) to meet the Lord in the air. Then we’ll be with Him forever! (I Thes. 4:17) Is that not awesome?

Now the truth is, Jeanbob, nobody knows exactly when He’s coming, so we should be ready at any moment. (Matthew 24: 42) When He comes back everything in our lives will be exposed . . . everything we’ve ever done and said. (Matt. 16:27) Believers will receive rewards to match the quality of their works. Others, who have rejected Him will have no rewards and will suffer.
(I Cor. 3: 12, 13)

So what gives with all this, Jeanbob? The bottom line is that Jesus Christ is coming back. Everyone in the world will see Him ; some will be ecstatic; some will be devastated. Which will it be for you?

Thank you for e-mailing your terrific question! - Lydia

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