Wow tomorrow starts a new year. And a new decade. Amazing how time flies.
As I sit and ponder tonight I wonder what things the Lord has in store for me this next year. Will there be joy? I hope so. Will there be trials? I imagine there will.
One of those will be losing my mother-in-law from the way things are going. She is 94 and has been dealing with severe dementia for a few years. Last year she developed a cancerous growth under her tongue. It has grown pretty quickly and is now affecting her eating. She says it feels like something is caught in her throat and has pretty much stopped eating and just drinks now. Over 6 months ago the doctors gave her three months but since her heart is very strong she is hanging on to life. Thankfully she is not complaining of pain, though they keep her on pain meds just in case. For many years she and I didn't have a very good relationship, but the last couple of years she lived on her own, I saw her 2-3 times a week, checking on if she took her meds, if she needed something. The meds they put her on at the beginning signs of dementia changed her personality and she and I got to know each other in a way we were never able to before. We bonded. And I will miss her. I miss her now as the dementia has progressed enough that she is no longer that person again. It is hard to lose a loved one to death, and it is very hard to watch a loved one deal with dementia and cancer. Either one is hard enough but when they deal with both at the same time, well it adds another dimension.
Sorry I didn't mean this to turn in this direction it just did as I let my mind wander which is what I usually do when I blog.
Hopefully at the end of this next year I will have happy thoughts and can wander down memory lane about those.
Till next year, happy new year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Ephesians 5:11
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
To me this says we chose to have fellowship or not with unfruitful works. We shouldn't even speak of them. It isn't surprising that it says not to even speak of them. Cause what we say, hear, etc can settle into our heart. And there would begin the fellowship.
5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
To me this says we chose to have fellowship or not with unfruitful works. We shouldn't even speak of them. It isn't surprising that it says not to even speak of them. Cause what we say, hear, etc can settle into our heart. And there would begin the fellowship.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Is sin sin?
I read something this morning that got me thinking. It is about the sin of homosexuality. But in the same chapter it talks about a woman being raped and cut into pieces.
Sometimes we focus on one thing and forget or pass over quickly the other. I agree homosexuality is rampant, but so is lying, fornication, adultery and murder. And here I guess is my real point in all of this. God sees sin as sin. All of sin is an abomination to God. He doesn't look at one sin as any worse or better then another. But sometimes we as christians like to think that the "little" sins we struggle with are not as bad as the sin of murder or homosexuality. When in reality, those "little" sins, if not repented and brought under the blood of Jesus, will keep us out of the presence of God just as much as the person who is quilty of unrepented homosexuality or murder.
The chapter I am speaking of is Judges 19. It says that the man gave her to be abused and killed. I personally think that God did not look favorably on the men who gave the girl to be abused either. It says she was his concubine. In another verse it says his father-in-law who was her father. That tells me that she was his wife. God has called our husbands both today and back then to protect us. How did this man protect his wife? I am not saying he should have gone out to the men instead, don't get me wrong. But might there have been a different way? That all of them could have been safe? Hadn't God worked mighty miracles of salvation in the past? What about Lot? God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of the same type of sin. Did these men and women even pray? It doesn't say that, and maybe they did. But it does say what these men decided to do. To save themselves at the cost of the wife and it says that the other man offered his daughter. I just can't imagine my husband offering me or one of our daughters like that. They would have had to kill him first. So while this chapter is about homosexuality, it is about alot more sin then just that. And yes they could have had alot more things happen if they hadn't given over the girl, but maybe, just maybe God would have intervened and the story would have ended differently. In the end, her husband cut her body up and sent it to the 12 coasts. I can't imagine God was happy about that either. Just my ramblings this morning on a chapter that is difficult to read.
Sometimes we focus on one thing and forget or pass over quickly the other. I agree homosexuality is rampant, but so is lying, fornication, adultery and murder. And here I guess is my real point in all of this. God sees sin as sin. All of sin is an abomination to God. He doesn't look at one sin as any worse or better then another. But sometimes we as christians like to think that the "little" sins we struggle with are not as bad as the sin of murder or homosexuality. When in reality, those "little" sins, if not repented and brought under the blood of Jesus, will keep us out of the presence of God just as much as the person who is quilty of unrepented homosexuality or murder.
The chapter I am speaking of is Judges 19. It says that the man gave her to be abused and killed. I personally think that God did not look favorably on the men who gave the girl to be abused either. It says she was his concubine. In another verse it says his father-in-law who was her father. That tells me that she was his wife. God has called our husbands both today and back then to protect us. How did this man protect his wife? I am not saying he should have gone out to the men instead, don't get me wrong. But might there have been a different way? That all of them could have been safe? Hadn't God worked mighty miracles of salvation in the past? What about Lot? God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of the same type of sin. Did these men and women even pray? It doesn't say that, and maybe they did. But it does say what these men decided to do. To save themselves at the cost of the wife and it says that the other man offered his daughter. I just can't imagine my husband offering me or one of our daughters like that. They would have had to kill him first. So while this chapter is about homosexuality, it is about alot more sin then just that. And yes they could have had alot more things happen if they hadn't given over the girl, but maybe, just maybe God would have intervened and the story would have ended differently. In the end, her husband cut her body up and sent it to the 12 coasts. I can't imagine God was happy about that either. Just my ramblings this morning on a chapter that is difficult to read.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ephesians 5:10
Ephesians 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
My bible has a note here to look at Romans 12:2.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Want to know what the perfect will of God is for your life? This tells you what to do. Transform your mind by washing it in the word. Remember garbage in, garbage out. You can't expect to overcome the sin in your life if you aren't willing to work at it. If you don't care what you hear or see, then you will think as the world thinks and act as the world acts.
Are you tired of conforming? Then do something about it. Only you can make that decision, and only you can stick to it and do something about it.
My bible has a note here to look at Romans 12:2.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Want to know what the perfect will of God is for your life? This tells you what to do. Transform your mind by washing it in the word. Remember garbage in, garbage out. You can't expect to overcome the sin in your life if you aren't willing to work at it. If you don't care what you hear or see, then you will think as the world thinks and act as the world acts.
Are you tired of conforming? Then do something about it. Only you can make that decision, and only you can stick to it and do something about it.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Ephesians 9
Ephesians 5:9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;
The word of God tells us that if we are children of God's, born again by accepting Christ as our Savior, then we should show forth fruit of the Spirit.
Galations 5:22 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith,
:23 meekness, temperance, against such is no law.
Are you saved by faith in Christ? Are you showing forth His fruit?
The word of God tells us that if we are children of God's, born again by accepting Christ as our Savior, then we should show forth fruit of the Spirit.
Galations 5:22 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith,
:23 meekness, temperance, against such is no law.
Are you saved by faith in Christ? Are you showing forth His fruit?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Ephesians 5:7-8
Ephesians 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Verse 7 on the side in my bible says have nothing to do with them. In other words separate. I probably should have included this one with verse 6. If you scroll back a message you will see that it talked about vain words deceiving you and disobedience bringing on the wrath of God. Sounds like a good reason to separate to me.
:8 See the past tense? ye were, not you are. The second part of that verse is present tense. Ye are light in the Lord. Then it tells us to walk as children of light. That is pretty simple to understand. The Lord saved you, assuming you asked for salvation, now you are required and should desire to walk in His glorious light. What path will you choose today? Don't be fooled it is a moment by moment decision.
:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Verse 7 on the side in my bible says have nothing to do with them. In other words separate. I probably should have included this one with verse 6. If you scroll back a message you will see that it talked about vain words deceiving you and disobedience bringing on the wrath of God. Sounds like a good reason to separate to me.
:8 See the past tense? ye were, not you are. The second part of that verse is present tense. Ye are light in the Lord. Then it tells us to walk as children of light. That is pretty simple to understand. The Lord saved you, assuming you asked for salvation, now you are required and should desire to walk in His glorious light. What path will you choose today? Don't be fooled it is a moment by moment decision.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Ephesians 5:6
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Here is the definitions of vain according to the 1828 Websters dictionary.
vain
VAIN, a. [L. vanus; Eng. wan, wane, want.]
1. Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance.
2. Fruitless; ineffectual. All attempts, all efforts were vain.
3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; elated with a high opinion of one's own accomplishments, or with things more showy than valuable; conceited.
4. Empty; unreal; as a vain chimers.
5. Showy; ostentatious.
6. Light; inconstant; worthless.
7. Empty; unsatisfying. The pleasures of life are vain.
8. False; deceitful; not genuine; spurious.
9. Not effectual; having no efficacy
Do you use vain words? Are you vain in general? Do you think everything is about you? Remember the old worldly song that said I bet you think this song is about you, don't you, you're so vain. The word says being vain or using vain words brings the wrath of God down on you. That you are disobedient. I know I will watch my words more closely, will you?
Here is the definitions of vain according to the 1828 Websters dictionary.
vain
VAIN, a. [L. vanus; Eng. wan, wane, want.]
1. Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance.
2. Fruitless; ineffectual. All attempts, all efforts were vain.
3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; elated with a high opinion of one's own accomplishments, or with things more showy than valuable; conceited.
4. Empty; unreal; as a vain chimers.
5. Showy; ostentatious.
6. Light; inconstant; worthless.
7. Empty; unsatisfying. The pleasures of life are vain.
8. False; deceitful; not genuine; spurious.
9. Not effectual; having no efficacy
Do you use vain words? Are you vain in general? Do you think everything is about you? Remember the old worldly song that said I bet you think this song is about you, don't you, you're so vain. The word says being vain or using vain words brings the wrath of God down on you. That you are disobedient. I know I will watch my words more closely, will you?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Ephesians 5:3-5
5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
I know I was doing one verse at a time but these I thought should stay together.
Do you consider yourself a saint? Do you have any of these things in your life? There is so much in these 3 small verses isn't there?
Let's start at the beginning. We all know the meaning of fornication and most of you are saying oh I am not guilty of that one. Well hold on a minute. You may not be guilty of the worlds view of fornication but what about God's? This includes spiritual fornication. Have you ever put anything before God, including your own desires and I don't mean physical desires though that is included. But any desire to do anything that you want when you know that is not what God would have you do right now could be considered spiritual fornication.
Do you talk foolishly? Anything not gloifying to God is foolish talking. Jesting can be fine, but is it at someone else's expense? Do you idolize anything or anyone, including yourself? If you put yourself first, before God or others, then you are idolizing yourself. Ephesians says if you do any of these things you have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Just some things to think about today.
:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
I know I was doing one verse at a time but these I thought should stay together.
Do you consider yourself a saint? Do you have any of these things in your life? There is so much in these 3 small verses isn't there?
Let's start at the beginning. We all know the meaning of fornication and most of you are saying oh I am not guilty of that one. Well hold on a minute. You may not be guilty of the worlds view of fornication but what about God's? This includes spiritual fornication. Have you ever put anything before God, including your own desires and I don't mean physical desires though that is included. But any desire to do anything that you want when you know that is not what God would have you do right now could be considered spiritual fornication.
Do you talk foolishly? Anything not gloifying to God is foolish talking. Jesting can be fine, but is it at someone else's expense? Do you idolize anything or anyone, including yourself? If you put yourself first, before God or others, then you are idolizing yourself. Ephesians says if you do any of these things you have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Just some things to think about today.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ephesians 5:2
5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Here we are told to walk in love AS Christ loved us. This is hard to do isn't it? Now I am not talking about the people in your life that are easy to love. What I am talking about are the people in your life, or the people you come into contact with that are difficult to love because of their behavior or attitude. We all have people in our life like that don't we? But no where in this verse, or others for that matter, does it say we are not required to love them as Christ loves us. No it is not easy, no it is not what we always want to do, but it is what we are called to do. May this scripture be a reminder to all of us today. Especially me.
Here we are told to walk in love AS Christ loved us. This is hard to do isn't it? Now I am not talking about the people in your life that are easy to love. What I am talking about are the people in your life, or the people you come into contact with that are difficult to love because of their behavior or attitude. We all have people in our life like that don't we? But no where in this verse, or others for that matter, does it say we are not required to love them as Christ loves us. No it is not easy, no it is not what we always want to do, but it is what we are called to do. May this scripture be a reminder to all of us today. Especially me.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Ephesians 5:1
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Ephesians 5 starts out telling us who we should be following. And that we should do it as children. Dear children. Not hard headed children. A dear child will willingly obey and follow where the parent leads. In this case the parent is God and we are the children. Are you following God as a dear child? Or as a hard headed or hard hearted child? Your attitude toward others will reveal very quickly which one you are being.
I hope in the next few days to work my way through Ephesians taking one or more verses each day and meditating on them and sharing my heart.
Ephesians 5 starts out telling us who we should be following. And that we should do it as children. Dear children. Not hard headed children. A dear child will willingly obey and follow where the parent leads. In this case the parent is God and we are the children. Are you following God as a dear child? Or as a hard headed or hard hearted child? Your attitude toward others will reveal very quickly which one you are being.
I hope in the next few days to work my way through Ephesians taking one or more verses each day and meditating on them and sharing my heart.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ever feel like a prayer hog?
I stole that prayer hog from an online friend. (thanks Mel!) Anyway, know how sometimes you are in the midst of many trials, either all at one time, or one right after another? Do you sometimes feel that if you ask, or continue to ask as each trial comes, for prayer that people will feel like you are a prayer hog? I do. When we don't ask for prayer each and every time we are in a situation that we need prayer, the devil wins. He is right there in your ear saying, you are asking to many times, to often, etc. Or he is saying what will they think of you if you ask for prayer for that? Or how about they will think that is foolish to ask prayer for, that isn't important enough to ask others for prayer for, they will think that is dumb. Stop letting the devil win. When you need prayer ask. The word says:
Ecc 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.
Let's keep that in mind next time we need prayer.
Also remember Jesus prayed with the disciples. If He needed people to pray with who are we to think we don't?
Ecc 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.
Let's keep that in mind next time we need prayer.
Also remember Jesus prayed with the disciples. If He needed people to pray with who are we to think we don't?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Think you can run from God?
Ps 139
:1 O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and know me.
:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.
:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Sitting, standing, laying down, doesn't matter the position we are in, He knows what we are doing, thinking, saying.
:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.
:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.
:6 Such knowledge is to wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
:7 Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?
There is no place to run to that He will not find you.
:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost arts of the sea;
:10 Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.
:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
He will not let you hide from Him.
:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.
God has night vision. He can see through anything.
:13 For Thou hast possessed my reins; Thou has covered me in my mother's womb.
:14 I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
If we want to be honest, we know the right thing to do, but we chose to do the wrong thing sometimes. That doesn't mean He isn't watching.
Even if you don't believe in God, doesn't mean He isn't real. I would rather live like He is and be wrong then face Him if I am wrong. It is a fearful thing to think we could lead innocent people into hell. People follow us whether we realize it or not. And if I am right, and there is a God, He will not look kindly on anyone leading others astray.
:15 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
:16 Thine eyes did se my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
:17 How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
:18 If I should count them, they are more in number then the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.
:19 Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
:20 For they speak against Thee wickedly, and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain.
Wow powerful words aren't they? So in answer to my question at the beginning, I don't believe that you can run from God. He will still be there when you stop to rest and along side you while you are running. Just because you don't acknowledge His existence doesn't make Him go away. Just something to think about today.
:1 O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and know me.
:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.
:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Sitting, standing, laying down, doesn't matter the position we are in, He knows what we are doing, thinking, saying.
:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.
:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.
:6 Such knowledge is to wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
:7 Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?
There is no place to run to that He will not find you.
:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost arts of the sea;
:10 Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.
:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
He will not let you hide from Him.
:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.
God has night vision. He can see through anything.
:13 For Thou hast possessed my reins; Thou has covered me in my mother's womb.
:14 I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
If we want to be honest, we know the right thing to do, but we chose to do the wrong thing sometimes. That doesn't mean He isn't watching.
Even if you don't believe in God, doesn't mean He isn't real. I would rather live like He is and be wrong then face Him if I am wrong. It is a fearful thing to think we could lead innocent people into hell. People follow us whether we realize it or not. And if I am right, and there is a God, He will not look kindly on anyone leading others astray.
:15 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
:16 Thine eyes did se my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
:17 How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
:18 If I should count them, they are more in number then the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.
:19 Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
:20 For they speak against Thee wickedly, and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain.
Wow powerful words aren't they? So in answer to my question at the beginning, I don't believe that you can run from God. He will still be there when you stop to rest and along side you while you are running. Just because you don't acknowledge His existence doesn't make Him go away. Just something to think about today.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Are you stuck on stupid?
That was a question raised at church today. Interesting isn't it?
Pr 27:12 says A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Simple = lack of good judgement, wavering, easily led astray.
This post may ramble, and I apologize ahead of time if it does. These are thoughts I had while listening to the message today.
How do you learn? There are many ways, some easier then others.
You can learn from obedience, or from experience. Sometimes we experience evil instead of obeying God. Do we learn from that? Do we next time obey instead of experiencing the evil, or do we stay stuck on stupid?
When you learn from experience the test is first and then the lesson. Wouldn't it be easier to have the lesson first?
Your direction and not your intention, determines your destination. Remember the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but it still leads to hell.
A prudent person realizes that all life is connected. Cause = effect
That whatever I do today will affect my tomorrow.
Simple person thinks life is not connected. I can do anything I want to do today and it will not affect my tomorrow. They think there will always be a tomorrow. Stuck on stupid.
Simple person thinks that if they hurt someone by their actions or words and ask for that person's forgiveness, that there is nothing else to make up for. Just because you ask for forgiveness doesn't mean you are of not responsible for the consequences of your previous actions. God forgives sin, not consequences. To do so would go against God's very character. You must reap what you sow. If you have sow sin, you will reap the consequences of that sin even after you are forgiven. You can't sow rice and get a harvest of beans.
Pr 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool retuneth to his folly.
People stuck in destructive cycles of behavior are just as a dog returning to their vomit. The worst part of vomiting is the aftertaste. sin = consequences
The wise take action. They move in the right direction, which brings relief.
Remember life is hard with God, and impossible without Him.
Are you choosing today to be stuck on stupid?
Pr 27:12 says A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Simple = lack of good judgement, wavering, easily led astray.
This post may ramble, and I apologize ahead of time if it does. These are thoughts I had while listening to the message today.
How do you learn? There are many ways, some easier then others.
You can learn from obedience, or from experience. Sometimes we experience evil instead of obeying God. Do we learn from that? Do we next time obey instead of experiencing the evil, or do we stay stuck on stupid?
When you learn from experience the test is first and then the lesson. Wouldn't it be easier to have the lesson first?
Your direction and not your intention, determines your destination. Remember the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but it still leads to hell.
A prudent person realizes that all life is connected. Cause = effect
That whatever I do today will affect my tomorrow.
Simple person thinks life is not connected. I can do anything I want to do today and it will not affect my tomorrow. They think there will always be a tomorrow. Stuck on stupid.
Simple person thinks that if they hurt someone by their actions or words and ask for that person's forgiveness, that there is nothing else to make up for. Just because you ask for forgiveness doesn't mean you are of not responsible for the consequences of your previous actions. God forgives sin, not consequences. To do so would go against God's very character. You must reap what you sow. If you have sow sin, you will reap the consequences of that sin even after you are forgiven. You can't sow rice and get a harvest of beans.
Pr 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool retuneth to his folly.
People stuck in destructive cycles of behavior are just as a dog returning to their vomit. The worst part of vomiting is the aftertaste. sin = consequences
The wise take action. They move in the right direction, which brings relief.
Remember life is hard with God, and impossible without Him.
Are you choosing today to be stuck on stupid?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Pressures
2 Cor 1:8-9 We would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
There is pressure that God uses to bring you beyond your ability to His ability.
When God puts the squeeze on your life the first things that rise to the top are usually not pretty. Sometimes God uses the pressure to teach us to trust Him and not ourselves, and sometimes He uses it to reveal the ugliness still in us.
Mt 26:36 Then cometh Jeus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
There is always a Gethsemane before our break through.
Don't overestimate your own strength.
Lk 22:44-45 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
:45 And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow.
They slept while Jesus prayed so hard He sweat blood. Have you ever prayed that hard?
Lk 9:28-31 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
:29 And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering.
:30 And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decrease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Jesus had right before this warned Peter about not being ready. Peter missed His moment of preparation by sleeping. So did John and James. They were sleeping and missed His conversation with Moses and Elias. How sad for them.
Now I am not saying sleep is not important. Trust me if you go a few nights in a row as I do without a good nights sleep you will know just how important it is, but spending time in prayer when that is what the Lord has asked you to do is more important. He can redeem the time and the sleep.
Jesus took people with Him when He went to Gethsemane. We need to reach out to people when we are in need for them to pray for and with us. Don't let pride, shame keep you from getting help. The hardest step you ever take is either the step toward someone for help, or the step away from people to God alone. Sometimes we must spend time alone with God. The fine line is staying close enough to people that they can still pray for you and cover you in love, but far enough away that you can have intimacy with God. Both are important for victory. You need to watch and pray.
Prayer is staying in contact with God. Without prayer you only have human strength and you will fall apart. People can pray for (with) you but they can't do your praying for you.
Jesus prayed until He found the prayer He needed.
Lk 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthing Him.
In pressure situation you are looking for a way out, but God is looking for a way in to help you. Prayer opens that door.
1 Cor 10:13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
That doesn't say He will take you out of situation, but that He will help you through it. Some mountains weren't made for us to move but to learn to climb over with God's help.
Ever heard the saying the devil made me do it? That says you are following the devil and not God. Why would you willingly do that?
:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
There is pressure that God uses to bring you beyond your ability to His ability.
When God puts the squeeze on your life the first things that rise to the top are usually not pretty. Sometimes God uses the pressure to teach us to trust Him and not ourselves, and sometimes He uses it to reveal the ugliness still in us.
Mt 26:36 Then cometh Jeus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
There is always a Gethsemane before our break through.
Don't overestimate your own strength.
Lk 22:44-45 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
:45 And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow.
They slept while Jesus prayed so hard He sweat blood. Have you ever prayed that hard?
Lk 9:28-31 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
:29 And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering.
:30 And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decrease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Jesus had right before this warned Peter about not being ready. Peter missed His moment of preparation by sleeping. So did John and James. They were sleeping and missed His conversation with Moses and Elias. How sad for them.
Now I am not saying sleep is not important. Trust me if you go a few nights in a row as I do without a good nights sleep you will know just how important it is, but spending time in prayer when that is what the Lord has asked you to do is more important. He can redeem the time and the sleep.
Jesus took people with Him when He went to Gethsemane. We need to reach out to people when we are in need for them to pray for and with us. Don't let pride, shame keep you from getting help. The hardest step you ever take is either the step toward someone for help, or the step away from people to God alone. Sometimes we must spend time alone with God. The fine line is staying close enough to people that they can still pray for you and cover you in love, but far enough away that you can have intimacy with God. Both are important for victory. You need to watch and pray.
Prayer is staying in contact with God. Without prayer you only have human strength and you will fall apart. People can pray for (with) you but they can't do your praying for you.
Jesus prayed until He found the prayer He needed.
Lk 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthing Him.
In pressure situation you are looking for a way out, but God is looking for a way in to help you. Prayer opens that door.
1 Cor 10:13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
That doesn't say He will take you out of situation, but that He will help you through it. Some mountains weren't made for us to move but to learn to climb over with God's help.
Ever heard the saying the devil made me do it? That says you are following the devil and not God. Why would you willingly do that?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Transformation
Many books are written for inspiration, only the bible is written for transformation.
Want to be transformed? Read the Word of God. You will never be the same.
Want to be transformed? Read the Word of God. You will never be the same.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Some things to think about today
When Adam and Eve sinned they began living according to their mind, will and body instead of by the Spirit.
Jn 4:24 says God is Spirit.
Satan's goal is to always separate you from God. How is he doing that in your life right now? Satan is eternally separated from God and he wants company. Are you willing to be his company? Satan knew the love of God, he knows what he is missing. Are you willing to live outside of God's love? What choices are you making daily to be sure that doesn't happen?
1Jh 1:9 says If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We must freely admit we have sinned. We must own up to our sin. that is how we receive forgiveness.
Lk 22:40 And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
We must daily seek Him moment by moment to not sin. The devil doesn't need but a moment to tempt us. And you know that he won't advertise who he sent to you to tempt you.
1 Pet 5:7 Castin all your care upon Him for He careth for you.
Who cares for you? the devil or God? Who are you seeking? Who are you going to in times of need? Are you obeying what God tells you to do when you seek Him? If you sin against someone or do something you know is wrong, you aren't done with that thing or situation until you truly repent and make that thing right, with God and the person you have sinned against. God won't let you move on till you do. Stuck in a situation you don't like? What have you missed in making it right? Have you TRULY repented or just paid lip service? You may fool people with lip service but you WON'T fool God.
Is 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Have you exchanged your problem for God's peace through prayer? Then why did you pick the problem back up?
Lk 22:42 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will , but Thine, be done.
This scripture tells me I can do nothing of myself. I only should do what God tells me to do.
Jesus changed the world everywhere He went. Do you?
Jesus didn't die for you to live a good life. He died so you could live and do God's will.
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
You were saved for God's purpose not your own. We need to live our life accordingly.
Jn 4:24 says God is Spirit.
Satan's goal is to always separate you from God. How is he doing that in your life right now? Satan is eternally separated from God and he wants company. Are you willing to be his company? Satan knew the love of God, he knows what he is missing. Are you willing to live outside of God's love? What choices are you making daily to be sure that doesn't happen?
1Jh 1:9 says If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We must freely admit we have sinned. We must own up to our sin. that is how we receive forgiveness.
Lk 22:40 And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
We must daily seek Him moment by moment to not sin. The devil doesn't need but a moment to tempt us. And you know that he won't advertise who he sent to you to tempt you.
1 Pet 5:7 Castin all your care upon Him for He careth for you.
Who cares for you? the devil or God? Who are you seeking? Who are you going to in times of need? Are you obeying what God tells you to do when you seek Him? If you sin against someone or do something you know is wrong, you aren't done with that thing or situation until you truly repent and make that thing right, with God and the person you have sinned against. God won't let you move on till you do. Stuck in a situation you don't like? What have you missed in making it right? Have you TRULY repented or just paid lip service? You may fool people with lip service but you WON'T fool God.
Is 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Have you exchanged your problem for God's peace through prayer? Then why did you pick the problem back up?
Lk 22:42 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will , but Thine, be done.
This scripture tells me I can do nothing of myself. I only should do what God tells me to do.
Jesus changed the world everywhere He went. Do you?
Jesus didn't die for you to live a good life. He died so you could live and do God's will.
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
You were saved for God's purpose not your own. We need to live our life accordingly.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Just Think!
God created the world as we know it in 6 days. Can you imagine what our heavenly home will look like as He has been preparing it for 2000 years???
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Trying a new program
Good morning! I downloaded a new program to use for writing my posts and am just playing to see if I like it.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Problem or Solution?
I read something yesterday that said, you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. There is no third choice. Which do you choose?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Light
Mt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is sset on an hill cannot be hid.
:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father which is in heaven.
Jn 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of the light.
:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Light in the word usually refers to Jesus, and darkness usually refers to satan or evil.
Thnink for a moment about walking into a pitch black room. All you have to do to dispel the darkness, is to flip a light switch. Where there is light, darkness has to flee. Light doesn't have to fight, it just has to be.
Jesus (the Light) has already won what ever battle you are fighting right now. No matter how bad that battle seems. That darkness HAS to flee. But in His timing not ours. That is the hard part isn't it? We are a microwave mentalilty type of people. We want everything fixed right now. God's timing isn't ours. It is His. The more we remember that, the easier it will be for us when we are praying through a battle. That is our job when we are going through things. To pray. And when we know our family, friends, neighbors, who ever God puts in our path are battling something, we should be praying for them also.
Light, what a great invention!
:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father which is in heaven.
Jn 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of the light.
:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Light in the word usually refers to Jesus, and darkness usually refers to satan or evil.
Thnink for a moment about walking into a pitch black room. All you have to do to dispel the darkness, is to flip a light switch. Where there is light, darkness has to flee. Light doesn't have to fight, it just has to be.
Jesus (the Light) has already won what ever battle you are fighting right now. No matter how bad that battle seems. That darkness HAS to flee. But in His timing not ours. That is the hard part isn't it? We are a microwave mentalilty type of people. We want everything fixed right now. God's timing isn't ours. It is His. The more we remember that, the easier it will be for us when we are praying through a battle. That is our job when we are going through things. To pray. And when we know our family, friends, neighbors, who ever God puts in our path are battling something, we should be praying for them also.
Light, what a great invention!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fathers
First off Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! May the Lord richly bless you today and throughout the next year. Mostly may He bring you closer to Him this next year. What could be a greater blessing then that?
I have one Father. He is your Father too if you are a born again believer. He will always be right there waiting for you. Do you feel far away from Him today? Then guess what? You moved not Him.
I had a biological father who I loved but was not really close to having been raised mostly on my own with my mom. I saw him now and then, and for the most part the visits were nice.
Then I had a "dad". My wonderful father-in-love, who treated me as though I was his own daughter. He showed me what it was to have a dad that even if you weren't happy with him, or agreeing with him at the moment, he was there for you. And always will be. Just like our heavenly Father. I am happy to say that my husband is the same way. No matter what, he will always be there if his children need him. He loves them just as our heavenly Father loves us. Unconditionally. Does that mean he is always happy with them or their choices? No, but then our heavenly Father is not always happy with us or our choices either. I will end this today with the prayer that everyone knows.
I have one Father. He is your Father too if you are a born again believer. He will always be right there waiting for you. Do you feel far away from Him today? Then guess what? You moved not Him.
I had a biological father who I loved but was not really close to having been raised mostly on my own with my mom. I saw him now and then, and for the most part the visits were nice.
Then I had a "dad". My wonderful father-in-love, who treated me as though I was his own daughter. He showed me what it was to have a dad that even if you weren't happy with him, or agreeing with him at the moment, he was there for you. And always will be. Just like our heavenly Father. I am happy to say that my husband is the same way. No matter what, he will always be there if his children need him. He loves them just as our heavenly Father loves us. Unconditionally. Does that mean he is always happy with them or their choices? No, but then our heavenly Father is not always happy with us or our choices either. I will end this today with the prayer that everyone knows.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Lesson 9 Esther A woman of temperance
Read chapters 1-7 of Esther.
1. Describe King Ahasuerus.
2. Describe Esther.
3. Do you believe there is a connection between her maturity in responding to wise counsel and her fruit of temperance? Explain. (Esther 2:10, 15, 20)
4. How does knowing the will of God (4:14) help one control one's actions?
5. In what ways did Esther model victory over self-gratification (4:11-17)?
6. How did she exemplify control over her tongue (5:1-8, 7:1-6)?
7. What actions did Esther take to ensure self control (5:1-8: 7:1-6)?
8. What benefits came from her victory?
9. How did her temperance help others?
10. Titus 2 used the example of refusing wine when setting forth temperance. Can you name other areas, besides wine, that might entangle a woman's life?
11. Why is self control a requirement for teaching others?
12. Explain how some things which are good in themselves can be bad by misuse (PR 24:13, 25:16, 27).
1. Describe King Ahasuerus.
2. Describe Esther.
3. Do you believe there is a connection between her maturity in responding to wise counsel and her fruit of temperance? Explain. (Esther 2:10, 15, 20)
4. How does knowing the will of God (4:14) help one control one's actions?
5. In what ways did Esther model victory over self-gratification (4:11-17)?
6. How did she exemplify control over her tongue (5:1-8, 7:1-6)?
7. What actions did Esther take to ensure self control (5:1-8: 7:1-6)?
8. What benefits came from her victory?
9. How did her temperance help others?
10. Titus 2 used the example of refusing wine when setting forth temperance. Can you name other areas, besides wine, that might entangle a woman's life?
11. Why is self control a requirement for teaching others?
12. Explain how some things which are good in themselves can be bad by misuse (PR 24:13, 25:16, 27).
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Perfection
I enjoy playing Animal Crossing for the WII. I am on day 4 of having a perfect town. On day 15 of having a perfect town, I will be awarded a gold watering can for my efforts. And it takes alot of effort to achieve and then maintain it for that long.
Now let's look at perfection in other areas. Do you have a perfect life? Are you a perfect person? A perfect christian? Do you attend a perfect church? Are your parents perfect? Your children? Your pastor? Your friends? Your neighbors? The only thing perfect is Christ, and the only way we will ever reach perfection is when we are with Him in heaven. That doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for perfection in those areas I listed. But we must remember when we are going through situations that we aren't perfect and neither is anyone else. We are all human. We will make mistakes, and we will not always agree. But Christ has called us to strive to be more like Him. If we are doing that then we are at least on the right road.
Just some thoughts from my muddled brain this morning.
Now let's look at perfection in other areas. Do you have a perfect life? Are you a perfect person? A perfect christian? Do you attend a perfect church? Are your parents perfect? Your children? Your pastor? Your friends? Your neighbors? The only thing perfect is Christ, and the only way we will ever reach perfection is when we are with Him in heaven. That doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for perfection in those areas I listed. But we must remember when we are going through situations that we aren't perfect and neither is anyone else. We are all human. We will make mistakes, and we will not always agree. But Christ has called us to strive to be more like Him. If we are doing that then we are at least on the right road.
Just some thoughts from my muddled brain this morning.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Lesson 8 Speaking with kindness
Little member is what God calls the tongue, but great blessings and great evils flow therefrom.
1. The virtuous woman speaks with kindness (pr 31:26). Discuss positive ways you can use your tongue from :
ps 34:1-3 blessing the Lord at all times
pr 12:25 speaking good words to people
pr 16:23-24 Pleasant words are health to the bones and sweet to the soul
pr 12:18 tongue of the wise is health
pr 15:1 speak softly and not grievously
2. Give an example of someone who recently ministered to you with their speech. Explain why their words were so meaningful.
I recently prayed for a friend without knowing if something was going on at the time, just felt led to pray strongly for her. Found out later that she did indeed need prayer at the time and it encouraged me to know that I was following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I feel that I miss it and it is encouraging to know that I didn't.
3. When it is impossible or impractical to overlook an offense, why is it best to talk directly to the party involved before discussing the matter with anyone else?
Pr 25:9-12 Because they are the only one who can do something about the offense
Mt 18:15 they may not realize you were offended and then can make things right
Lk 17:3-4 We need to forgive them if they ask us to
4. From the passages listed below, what is involved in being a wise reprover?
pr 9:8-9 rebuke a wise man not a scorner
pr 25:15 we must be long forebearing
Gal 6:1 We must do it in a spirit of meekness
eph 4:15 speak truth in love
col 4:6 let your speech be with grace
1 sam 25:23-25
5. Define flattery.
false praise, commendation for the purpose of gaining favor or influence, or to accomplish some purpose.
6. Why does someone flatter?
see the definition
7. Why is it wrong according to:
pr 12:2 a good man receives favor from the Lord
pr 12:17-19 truth shows forth rightousness and flattery is a lie
pr 26:28 a flattering mouth worketh ruin
pr 29:5 flatters set a trap for the one they are flattering
8. Why does someone nag?
usually because they are not getting their way
9. Describe the effects of nagging based on:
pr 19:13
pr 21:19
pr 25:24
1. The virtuous woman speaks with kindness (pr 31:26). Discuss positive ways you can use your tongue from :
ps 34:1-3 blessing the Lord at all times
pr 12:25 speaking good words to people
pr 16:23-24 Pleasant words are health to the bones and sweet to the soul
pr 12:18 tongue of the wise is health
pr 15:1 speak softly and not grievously
2. Give an example of someone who recently ministered to you with their speech. Explain why their words were so meaningful.
I recently prayed for a friend without knowing if something was going on at the time, just felt led to pray strongly for her. Found out later that she did indeed need prayer at the time and it encouraged me to know that I was following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I feel that I miss it and it is encouraging to know that I didn't.
3. When it is impossible or impractical to overlook an offense, why is it best to talk directly to the party involved before discussing the matter with anyone else?
Pr 25:9-12 Because they are the only one who can do something about the offense
Mt 18:15 they may not realize you were offended and then can make things right
Lk 17:3-4 We need to forgive them if they ask us to
4. From the passages listed below, what is involved in being a wise reprover?
pr 9:8-9 rebuke a wise man not a scorner
pr 25:15 we must be long forebearing
Gal 6:1 We must do it in a spirit of meekness
eph 4:15 speak truth in love
col 4:6 let your speech be with grace
1 sam 25:23-25
5. Define flattery.
false praise, commendation for the purpose of gaining favor or influence, or to accomplish some purpose.
6. Why does someone flatter?
see the definition
7. Why is it wrong according to:
pr 12:2 a good man receives favor from the Lord
pr 12:17-19 truth shows forth rightousness and flattery is a lie
pr 26:28 a flattering mouth worketh ruin
pr 29:5 flatters set a trap for the one they are flattering
8. Why does someone nag?
usually because they are not getting their way
9. Describe the effects of nagging based on:
pr 19:13
pr 21:19
pr 25:24
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Silly me
I got tangled up in the power cord of hubby's laptop last night and started to fall. I tried really hard to stop myself, but couldn't so I went sliding down the hall on one knee. When i stopped sliding I hit the other knee, a shoulder and both wrists. Sigh. I have almost no skin on the knee I slid on. Hubby's laptop hit the floor also. But amazingly enough it is working fine. And other then sore, I am ok also. Such is a day in my world.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Lesson 7 Miriam, an unrestrained tongue
Numbers 12:1-15
1. How did Miriam want others to see herself and Aaron?
The same as they saw Moses.
2. What lay at the root of Miriam's sin?
Jealousy
3. What statement in verse 2 is so often forgotten by those who gossip?
that God hears when they do
4. How did God view Moses? (v 3-9)
as a faithful servant
5. How did God view the sin of Miriam (v 9-14, pr 6:16-19, 1 tim 5:19-20)?
6. Why does God consider gossiping such a sin?
7. Comment on:
pr 11:9
pr 16:28
pr 17:9
pr 17:20
pr 26:20-23
8. Can you think of a situation where you have been personally hurt by gossip?
9. Can you think of a situation where you have hurt another with gossip?
10. Did you learn anything from the two experiences? explain.
11. What effect did Miriams sin have on the others? (v15)
12. How can you help stop gossip according to:
pr 14:15
pr 15:28
pr 17:27-28
pr 18:13
james 3:2-18
1. How did Miriam want others to see herself and Aaron?
The same as they saw Moses.
2. What lay at the root of Miriam's sin?
Jealousy
3. What statement in verse 2 is so often forgotten by those who gossip?
that God hears when they do
4. How did God view Moses? (v 3-9)
as a faithful servant
5. How did God view the sin of Miriam (v 9-14, pr 6:16-19, 1 tim 5:19-20)?
6. Why does God consider gossiping such a sin?
7. Comment on:
pr 11:9
pr 16:28
pr 17:9
pr 17:20
pr 26:20-23
8. Can you think of a situation where you have been personally hurt by gossip?
9. Can you think of a situation where you have hurt another with gossip?
10. Did you learn anything from the two experiences? explain.
11. What effect did Miriams sin have on the others? (v15)
12. How can you help stop gossip according to:
pr 14:15
pr 15:28
pr 17:27-28
pr 18:13
james 3:2-18
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Lesson 6 Mary and Martha, cumbered and contented
Look over Luke 10:38-42
1. In the passage at hand two sisters desire to please Jesus. Why is Mary praised?
Because she chose to sit and listen to what Jesus had to say before doing anything else. This is strictly my opinion but I believe she discerned how short a time she would have to learn from Him.
2. Why is Martha rebuked? I think (again my opinion) that it was her attitude He was rebuking. She received Him into her home and felt responsible for the preparations for Him and whoever was with Him. But she didn't have a good attitude about working while everyone else, including Mary, were listening to Him. She should have listened and then done the preparations.
3. How might Martha have been different if she had taken the time to listen to Jesus before she served?
Well her attitude would have definitely been different.
4. What charge did Martha make against Jesus in verse 40?
That He didn't care
5. Have you ever felt this way under the pressures of daily work? explain.
yes unfortunately i have. I think all of us can relate to how Martha felt.
6. What charge did Martha make against Mary in verse 40?
Pretty much that Mary was lazy and selfish.
7. Discuss how our self-love leads us into bad attitudes toward others.
We think due to our self-love that others should want to help us, do for us, etc. When they don't, if we aren't careful, we can fall into a bad attitude toward them. The door can be opened to resentment, anger, bitterness.
8. What does verse 40 teach about the prayers of one whose perspective is faulty?
That our prayers will be self centered.
9. Define cumbered.
over occupied with cares, burdens, distracted, to weigh down.
10. Are you ever in this condition? why?
yes and it is always when I am trying to do something without the Lord's help or that is not in His will for me at the time.
11. How can you serve more like Mary?
I can pray and seek the Lord and His help before serving.
12. How does Jesus describe true servitude in Mark 10:42-45?
That true servitude means you serve with everything you have. Jesus laid down His life for us as an act of servitude.
13. Relate this description to the passages in Titus and Proverbs 31 from earlier lessons.
We must joyfully serve others after seeking the Lord's will.
14. Can you think of a situation in your life where effective service came after spiritual worship?
yes, many times and many situations.
1. In the passage at hand two sisters desire to please Jesus. Why is Mary praised?
Because she chose to sit and listen to what Jesus had to say before doing anything else. This is strictly my opinion but I believe she discerned how short a time she would have to learn from Him.
2. Why is Martha rebuked? I think (again my opinion) that it was her attitude He was rebuking. She received Him into her home and felt responsible for the preparations for Him and whoever was with Him. But she didn't have a good attitude about working while everyone else, including Mary, were listening to Him. She should have listened and then done the preparations.
3. How might Martha have been different if she had taken the time to listen to Jesus before she served?
Well her attitude would have definitely been different.
4. What charge did Martha make against Jesus in verse 40?
That He didn't care
5. Have you ever felt this way under the pressures of daily work? explain.
yes unfortunately i have. I think all of us can relate to how Martha felt.
6. What charge did Martha make against Mary in verse 40?
Pretty much that Mary was lazy and selfish.
7. Discuss how our self-love leads us into bad attitudes toward others.
We think due to our self-love that others should want to help us, do for us, etc. When they don't, if we aren't careful, we can fall into a bad attitude toward them. The door can be opened to resentment, anger, bitterness.
8. What does verse 40 teach about the prayers of one whose perspective is faulty?
That our prayers will be self centered.
9. Define cumbered.
over occupied with cares, burdens, distracted, to weigh down.
10. Are you ever in this condition? why?
yes and it is always when I am trying to do something without the Lord's help or that is not in His will for me at the time.
11. How can you serve more like Mary?
I can pray and seek the Lord and His help before serving.
12. How does Jesus describe true servitude in Mark 10:42-45?
That true servitude means you serve with everything you have. Jesus laid down His life for us as an act of servitude.
13. Relate this description to the passages in Titus and Proverbs 31 from earlier lessons.
We must joyfully serve others after seeking the Lord's will.
14. Can you think of a situation in your life where effective service came after spiritual worship?
yes, many times and many situations.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Lesson 5 Hannah the Fear of the Lord
Sorry it has been awhile, but things have been busy.
I don't really have time to post my answers to all of the questions but will post what a couple.
1 Read ps 31:19; ps 111:10, ps 112:1, ps 147:11, and pr 8:13 and then write a paragrah defining the fear of the Lord.
Fear of God begins with trusting Him above all else. If we have wisdom we will have a reverent fear of God. Not fear as we would have of a bully. That is totally different. God is not a bully. He is our loving Father who desires only the best for us. It is when we make bad choices that He can't bless us. When we have reverent fear we want to do His will. And we hate the things He hates. The word promises many blessings to us if we have a reverent fear of the Lord, but we shouldn't fear Him to receive the blessings, but because we love Him.
2. Next to the following life situations write p if you have battled them in the past, or c if you are battling them currently. For those in the past, how did God grant the victory?
age health
physical appearance children or lack of them
relatives or in-laws lack of ability
spouse or lack of one station in life
death of loved one finances
3. How did Job, the righteous man who suffered innocently, respond to his trials (Job 23:1-12)? What result came out of his suffering (Job 42:12)?
4. Sometimes God uses suffering to deal with His children who are not following Him or fearing Him. Why does He allow trial in the case of disobedient believers (Jer 24:5-7; 29:11-14; 31:10-14)?
5. In each of the following situations, explain how trials can result in God's glory, our benefit and the benefit of others:
grief 2 cor 1:3-4
trials James 1:2-4
troubles 2 cor 4:16-18
illness 2 cor 12:7-10
persecutions 1 Pet 4:12-14
6. Write of an incident in your life where personal difficulty brought about special glory to the Lord.
I don't really have time to post my answers to all of the questions but will post what a couple.
1 Read ps 31:19; ps 111:10, ps 112:1, ps 147:11, and pr 8:13 and then write a paragrah defining the fear of the Lord.
Fear of God begins with trusting Him above all else. If we have wisdom we will have a reverent fear of God. Not fear as we would have of a bully. That is totally different. God is not a bully. He is our loving Father who desires only the best for us. It is when we make bad choices that He can't bless us. When we have reverent fear we want to do His will. And we hate the things He hates. The word promises many blessings to us if we have a reverent fear of the Lord, but we shouldn't fear Him to receive the blessings, but because we love Him.
2. Next to the following life situations write p if you have battled them in the past, or c if you are battling them currently. For those in the past, how did God grant the victory?
age health
physical appearance children or lack of them
relatives or in-laws lack of ability
spouse or lack of one station in life
death of loved one finances
3. How did Job, the righteous man who suffered innocently, respond to his trials (Job 23:1-12)? What result came out of his suffering (Job 42:12)?
4. Sometimes God uses suffering to deal with His children who are not following Him or fearing Him. Why does He allow trial in the case of disobedient believers (Jer 24:5-7; 29:11-14; 31:10-14)?
5. In each of the following situations, explain how trials can result in God's glory, our benefit and the benefit of others:
grief 2 cor 1:3-4
trials James 1:2-4
troubles 2 cor 4:16-18
illness 2 cor 12:7-10
persecutions 1 Pet 4:12-14
6. Write of an incident in your life where personal difficulty brought about special glory to the Lord.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Lesson 4 - Hannah, A tried woman
Read 1 Samuel 1
1. From verses 1-8 describe Hannah's conflict.
She couldn't have children and Peninnah teased her. She wanted to trust God and it caused conflict within her.
2. Who was responsible for her condition?
verse 5 says the Lord had shut her womb.
3. How does God use hardships to bring blessings to our lives?
Without the hardships, we wouldn't seek God sometimes, and we would also not always recognize the blessings if we didn't have the hardship first.
4. How did Hannah first respond to her condition? (vv 6-7)
She cried and wouldn't eat
5. Can you think of a conflict in your own life that affected you in a similar way? Explain.
Last year I was having a great deal of stress over conflict within our family. Thankfully things have settled down alot and I can enjoy having all of my children living close to us again.
6. What did she finally do to overcome her bitterness? (vv 9-19)
She prayed, cried and made a vow. The priest thought she was drunk cause she was quietly pouring her heart out to the Lord. Basically she turned it all over to the Lord and was no longer sad. She allowed the Lord to carry her burden.
7. What principles can we learn from Hannah's prayer? (v 11)
8. Describe the changes in Hannah's attitude toward the Lord and toward her husband. (1:19- 2:1)
9. List some benefits that Hannah experienced as a result of her victory in dealing with her problem of barrenness. (1:27-28, 2:20-21, 3:19-21)
10. In light of 1 Sam 2:17, how do you think Hannah would have reacted at this point if she still did not conceive? Explain.
11. Apply each of the following verses to Hannah's life and to your own life.
Pr 9:10, Pr 15:33, Pr 22:4, Rev 14:7
12. Hannah voluntarily surrendered er most valuable possession to the Lord. Who benefited from this surrender and is what ways?
13. Is there something God has asked you to surrender that is not yet yielded to Him? Write out the reasons why.
Sorry I can't post more of my answers but I forgot I need to meet Stephen at the ortho this morning to bring him to school once the appt is done.
Have a blessed day.
1. From verses 1-8 describe Hannah's conflict.
She couldn't have children and Peninnah teased her. She wanted to trust God and it caused conflict within her.
2. Who was responsible for her condition?
verse 5 says the Lord had shut her womb.
3. How does God use hardships to bring blessings to our lives?
Without the hardships, we wouldn't seek God sometimes, and we would also not always recognize the blessings if we didn't have the hardship first.
4. How did Hannah first respond to her condition? (vv 6-7)
She cried and wouldn't eat
5. Can you think of a conflict in your own life that affected you in a similar way? Explain.
Last year I was having a great deal of stress over conflict within our family. Thankfully things have settled down alot and I can enjoy having all of my children living close to us again.
6. What did she finally do to overcome her bitterness? (vv 9-19)
She prayed, cried and made a vow. The priest thought she was drunk cause she was quietly pouring her heart out to the Lord. Basically she turned it all over to the Lord and was no longer sad. She allowed the Lord to carry her burden.
7. What principles can we learn from Hannah's prayer? (v 11)
8. Describe the changes in Hannah's attitude toward the Lord and toward her husband. (1:19- 2:1)
9. List some benefits that Hannah experienced as a result of her victory in dealing with her problem of barrenness. (1:27-28, 2:20-21, 3:19-21)
10. In light of 1 Sam 2:17, how do you think Hannah would have reacted at this point if she still did not conceive? Explain.
11. Apply each of the following verses to Hannah's life and to your own life.
Pr 9:10, Pr 15:33, Pr 22:4, Rev 14:7
12. Hannah voluntarily surrendered er most valuable possession to the Lord. Who benefited from this surrender and is what ways?
13. Is there something God has asked you to surrender that is not yet yielded to Him? Write out the reasons why.
Sorry I can't post more of my answers but I forgot I need to meet Stephen at the ortho this morning to bring him to school once the appt is done.
Have a blessed day.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Virtuous Woman- Lesson 3
Pr 31:10-31
1. Find Titus 2 qualities illustrated in Pr 31:10-31.
Behaviour as becometh holiness control of tongue
self-control, not given to habits love for husband
love for children keeper at home
discreet chaste
teacher of good
2. What does the bible say about virtuous women in Proverbs 31:10 and Ecc 7:28? To what is she compared? What does this tell us about the number of such women in our world?
She is said to be worth more then rare jewels. And she is said to be hard to find.
I have a son who is 19. And I so want him to find a virtuous woman. If you think about him, please pray that God would send him the woman God has chosen as his helpmeet.
3. How can a single girl model the qualities of Pr 31?
4. Discuss one of the qualities of Proverbs 31 you learned from observing the life of an older woman.
5. The "bottom line" quality of the virtuous woman is fearing the Lord (vs 30). How does that trait make all the others possible?
Because without our Lord's help we won't be able to do all of the rest. It would be impossible to do all of them in our own strength, but with His help we can do anything.
6. Make a list of particulars in Pr 31:10-31. If there is not an exact match in today's economy place one next to that on your list (e.g. spindle & distaff - sewing machine). Next grade yourself (A B C D F) as to how your life matches the biblical ideal.
7. Now take the same list and write next to each particular a woman from the bible and a woman you have known personally who exemplified such a trait.
8 What steps can (will) you take to "bring up your grades"?
I will try to keep all of these things in mind daily and try my best to live up to them.
Sorry I don't have more time to post more of my answers but wanted to give you a couple at least each day.
1. Find Titus 2 qualities illustrated in Pr 31:10-31.
Behaviour as becometh holiness control of tongue
self-control, not given to habits love for husband
love for children keeper at home
discreet chaste
teacher of good
2. What does the bible say about virtuous women in Proverbs 31:10 and Ecc 7:28? To what is she compared? What does this tell us about the number of such women in our world?
She is said to be worth more then rare jewels. And she is said to be hard to find.
I have a son who is 19. And I so want him to find a virtuous woman. If you think about him, please pray that God would send him the woman God has chosen as his helpmeet.
3. How can a single girl model the qualities of Pr 31?
4. Discuss one of the qualities of Proverbs 31 you learned from observing the life of an older woman.
5. The "bottom line" quality of the virtuous woman is fearing the Lord (vs 30). How does that trait make all the others possible?
Because without our Lord's help we won't be able to do all of the rest. It would be impossible to do all of them in our own strength, but with His help we can do anything.
6. Make a list of particulars in Pr 31:10-31. If there is not an exact match in today's economy place one next to that on your list (e.g. spindle & distaff - sewing machine). Next grade yourself (A B C D F) as to how your life matches the biblical ideal.
7. Now take the same list and write next to each particular a woman from the bible and a woman you have known personally who exemplified such a trait.
8 What steps can (will) you take to "bring up your grades"?
I will try to keep all of these things in mind daily and try my best to live up to them.
Sorry I don't have more time to post more of my answers but wanted to give you a couple at least each day.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Foundations #2
Today's took longer for me to answer and now I am almost out of time before I really have to get moving around here. But I did want to post the lessons so I will just post the verses to read and then the questions.
Read Titus 2:1-5
1. Whom are women to teach?
2. In what ways is such teaching done?
3. Define sober and list some areas of life where sobriety is needed.
4. Why do you think we have limited sobriety to the area of intoxicating drink, taking from the word its broader meaning?
5. List some ways young women may be taught to love thier husbands? Explain the difference between acts and attitudes.
6. What does it mean for a woman to love her children? How can this be taught?
7. Define discreet and list some areas of life where discretion is needed.
8. Why is the command to be keepers at home essential if one is to fulfill the prior comands in verses 4 & 5?
9. Define obedient. Is this command relevant in our day? Explain how ignoring God's command leads one into the philosophy of the world?
10. Define blasphemy. How is the word of God blasphemed by a disobedient woman? How does such an attitude affect one's teaching of the young women?
11. List some areas in your life that are not surrendered to Gods will and how they could potentially harm others.
Read Titus 2:1-5
1. Whom are women to teach?
2. In what ways is such teaching done?
3. Define sober and list some areas of life where sobriety is needed.
4. Why do you think we have limited sobriety to the area of intoxicating drink, taking from the word its broader meaning?
5. List some ways young women may be taught to love thier husbands? Explain the difference between acts and attitudes.
6. What does it mean for a woman to love her children? How can this be taught?
7. Define discreet and list some areas of life where discretion is needed.
8. Why is the command to be keepers at home essential if one is to fulfill the prior comands in verses 4 & 5?
9. Define obedient. Is this command relevant in our day? Explain how ignoring God's command leads one into the philosophy of the world?
10. Define blasphemy. How is the word of God blasphemed by a disobedient woman? How does such an attitude affect one's teaching of the young women?
11. List some areas in your life that are not surrendered to Gods will and how they could potentially harm others.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Study of Holy Women
Today I am looking at a study on holy women. Will see where this leads over the next few days.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.
Let's start right here. I only want sound doctrine straight from the word of God. I like that about this guide I am looking at cause it has you read a section of scripture, (today is Titus 2:1-5) and then asks questions. You decide on the answers based on God's word. This was a free study that I printed off a long time ago. Sorry there isn't a link anywhere on the papers that I can find. It does state there is no copyright so I will post the questions and maybe, some or all of my answers. I will decide as I go.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Since verse 2 deals with men, let's move on to verse 3.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
:5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, taht the word of God be not blasphemed.
Here are the questions and some of my answers. I did answer all of them in my journal but will share just a couple or so of my answers so this doesn't get to long.
1. After thought and reflection evaluate your concept of womanhood.
2. How have your ideas about womanhood changed since you became a christian? If you have been a christian since you were young, how has your concept changed over the years?
Wow, I could write a book to answer this one. I was saved at age 13, but honestly didn't know what that really truly meant for many years. Over the years, God has dealt with me on many issues. As He has dealt with me on issues concerning me as a woman, it has definitely changed my ideas.
3. Think of a woman you admire as an outstanding christian. Why do you esteem her?
A woman came immediately to mind. She has always been a great example to me of what a christian woman should be like. Do I have her on a pedestal? No, cause she is quick to tell you if you see any good in her, it is cause of Jesus. She taught me alot about submitting to my husband, without being a doormat, how to love my husband and respect him and to teach my children to do the same, even though she never had children.
4. Think of a powerful woman in the secular world. Name the negative results of her influence on women.
5. Who is your favorite female character in the bible? What characteristics does she have that makes her so admired?
Even though she isn't really named, we know her as the PR 31 woman. Her characteristics are all laid out for you to read there.
6. From Titus 2:1-5 list the qualities God admires. Next to them write the opposite of these qualities.
7.How do the qualities you esteem compare or conflict with the list above?
8. All women are not ready to teach younger women, or be a proper example, to others. What are teh prerequisities according to our passage?
9. How can a woman manifest behavior as becometh holiness to God? Why do you think this quality is named first?
10. Why is control of the tongue (not false accusers) so important? Can you think of an example when God's name has bee dishonored or His work hindered by a slandering woman?
11. Define temperance. Why is it important for a godly woman to be free from addiction to wine, or any excess?
I posted a few of my answers but it would have made this even longer had I posted all of them. I would love to know if anyone out there does this too. Leave me a link to your blog if you do it there, or email me. I would love to hear from you.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.
Let's start right here. I only want sound doctrine straight from the word of God. I like that about this guide I am looking at cause it has you read a section of scripture, (today is Titus 2:1-5) and then asks questions. You decide on the answers based on God's word. This was a free study that I printed off a long time ago. Sorry there isn't a link anywhere on the papers that I can find. It does state there is no copyright so I will post the questions and maybe, some or all of my answers. I will decide as I go.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Since verse 2 deals with men, let's move on to verse 3.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
:5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, taht the word of God be not blasphemed.
Here are the questions and some of my answers. I did answer all of them in my journal but will share just a couple or so of my answers so this doesn't get to long.
1. After thought and reflection evaluate your concept of womanhood.
2. How have your ideas about womanhood changed since you became a christian? If you have been a christian since you were young, how has your concept changed over the years?
Wow, I could write a book to answer this one. I was saved at age 13, but honestly didn't know what that really truly meant for many years. Over the years, God has dealt with me on many issues. As He has dealt with me on issues concerning me as a woman, it has definitely changed my ideas.
3. Think of a woman you admire as an outstanding christian. Why do you esteem her?
A woman came immediately to mind. She has always been a great example to me of what a christian woman should be like. Do I have her on a pedestal? No, cause she is quick to tell you if you see any good in her, it is cause of Jesus. She taught me alot about submitting to my husband, without being a doormat, how to love my husband and respect him and to teach my children to do the same, even though she never had children.
4. Think of a powerful woman in the secular world. Name the negative results of her influence on women.
5. Who is your favorite female character in the bible? What characteristics does she have that makes her so admired?
Even though she isn't really named, we know her as the PR 31 woman. Her characteristics are all laid out for you to read there.
6. From Titus 2:1-5 list the qualities God admires. Next to them write the opposite of these qualities.
7.How do the qualities you esteem compare or conflict with the list above?
8. All women are not ready to teach younger women, or be a proper example, to others. What are teh prerequisities according to our passage?
9. How can a woman manifest behavior as becometh holiness to God? Why do you think this quality is named first?
10. Why is control of the tongue (not false accusers) so important? Can you think of an example when God's name has bee dishonored or His work hindered by a slandering woman?
11. Define temperance. Why is it important for a godly woman to be free from addiction to wine, or any excess?
I posted a few of my answers but it would have made this even longer had I posted all of them. I would love to know if anyone out there does this too. Leave me a link to your blog if you do it there, or email me. I would love to hear from you.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ever wonder?
Why some people are harder to reach for Jesus then others?
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
I must remember always when witnessing to someone, anyone, to pray, pray, pray before, during and after. Cause I guarantee you if I open my mouth to witness to someone, satan will be right there whispering in their ear that I am lying, crazy, well you know all the lies he tells people about us.
2 Cor 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
See this is something else I must remember. When they reject what I am saying, they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting Christ. Well unless I am promoting myself, which I pray I never do, I only want to promote Christ. I am but His servant, a vessel presented to Him daily (at least that is my prayer, some days it is harder then others), for His use, to bring Him glory.
Today I am doing some laundry, a few dishes, having lunch with a friend, quilting/knitting probably. Then supper if Lester is off, will be another cooking demo. If he is working late, then it will be just me here and I will figure that out later lol. There is plenty of food here to eat so I won't go hungry.
I pray you have a blessed day in the Lord.
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
I must remember always when witnessing to someone, anyone, to pray, pray, pray before, during and after. Cause I guarantee you if I open my mouth to witness to someone, satan will be right there whispering in their ear that I am lying, crazy, well you know all the lies he tells people about us.
2 Cor 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
See this is something else I must remember. When they reject what I am saying, they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting Christ. Well unless I am promoting myself, which I pray I never do, I only want to promote Christ. I am but His servant, a vessel presented to Him daily (at least that is my prayer, some days it is harder then others), for His use, to bring Him glory.
Today I am doing some laundry, a few dishes, having lunch with a friend, quilting/knitting probably. Then supper if Lester is off, will be another cooking demo. If he is working late, then it will be just me here and I will figure that out later lol. There is plenty of food here to eat so I won't go hungry.
I pray you have a blessed day in the Lord.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Want wisdom, knowledge and understanding?
Pr 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee:
:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Notice in verse one, the word if? It is our choice. We must choose to receive His words. If we do verses 1-4 then we shall understand in verse 5.
So clearly God wants to give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But are we willing to do what it takes to receive that from Him? Just as He could have changed us into perfection at our salvation, He could give us all these things with just a thought. But He gave us a free will. And above all He wants us to choose to follow Him, choose to do His will, choose to receive all the good things He has for us. But along with those choices, He wants us to choose to not sin, choose to not turn our back on His word, choose to not let satan rob us of our joy in the Lord.
What choice will you make?
:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Notice in verse one, the word if? It is our choice. We must choose to receive His words. If we do verses 1-4 then we shall understand in verse 5.
So clearly God wants to give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But are we willing to do what it takes to receive that from Him? Just as He could have changed us into perfection at our salvation, He could give us all these things with just a thought. But He gave us a free will. And above all He wants us to choose to follow Him, choose to do His will, choose to receive all the good things He has for us. But along with those choices, He wants us to choose to not sin, choose to not turn our back on His word, choose to not let satan rob us of our joy in the Lord.
What choice will you make?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
You are unique
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God made each of us different. No two of us are the same. Even identical twins have differences. We are each made up of three parts: spirit, soul and body. In each part we are different then everyone else. Only God could do that!
God created us exactly like we are for a reason. Nothing in us is wasted, no one is unimportant. None of us is just like everyone else. And the reason He created us the way He did is so that whatever He has planned for us we will be equipped to do. Cause remember God doesn't call the equipped He equips the called.
So the fiber optics people were here again this morning. They rewired the tvs and everything is working great right now. If there are any more glitches they will know that it is from the box on the outside of my house to the terminal that feeds it so that is good news. Hopefully there are no more glitches.
Stephen is home sick today. He had to be picked up yesterday from school and went to the doctor. He can return to school tomorrow. They think it is viral. Now the weather is changing here again back to cold after a few 80 degree days. Everyone around here is battling some kind of crud cause the weather can't make up its mind. I pray it does soon even though I am not looking forward to 90+ degree weather.
I will bring in my basil plant this time cause the other herbs did ok with the cold but it didn't.
I have done dishes, doing laundry now, and hopefully will mop now that I am done with workers coming in and out. They tried to be careful about tracking in mud, etc but well, with that many in and out that much it just was bound to need mopping now that they are done lol.
Jimmy worked last night but is still sore with his back. Please keep him in prayer. He works again tonight.
I will have all the grandchildren this afternoon as Andy has the flu and so they are riding the bus here in the afternoons. Alexis is doing well with her knee even though there is still bruising of the bone. It is a long slow progress, but at least it is progress.
Stephen will have xrays again in 2 weeks on his thumb and hopefully the break will be healed and the brace can come off.
Guess that is all the updates for now.
God made each of us different. No two of us are the same. Even identical twins have differences. We are each made up of three parts: spirit, soul and body. In each part we are different then everyone else. Only God could do that!
God created us exactly like we are for a reason. Nothing in us is wasted, no one is unimportant. None of us is just like everyone else. And the reason He created us the way He did is so that whatever He has planned for us we will be equipped to do. Cause remember God doesn't call the equipped He equips the called.
So the fiber optics people were here again this morning. They rewired the tvs and everything is working great right now. If there are any more glitches they will know that it is from the box on the outside of my house to the terminal that feeds it so that is good news. Hopefully there are no more glitches.
Stephen is home sick today. He had to be picked up yesterday from school and went to the doctor. He can return to school tomorrow. They think it is viral. Now the weather is changing here again back to cold after a few 80 degree days. Everyone around here is battling some kind of crud cause the weather can't make up its mind. I pray it does soon even though I am not looking forward to 90+ degree weather.
I will bring in my basil plant this time cause the other herbs did ok with the cold but it didn't.
I have done dishes, doing laundry now, and hopefully will mop now that I am done with workers coming in and out. They tried to be careful about tracking in mud, etc but well, with that many in and out that much it just was bound to need mopping now that they are done lol.
Jimmy worked last night but is still sore with his back. Please keep him in prayer. He works again tonight.
I will have all the grandchildren this afternoon as Andy has the flu and so they are riding the bus here in the afternoons. Alexis is doing well with her knee even though there is still bruising of the bone. It is a long slow progress, but at least it is progress.
Stephen will have xrays again in 2 weeks on his thumb and hopefully the break will be healed and the brace can come off.
Guess that is all the updates for now.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Purpose
God has a purpose for everything He does.
The word purpose refers to an intention, a determination, and end to be attained.
Ps 139:15-16 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
God knew His plan for us before birth.
There is nothing random with God.
We must come to a place where letting life happen to us is less desirable then spending the time with God in prayer and study of His word to learn His purpose for us each day.
Let's seek the Lord each day for His will and purpose for us. I don't know about you, but when I don't I can just see God laughing at me as I go about planning my day. He always has the last laugh.
Today I went with Stephen and Leslie to the orthopedic. He put him in a thumb brace and he will redo xrays in two weeks to see if the brace can come off.
The word purpose refers to an intention, a determination, and end to be attained.
Ps 139:15-16 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
God knew His plan for us before birth.
There is nothing random with God.
We must come to a place where letting life happen to us is less desirable then spending the time with God in prayer and study of His word to learn His purpose for us each day.
Let's seek the Lord each day for His will and purpose for us. I don't know about you, but when I don't I can just see God laughing at me as I go about planning my day. He always has the last laugh.
Today I went with Stephen and Leslie to the orthopedic. He put him in a thumb brace and he will redo xrays in two weeks to see if the brace can come off.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
A Woman's Role
Virtue has many synonyms. Some include: courage, strength, conformity, moral excellence and chastity.
Pr 31:10 says: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
If virtue means all of those things I listed, is it any wonder her price is far above rubies?
As anyone who has been reading my blog or known me for awhile knows, I love revisiting the Pr 31 woman. Each year I spend time in those verses, and each year the Lord teaches me something new about her.
As women, we know we are to submit to our husbands, if we are married. But does that mean we are to be a doormat? Not according to my bible.
I am not sure where this will lead, so bare with me please lol. I am sorta studying and rambling this morning. Hopefully something useful for you (and me) will come from my rambling.
God created men and women different. We are physically different of course. But we think differently and respond differently in situations also. I say often to my daughters that are raising sons, and I have one son, that men respond with their heads usually and women with their hearts. In alot situations this is true. And alot of times consulting with our husbands can keep both of us grounded in making decisions.
If you are a working wife/mom, I salute you. You must wear even more hats all at once then stay at home moms. But stay at home moms don't have an easy life either. Just some of the hats we must wear are: cook, tutor, lover, nurse, secretary, bookkeeper, chauffeur, story reader, hug giver, kiss receiver. See I threw in the last three as encouragements and reminders that we do get some pretty good rewards especially when we have smaller children. All of my children are grown now, but I do have 4 grandchildren and two of them right now are here every day after school for a couple of hours, so I do get some hugs and kisses still.
I guess that is it for today. Still not sure where this will lead lol. Maybe to my study this year of Pr 31, but we will see.
Last night one of our grandsons, Stephen, ended up in the ER. He got hit by another boy during PE when they were playing soccor yesterday at school. He ended up with a crack by the first knuckle. So he has a nice bandaged hand till the swelling goes down and the bone heals. Always something going on around here.
Update on Alexis' knee: she had mri this week and there is still alot of bruising on the bone. The injury was so severe that it is taking longer to heal then they thought at first. So she continues with therapy and we wait for the healing to proceed. She is out of the brace and walking pretty well, but still doesn't have full range of motion.
So far today I have: mopped the living room and hall, managed to pull a muscle in my back while doing it, sigh. Jimmy came home early from work last night cause he did the same thing.
I have showered and dressed, paid bills, balanced the checkbook and did a devotional.
Now I need to: get haircut, go to grocery, have lunch with a friend and maybe go sit and knit. Oh and I need to go by our local quilt store and pick up the new bom fabric.
Have a blessed day!
Pr 31:10 says: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
If virtue means all of those things I listed, is it any wonder her price is far above rubies?
As anyone who has been reading my blog or known me for awhile knows, I love revisiting the Pr 31 woman. Each year I spend time in those verses, and each year the Lord teaches me something new about her.
As women, we know we are to submit to our husbands, if we are married. But does that mean we are to be a doormat? Not according to my bible.
I am not sure where this will lead, so bare with me please lol. I am sorta studying and rambling this morning. Hopefully something useful for you (and me) will come from my rambling.
God created men and women different. We are physically different of course. But we think differently and respond differently in situations also. I say often to my daughters that are raising sons, and I have one son, that men respond with their heads usually and women with their hearts. In alot situations this is true. And alot of times consulting with our husbands can keep both of us grounded in making decisions.
If you are a working wife/mom, I salute you. You must wear even more hats all at once then stay at home moms. But stay at home moms don't have an easy life either. Just some of the hats we must wear are: cook, tutor, lover, nurse, secretary, bookkeeper, chauffeur, story reader, hug giver, kiss receiver. See I threw in the last three as encouragements and reminders that we do get some pretty good rewards especially when we have smaller children. All of my children are grown now, but I do have 4 grandchildren and two of them right now are here every day after school for a couple of hours, so I do get some hugs and kisses still.
I guess that is it for today. Still not sure where this will lead lol. Maybe to my study this year of Pr 31, but we will see.
Last night one of our grandsons, Stephen, ended up in the ER. He got hit by another boy during PE when they were playing soccor yesterday at school. He ended up with a crack by the first knuckle. So he has a nice bandaged hand till the swelling goes down and the bone heals. Always something going on around here.
Update on Alexis' knee: she had mri this week and there is still alot of bruising on the bone. The injury was so severe that it is taking longer to heal then they thought at first. So she continues with therapy and we wait for the healing to proceed. She is out of the brace and walking pretty well, but still doesn't have full range of motion.
So far today I have: mopped the living room and hall, managed to pull a muscle in my back while doing it, sigh. Jimmy came home early from work last night cause he did the same thing.
I have showered and dressed, paid bills, balanced the checkbook and did a devotional.
Now I need to: get haircut, go to grocery, have lunch with a friend and maybe go sit and knit. Oh and I need to go by our local quilt store and pick up the new bom fabric.
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spiritual Maturity
So how can I cooperate with God while He is growing me up so to speak.
I will be using some of the same scriptures I have used the last couple of days again cause they fit so well.
First off I can believe God is working in my life even when it doesn't appear He is doing anything.
Remember Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
And don't forget 2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We should keep a notebook of things we have learned so when we face that type of situation again, we will remember what happened and how God brought us through. Cause I don't know about you, but my life seems to run in patterns alot.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
We should be patient not only with God but with our selves also. Maturing takes time whether we like it or not. Patience is not an easy thing to have in the midst of a trial is it? But it is necessary. Cause our impatience won't make it go away any sooner. But it will make the trial more difficult to go through.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfet work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Ok, well I am off to practice patience as I deal with trials that may come my way today. I have already faced one lol. I was cleaning the shelf over my washer and dryer area and had alot of empty hangers. I stacked them up carefully (or so I thought at the time lol) and they all went sliding to the floor. So I had to pick them all up, sort them out again, and hang them back up. Took alot longer to do the job because of that. I should have realized when I was putting them someplace to stick them in the basket instead and I would have saved myself some aggravation. But alas, we learn from our mistakes don't we lol.
Be blessed today!
I will be using some of the same scriptures I have used the last couple of days again cause they fit so well.
First off I can believe God is working in my life even when it doesn't appear He is doing anything.
Remember Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
And don't forget 2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We should keep a notebook of things we have learned so when we face that type of situation again, we will remember what happened and how God brought us through. Cause I don't know about you, but my life seems to run in patterns alot.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
We should be patient not only with God but with our selves also. Maturing takes time whether we like it or not. Patience is not an easy thing to have in the midst of a trial is it? But it is necessary. Cause our impatience won't make it go away any sooner. But it will make the trial more difficult to go through.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfet work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Ok, well I am off to practice patience as I deal with trials that may come my way today. I have already faced one lol. I was cleaning the shelf over my washer and dryer area and had alot of empty hangers. I stacked them up carefully (or so I thought at the time lol) and they all went sliding to the floor. So I had to pick them all up, sort them out again, and hang them back up. Took alot longer to do the job because of that. I should have realized when I was putting them someplace to stick them in the basket instead and I would have saved myself some aggravation. But alas, we learn from our mistakes don't we lol.
Be blessed today!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Maturity
What is your eventual destination? I know you are thinking heaven right? But I was thinking along the lines of maturity when I asked that question. How mature are you? Now I am not talking age here. Let's think about our spiritual maturity. Since I have been thinking about time recently, this was a somewhat to me anyway natural progression. First of all, just as in our physical maturity our spiritual one has no shortcuts. It takes time for Christ to mature us. Ever wish when you were saved that He just zapped you and viola! you were completely mature in Him? I guess we have all felt that way at some time or other. But honestly, I don't think any of us could stand up to the amount of changes He would have had to make in each of us. I know I couldn't. I struggle with those changes sometimes when He deals with them one by one. Do any of you struggle? Probably not lol. I am sure that it is just me.
Eph 4:13 says, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
See it takes time. And we will never be perfect till we are with Christ, so it is a never ending change that must take place. And just as it takes a long time to age from a newborn to old age, we must be patient along the way. We can't rush it no matter how much sometimes we wish we could.
Remember the scripture yesterday? Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I am holding fast to that scripture as I go through the many changes Christ still has to make in me.
Today I am finishing up the spring cleaning in the kitchen, doing laundry, starting with spring cleaning in another room, haven't decided which yet. Also I will either knit or quilt a little during rest breaks.
Supper will be a nice stuffed beef roast that I will cook in the oven tonight with potatoes and carrots, and a little rice for my cajun hubby and son lol.
Praying your day is blessed!
Eph 4:13 says, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
See it takes time. And we will never be perfect till we are with Christ, so it is a never ending change that must take place. And just as it takes a long time to age from a newborn to old age, we must be patient along the way. We can't rush it no matter how much sometimes we wish we could.
Remember the scripture yesterday? Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I am holding fast to that scripture as I go through the many changes Christ still has to make in me.
Today I am finishing up the spring cleaning in the kitchen, doing laundry, starting with spring cleaning in another room, haven't decided which yet. Also I will either knit or quilt a little during rest breaks.
Supper will be a nice stuffed beef roast that I will cook in the oven tonight with potatoes and carrots, and a little rice for my cajun hubby and son lol.
Praying your day is blessed!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Time
It has been awhile since I blogged. Recently I have been pondering time. How sometimes I seem to have alot of free time, and yet I get alot of need to do things done. Other times it seems no matter how long or hard I work I never have free time. Some times I find plenty of time to spend in God's word and others I struggle to find 10 minutes to spend there. Sometimes I have lots of time to blog and read blogs and other times I can barely glimpse at the ones I follow.
Ecc 3:1 says: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
This makes me understand a little better that these seasons are normal. And therefore all I can do is go with what God has for me right now in this time/season. But sometimes that is not easy for me. Cause I would rather do something else. That is where obedience to God comes in. Just as a child gets upset when they are made to do something that they don't feel like doing, I also get upset. And then I hear God say, my child, just obey and trust Me. And then I repent, trust and obey. Why must I ever doubt or want my own way? Well because I am still in this earthly body and still have a will.
But today I take comfort in this next verse: Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
So here is how I have obeyed so far this week. I started my spring cleaning a month earlier then normal and have my kitchen almost finished. I just have the cabinet doors and floor left to clean. Oh and the top of the fridge lol. I always seem to forget about that.
Today I cleaned a house with my youngest daughter. She has a house or two that she cleans that are very large and it is much easier if I help her with those. And it gives me a little extra spending money in these trying economic times. So all that will be done here at my home today is the regular things that are done on a daily basis. Tomorrow I will finish up the kitchen, cook a nice supper for my family, and start on either the living room, bathroom or our bedroom.
Praying this finds you safe, heathy and blessed.
Ecc 3:1 says: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
This makes me understand a little better that these seasons are normal. And therefore all I can do is go with what God has for me right now in this time/season. But sometimes that is not easy for me. Cause I would rather do something else. That is where obedience to God comes in. Just as a child gets upset when they are made to do something that they don't feel like doing, I also get upset. And then I hear God say, my child, just obey and trust Me. And then I repent, trust and obey. Why must I ever doubt or want my own way? Well because I am still in this earthly body and still have a will.
But today I take comfort in this next verse: Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
So here is how I have obeyed so far this week. I started my spring cleaning a month earlier then normal and have my kitchen almost finished. I just have the cabinet doors and floor left to clean. Oh and the top of the fridge lol. I always seem to forget about that.
Today I cleaned a house with my youngest daughter. She has a house or two that she cleans that are very large and it is much easier if I help her with those. And it gives me a little extra spending money in these trying economic times. So all that will be done here at my home today is the regular things that are done on a daily basis. Tomorrow I will finish up the kitchen, cook a nice supper for my family, and start on either the living room, bathroom or our bedroom.
Praying this finds you safe, heathy and blessed.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
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