Women

I just found this on Pinterest and love it!  How appropriate for today's world ~ too many women are trying to be rough and tough and compete with men.  The Lord made us differently and this life is not a competition.  We shouldn't have our own agendas ~ especially is they don't line up with the word of God.  His Word hasn't changed ~ its not politically correct ~ it is pure and holy and perfect for our lives, no matter what our circumstances.





Living in the world today ~ we have to fight for what is good, virtuous, tender, kind and pure.  And it is a battle, everyday! 

Thankful for ~

the Lords truth
His encouraging words to us in the Bible
His unfailing faithfulness and love for His children
His guidelines for us, as women, throughout the scriptures

Wisdom

Our Wednesday night Bible Study at church is studying the attributes of God.  The video study is "Rekindling the Fire" by Mark Kieler.  Last night was part 6 of 18 and the attribute of the Lords was wisdom. 

Here are some of the things that impacted me & the scriptural references for you to look up, if you desire.

Examine where you have been getting your wisdom from.  From scripture we get the truest, purest and greatest wisdom found in Jesus Christ.

What makes wisdom so valuable, is it helps us make the right choices, the right decisions, to choose the best path, and to consistently and successfully select the most beneficial method, approach, solution or venue that is available.

Knowledge can be a good thing, but wisdom is even beyond knowledge because wisdom is the tremendous beneficial God-given skill of being able to take and apply knowledge to real-life situations.

Wisdom ~ a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong

1 Kings 3:4-13

1 Kings 4:29-34

1 Kings 1:1-10

1Kings 3:16-18

1Kings 3:12

Luke 11:29-32

Wisdom helps solve life's most difficult problems.  It's the kind of attribute that enables those who it at, or at least those who have access to it, to take complex moral dilemmas, or difficult, critical, apparently unsolvable life decisions and be able to discern not merely safe, effective solution but the safest, most effective, most productive and most godly solutions~ which breeds a kind of love and admiration in our hearts for those who have such wisdom and especially for those who are willing and able to help us by applying their wisdom to our life problems.

Human minds are finite, but Jesus Christ is God and because He is God, His wisdom is infinite, perfect, unlimited.

Jesus Christ knows everything, everything possible, everything actual, all events, all creatures, the past, the present, the future.  He is perfectly and completely aware of every detail in life pertaining to every being that's alive not just on earth but in heaven and in hell.

Daniel 2:22

Psalm 139:6

Psalm 147:5

James 1:17

Colossians 1:16-17

Job 40:6-7, 39:3-38

Matthew 10:29-30

Hebrews 4:13

Psalm 139:1-18

Psalm 139:23-24

Hebrews 4:13

Luke 11:13

Proverbs 15:3

Psalm 90:8

2 Chronicles 16:9

Genesis 16:13

Luke 11:31

Proverbs 1:22-23

Proverbs 4:7-9

Godly, scriptural wisdom will bless you in your life in ways far too profound and numerous to even begin to list.  And it will cause you to do so many things so differently than the conventional wisdom of the world.

Just where have you been getting your wisdom from? 

5 Critical Applications

1. Ask for wisdom James 1:5-7

2. Search for wisdom Proverbs 2:1-6

3. Trust and expect wisdom Philippians 4:6-7

4. Apply wisdom Philippians 4:6-7 & Proverbs 2:6-22

5. Love and appreciate wisdom and its source: Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 1:30

The love we ought to have for Jesus Christ whose wisdom teaches us how to love one another, how best to live life, how best to raise our children, what blesses God, what is truly good and what is truly evil, ad literally everything there is to know about life, both in this life and in the next.  How utterly lost we would be ~ many are lost without even knowing it ~ apart from wisdom.  May God give you the grace to lean not on your own understanding but to trust in the one and only true wisdom: the wisdom of Jesus Christ.

My take on this lesson ~ turn to the source of all wisdom.  You will only find that through Jesus Christ. 

Thankful for ~

The Lords sharing His wisdom with us ~ through prayer, scriptures, seeking

Godly men who share the attributes of the Lord they have studied

Calmness in the midst of the storms of life

This season of Thanksgiving

More Truth

Our Tuesday night Bible study has been a time of fellowship, reflection, mentoring, sharing, laughing, & prayer.  We have studied the book "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  The ladies in our group range from highschool age to retired grandmas. 

We are at the end of our book and here are TRUTHS that will set us free from Satans lies & deception ~ 

page 254 "In the days ahead, anytime you realize you are believing lies, go back and review this list; renew your mind; counsel your heart according to the Truth."

1. God is good (Psalm 119:68, 136:1)

2. God loves me and wants me to have His best (Romans 8:32, 38-39)

3. I am complete and accepted in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-6)

4. God is enough (Psalm 23:1)

5. God can be trusted (Isaiah 28:16)

6. God doesn't make any mistakes (Isaiah 46:10)

7. God's grace is sufficient for me (2Corinthians 12:9)

8. The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all my sin (1John 1:7)

9. The Cross of Christ is sufficient to conquer my sinful flesh (Romans 6:6-7)

10. My past does not have to plague me (1Corinthians 6:9-11)

11. Gods word is sufficient to lead me, teach me, and heal me (Psalm 17:7, 107:20, 119:105)

12. Through the power of His Holy Spirit, God will enable me to do anything He commands me to do (1Thessalonians 5:24)

13. I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses and choices (Ezekiel 18:19-22)

14. I will reap whatever I sow (Galatians 6:7-8)

15. The pathway to true joy is to relinquish control (Matthew 16:25, Luke 1:38, 1Peter 5:7)

16. The greatest freedom I can experience is found through submission to God-ordained authority (Ephesians 5:21)

17. In the will of God, there is ho higher, holier calling than to be a wife and mother (Titus 2:4-5)

18. Personal holiness is more important than temporal happiness (Ephesians 5:26-27)

19. God is more concerned about changing me and glorifying Himself than solving my problems (Romans 8:29)

20. It is impossible to be Godly without suffering (1Peter 5:10)

21. My suffering will not last forever (2Corinthians 4:17-18)

22. It's not about me; it's all about Him (Colossians 1:16-18)

Thankful for ~

Laura, Kathy, Amy, Cheyenne, Denise, Henrietta, Jordan, Lilliana, Lisa, & Eileen

designated time in the Word

sharing, crying and loving fellowship

Truth that sets us Free

More Truth from "Lies Women Believe"

Here is more truth for us all the cling to from my bible study "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  This is taken from pages 198-199 in the chapter on Emotions.

*God's word promises, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, we don't have to be overcome by loneliness.

*God's word promises, "My God will meet all your needs" (Philipans 4:19). Therefore, we don't have to stay awake at night worrying about how the mortgage will get paid.

* God's word promises, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken." Therefore, we don't have to live in dread of an uncertain future.

*God's word says, "Do not be afraid." (John 14:27). That means we don't have to give in to fear; regardless of our circumstances.

*God's word says, "Don't worry about anything" (Philippians 4:6), That means in the midst of stressful circumstances, we don't have to be anxious.

*God's word says, "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) That means we can choose to be thankful, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart.

*God's word says, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). That means, by the power of the Spirit, we can choose to love anyone ~ not matter how greatly they have wronged us.

*God's word says, "If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him" (Mark 11:25). That eans there is no one we cannot choose to forgive, no matter how deeply they may have hurt us or sinned against us.

When we fix our minds on Christ and bring every thought into subjection to the Truth, the Holy Spirit sanctifies our emotions and grants supernatural grace, comfort, and peace:

"Since then, you have been raised with Christ. Set your hearts o things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Colossians 3:1-2

Thankful for~
the reminders of God's truth
gentle reminders to not give in to our emotions
the ability to forgive (much harder however to forget)
a clear, concise study of the Lords word
good teachers
fun learning & discussions on Tuesday night with the ladies at church
TRUTH that sets us free

"Lies Women Believe"

Amy and I are participating in a ladies Bible study at our new church.  The guide we are studying is "Lies Women Believe and the Truth that sets them free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  Its a great Biblically based study, and we are enjoying our time studying with ladies at our church.

Here is an overview of the book ~

Chapter 1 ~ Truth or Consequences
Chapter 2 ~ Lies Women Believe About God
Chapter 3 ~ Lies Women Believe About Themselves
Chapter 4 ~ Lies Women Believe About Sin
Chapter 5 ~ Lies Women Believe About Priorities
Chapter 6 ~ Lies Women Believe About Marriage
Chapter 7 ~ Lies Women Believe About Children
Chapter 8 ~ Lies Women Believe About Emotions
Chapter 9 ~ Lies Women Believe About Circumstances
Chapter 10 ~ Countering Lies with Truth
Chapter 11 ~ The Truth That Sets Us Free

We are currently on Chapter 5 ~ Priorities.

  Which is particularly applicable in todays world ~ prioritize the work the Lord has for you each day and accomplish those things first.  Everyone's list will be different & your list everyday may vary.  If at all possible, its great to start the day with prayer and Bible reading.  You can pray before your feet ever hit the floor, or while you are nursing a baby, or taking a shower, or cooking breakfast.  If you have a houseful of little blessings you can "listen" to the Bible on tape, cd or tablet ~ as sitting & reading may not happen. 

My priorities include ~ prayer/bible study, taking care of my husband, family, care of our household, animal care, mission projects, etc.  And I am still blessed with plenty of time to sew, read, cross stitch, blog, facebook, play games.  But I try to do the important first ~ it helps the day go much smoother. 

Thankful for ~
this study for women
the opportunity to do this with Amy
the laughter we share with other ladies
realizing we don't have to do "it all"
Gods Word

Be Careful What You Say

In reading the Bible last night, I was reminded once again to be careful what I say and how I say it.  Its ok to disagree or even argue your point, but do it in love and be in control of yourself.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NKJV)

Flee also youthful lusts but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 3:2-5 (NKJV)

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness buy denying its power.  And from such people turn away.

These are Pauls words in a letter to Timothy, cautioning him on how to act toward and treat others in his ministry.  As applicable today as they were several thousand years ago.

In wanting to "win" and argument or "make" the other person see our point of view or agree with us, do we cross over into the 2nd set of scriptures.  I continually have to remind myself that no one will see the real Truth unless the Lord opens their hearts and eyes to it. 

I watch with amusement and caution many of the conversations and arguments over different topics on facebook.  Both sides want their own point of view to be first and foremost on any topic and if the other person doesn't agree, the name calling and unhealthy speech start  The only real authority on any topic is the Lord and His Word, the Bible.  What was called a sin then, is still a sin now...it doesn't change with the passage of time.  It is ok to correct someone who is in opposition to what the scripture says...but argue it with scripture not the latest fad, book, speaker or Pastor.  We can all get it wrong or pull a passage out of context to make it say what we want. 

Thankful for ~

wise words

revealed truth

opened eyes

the Holy Bible

Christmas Scripture Reading

I saw a chart on Facebook and then on Pinterest for 25 days of Christmas Countdown Scriptures ~ one challenge was to write the scriptures each day.  I found a notebook and my favorite Flair pens and got busy.  Since I started on Day 2, I copied 2 days this morning.  The Bible translation I use is the New King James Version.

Today's scripture reading is~

Matthew 1:18-24 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was a follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband being a just man and not wanting to make her a public example was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying :Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet (Isaiah 7:14), Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name, Immanuel, which is translated, God with us. Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife."

If you are interested in doing this yourself the chart is below ~

If you need a Bible ~ please leave me a comment with your name and address and I will be glad to mail you a paperback copy.

I am linking this post with Raising Homemakers ~

Its That Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Its SHOEBOX time!  We've collected goodies all year long.  We've planned.  We crammed, stuffed our boxes full ~ well actually, crammed is a better word!  And we still got to the days to pack and ended up with some necessities not purchased ~ specifically, toothbrushes and soap.

All our boxes or any boxes that we help with have soap/washcloth (Ivory soap, it floats!), toothbrush and toothpaste, spiral notebook/pencils/a sharpener, crayons, comb. At Dollar Tree, we found some awesome things ~ t shirts, packs of socks (marked down to .25), lg. packs of combs, and family packs of toothbrushes.  We found full size tubes of toothpaste at Walmart for .88 each.  We found crayon packs for .10-.30 at back to school sales.  We took full advantage of our freebie coupons from Harbor Freight and ended up with screwdrivers, flashlights, batteries for older boys for FREE!  We collected free cups and tote bags at nascar and added them to our boxes.

Our childrens group at church collected/earned money and packed their shoeboxes all together last Wednesday night.  Amy will be going to work at the relay center for accepting shoeboxes from area churches to pack in the crates to send to Atlanta.  I will be there too, if work permits. 

There are some incredible ideas on Pinterest, including boards from Operation Christmas Child. 

There are many testimonials from adults that received shoeboxes as gifts when they were children and the impact that this gift had on their lives.  Many are now carrying on the tradition with their own children.

A simple shoebox gift has a lasting, lifelong impact on a child ~ who could be receiving their first gift EVER. 

Here are some links for more information & inspiration ~

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ 

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/


http://www.pinterest.com/missmomof7/operation-christmas-child/ (my pinterest board for ideas)

http://www.pinterest.com/occshoeboxes/

Propecy Fulfilled part 3 & Bible History

Prophecy                                    Fulfilled                             Subject 

Psalm 35:19                               Mark 14:57-58                   hated without reason
Isaiah 53:5                                 Romans 5:6-8                    vicarious strife
Isaiah 52:12                               Mark 15:27-28                  crucified with sinners
Zechariah 12:10                         John 20:27                        pierced hands and feet
Psalm 22:7-8                             Luke 23:35                        sneered and mocked
Psalm 69:9                                Romans 15:3                     was reproached
Psalm 109:4                               Luke 23:34                       prayer for His enemies
Psalm 22:17-18                         Matthew 27:35-36            gambled for His clothing
Psalm 22:1                                Matthew 27:46                  forsaken by God
Psalm 34:20                              John 19:32-33;36              no bones broken
Zechariah 12:10                        John 19:34                         His side pierced
Isaiah 53:9                                 Matthew 27:57-60            buried with the rich
Psalm 16:10, 49:15                   Mark 16:6-7                       to be resurrected
Psalm 68:18                              Mark 16:19                         ascends to God's right hand
                                                  1 Corinthians 15:4
                                                  Ephesians 4:8

Over and over it was prophesied of the coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The New Testment verses are validation of those Old Testament Prophecies.  There are also many historical texts that give witness to the validity & truth of the Bible.  Ancient authors write about these events in the context of 'history' as opposed to religion.

*The Bible was one of the first major books ever translated from Hebrew to Greek ~ around 250 BC.
*It has now been translated into more than 2.200 languages
*The Old Testament has 39 books written approximately 1500-400 BC.
*The New Testament has 27 books written 45-100 AD.
*About 40% of the Bible is prophecy.
*Approximately 300 of the prophecies were fulfilled through the person of Jesus Christ.

The Bible was written by more than 40 authors from every walk of life ~ kings, military leaders, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, tax collectors, tent makers, poets, musicians, statesmen, scholars, and shepherds.

The Bible was written in different places ~ wilderness, dungeon, hillside, inside prison walls, while traveling, exiled on an island & on 3 continents ~ Asia, Africa & Europe.

The Bible was written in 3 languages ~ Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

The Bible never contradicts itself but in fact over the 1500 years it was written ~ it validates itself through the different writers, most of which never knew each other.

The Bible is Gods words of instruction, encouragement, discipleship, correction, love, prophecy, admonishment, guide for daily living, and so much more. 

If you would like a copy of the Bible & a CD about salvation ~ please leave me a note in the comments section with your name and address and I will be glad to mail these to you.

Old Testament Prophecy part 2

Here is the 2nd installment to the OT prophecies and the NT fulfillment ~

Prophecy                       Fulfilled                                    Subject

Malachi 3:1                Luke 7:24-27                              preceded by a forerunner
Malachi 4:5-6             Matthew 11:13-14                      preceded by Elijah
Psalm 2:7                    Matthew 3:17                             declared the Son of God
Isaiah 9:1-2                Matthew 4:13-16                        Galilean ministry
Psalm 78:2-4              Matthew 13:34-35                      speaks in parables
Deuteronomy 18:15   Acts 3:20-22                               a prophet
Isaiah 61:1-2              Luke 4:18-19                              binds up brokenhearted
Isaiah 53:3                 John 1:11, Luke 28:18                rejected by other Jews
Psalm 110:4               Hebrews 5:5-6                            Priest like Melchizedek
Zechariah 9:9             Mark 11:7-11                              triumphal entry
Psalm 8:2                   Matthew 21:15                            adored by infants
Isaiah 53:1                 John 12:37-38                             not believed
Psalm 41:19               Luke 22:47-48                            betrayed by close friend
Zechariah 11:12         Matthew 26:14-15                      betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
Psalm 35:11               Mark 14:57-58                           accused by false witnesses
Isaiah 53:7                 Mark 15:4-5                               silent to accusers
Isaiah 50:6                 Matthew 26:57                           spat on and struck

Old Testament Prophecy part 1

Our Sunday School class is doing a study of the Bible ~ as in, how it came into being ~ what went into the making of our Bible ~ why some ancient manuscripts were part of the scripture & some were not.

Sunday we did a study on Old Testament Prophecy that was fulfilled in the New Testament.  The OT prophets did not see the fulfillment of the prophecy they shared with the people from the Lord.  Most of the time, they relayed the message the Lord spoke to them & didn't know what the meaning of the prophecy was.

Here is the beginning part of the study ~ I am going to break it up over several days!

Prophecy                                    Fulfilled                              Subject
Genesis 3:15                              Galatians 4:4                       seed of a woman
Genesis 12:3                               Matthew 1:1                       descendant of Abraham
Genesis 17:19                             Luke 3:34                           descendant of Isaac
Numbers 24:17                           Matthew 1:2                       descendant of Jacob
Genesis 49:10                             Luke 3:33                           from the tribe of Judah
Isaiah 9:7                                    Luke 1:32-33                      heir to David's throne
Psalms 45:6-7, 102:25-27          Hebrews 1:8-12                  anointed and eternal
Micah 5:2                                   Luke 2:4-7                          born in Behtlehem
Daniel 9:25                                Luke 2:1-2                          time of His birth
Isaiah 7:14                                 Luke 1:27-31                      Virgin Birth
Jeremiah 31:15                          Matthew 2:16-18                Children slaughtered
Hosea 11:1                                Matthew 2:14-15                 Flight to Egypt
Isaiah 40:3-5                              Luke 3:3-6                          the Way prepared

I am thankful for Truth that comes from the scriptures and for the OT & NT comparisons that show the Lords perfect plan for His Son from the beginning of time.

Free Printable

I've found lots of freebies on Pinterest to use ~

This one would be cute to use in a bridal shower or wedding card ~

VBS

This is Vacation Bible School (VBS) week at our church.  Amy is helping lead the music and caretaker of a group of preschoolers.  It is still weird for her to drive off in her car alone, but it sure is helpful since she has to be at the church 45 minutes to an hour before Greg and I have to be there.

In past years, we've cooked dinners for all the kids and adults every night.  While that is a great advantage for working parents, it just wasn't feasible for this year.  And we did note that most of the kids in a large group setting just picked at their food & fooled around and didn't consume the meal.  Lots of food was tossed.  And these were very kid friendly meals ~ chicken strips/fries, spaghetti, hot dogs/chips, etc. I guess its more fun to talk/visit, instead of eat dinner. This year, we are just doing Snocones & cookies for snack.  With the temps hovering near 90 (when its not raining) the cold snocones are a treat.

We also set up a break room for the teachers with treats just for them ~ and a cooler filled with ice, water, and soft drinks.  While their kids are at games and being supervised, they can take a break and get their own treat!  Church members donated home baked goods & prepackaged snacks for the volunteers.

The Theme this year is "International Spy Academy" that is published by Answers in Genesis.  All of the crafts/games/stories/songs relate to the theme and teach the children about searching out the One True God.  We've got 80+ little spies all over the church ~ focusing their fun & efforts on learning about the Lord.

The Golden Rules of Biblical Interpretation

Defending/Contending had this awesome article yesterday on Biblical Interpretation ~ the link is
http://defendingcontending.com/2014/05/13/the-golden-rules-of-biblical-interpretation/

Number 3 was one of my favorites ~

3. Allow Scripture to interpret itself and refuse to be clouded by personal doctrinal presuppositions or preferences. This really sets the great Bible expositors apart from those who refuse to depart from their own denomination’s guidelines.

Many times folks approach studying/reading the Bible from their own Personal opinions or from what someone else said that they "admire".  Many denominations have added to what Scripture says to benefit their personal opinions and after many years ~ these additions become part of Church doctrine & no one realizes it was just someones opinion of their interpretation.

The Bible speaks for itself.  It never contradicts itself.  It is the Lords words to us ~ His Children.

If you are questioning a church "requirement", or tradition, or something just doesn't sound right ~ search the scriptures...is it mentioned?  is it a commandment? is it plainly spelled out?  is it properly interpreted from the original text to English?  Is the scripture used to support it taken out of the context in which it was written?  If it is mentioned ~ who was the original audience? 

Questioning what you hear or the teaching you are under, isn't a sin.  Its smart.  Anyone can be led astray, even Pastors or Teachers.  Many will try to argue over tiny, insignificant points to confuse, mislead, or prove their own point ~ Biblical or not. 

Stick to the important ~ Know what the Bible says ~ Pray & seek the Truth ~ Don't be drawn into petty debates ~ if its not Biblical....Run the other way.

Pride

In my "Where to find it in the Bible" reference book there are 86 scripture passages listed under the topic Pride.  It also points to topics ~ arrogance, conceit, vanity.

Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the Lord is to hate evil: I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

Proverbs 16:18-19 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."

Proverbs 21:23-24 "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.  The proud and arrogant man - Mocker is his name, he behave with overweening pride."

Galatians 5:26 "Let us not become conceited (pridefilled), provoking and envying one another."

2Corinthians 10:12 "We do not dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves  when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

1Timothy 6:3-5 "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.  He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

James 4:6 "But he gives us more grace.  That is why Scripture says: 'God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

1Peter 5: 5 "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

1John 2:16 "For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world."

And these are just a few of the admonitions about pride.  All were taken from the NIV Bible.

Last week Greg found us a study to do together on Subtle Sins ~ pride was the first of the lessons
He found this resource on Wretched Radio (http://www.wretchedradio.com/) ~ the link to the study is
(http://www.wretchedradio.com/store/product_details.cfm?id=476) ~ Sanctification.  We did the first lesson on Pride and Humility ~ so 2 of the questions in the study were 1. Do you agree that facebook and twitter contribute to our problem with pride?  If so, explain how. 2.Can social media (like facebook and twitter) be used for Gods glory and if so, how?  Just looking back through our/your homepage on facebook can reveal a lot about how we esteem ourselves and our opinion. (No, I am not going to share our answers, we shared them with each other)

The next part of the lesson got really personal ~ evaluate how well you love others by comparing yourself against the definition of love found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Love is patient and kind.
Loves does not envy or boast.
Loves is not arrogant or rude.
Love does not insist on its own way.
Love is not irritable or resentful.
Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Instead of the word love ~ say your own name ~ Donna is.........  Then answer "how I struggle in this area" and "how can I be more loving in this area".  When being completely honest ~ I would say I had struggles in every area but 1. 

Pride says its all about me/us, our opinions, our way of living, etc.  Humility says its all about the Lord, His works, His words, His everything.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Mission trips are lots of fun.  They have lots of challenges.  They can be extremely difficult in that you are in a different situation, a different culture & with many different personalities.  Its important that you are going for the right reasons & that you are very flexible.  What you plan, may not happen.  If you go with your own agenda ~ you will be disappointed.  Mission Trips are not about ourselves, our agendas, our wants, our comfort.  They are all about what the Lord wants to happen, where he wants you to go, on His schedule & timing, and where he wants you to Minister to His children in His Name. 

The Good ~
We were able to minister to hundreds of children at 5 different locations over 4 days. On Thursday we had 87 children in the morning and 106 in the afternoon. Our ministry was made easier by our awesome interpreters ~ Mirna, Sharon & Amanda!  Those girls are great!  Lots of music, hand motions, Bible events retelling, love, candy, rainbow loom bracelets, hugs, crafts, smiles & waves.  These children and their families are precious.  They live in circumstances and areas that most of us know nothing about.  We are all so spoiled and like all our comforts & don't know what it means to scrimp & scratch out a meager existence for our families.  We all have clothes, food, a roof over our heads & the blessing of electricity.

The Bad ~
Going to an impoverished country on a Mission Trip is a challenge.  Our container with supplies arrived in the country on Oct. 29.....its still being held in customs.  We didn't get any of it.  So that meant a lot of scrambling, improvising, and making do for Vacation Bible Schools.  There aren't big box craft stores down there you can go into to buy new stuff.  We were able to get crayons & paper. We also had some craft supplies with us in our luggage.  And what happens to that shipment?  Well, the new government took control this week & the new President was sworn in ~ he is making a clean sweep of the old regime and putting in his own folks.  Our shipment may be sitting there complete & untampered with ~ or it could have been opened & ransacked before the old guys left.  Whatever is left will one day be released and the stuff gotten to where it needs to be. 

The Ugly ~
I haven't been on a Mission Trip in recent years where Ugly didn't show up.  Ugly is how the enemy works to carve out division in the group, to cause dissension, to interrupt the ministry.  Ugly comes in many different forms ~ inflexibility, selfishness, not a team player, complaining, tears, attitudes, words, etc.  Ugly happened. So what to do when Ugly rears its head ~ you can try to talk & reason, you can pray, you can ignore it, you can "build a bridge & get over it".  Ugly also makes a fun time seem like work, and a chore/challenge to everyone else who is around the Ugly. It is not a person ~ its an attitude, a spirit, a working of the enemy.  It can happen to any of us & affect everyone around us ~ including the children you were to minister to.  Ugly likes to use words like "I",  & "me". 

We prayed for months about this trip.  We were definitely out of our comfort zone with going out with the VBS team everyday ~ twice a day.  But we were blessed by the children ~ their love, affection, joy, and enthusiasm is contagious.  We, as parents, were blessed to see Amy work in these situations and love on these precious little children & form fast, tight bonds with our interpreters ~ especially Mirna.  We love walking around town and talking with the shop folks that speak English.  Greg was able to hand out many gospel DVD's.  We are talking & praying about next year already ~ as Amy said only 51 more weeks.

Romans 5: 1-5
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character and character, hope, Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the who Spirit who was given to us.

Amy had just given Mirna her rainbow loom & rubber bands to keep!

Denia, Amy, Mirna & Sharon

Greg gave Mirna his MSU hat to keep!  She kept swiping it all week!

I drank 2 this week!  Lovely, orange Mirinda!  Wish it came in light/diet!

Our last night ~ Denia, Mirna, Amy, Sharon, Amanda & Exdi ~ just missing Sonya!

Reading Through the Bible

Greg set a goal for he and I to read through the Bible this year!  He picked the books to start with ~ Thessalonians, Ecclesiastes, & Proverbs.

Thessalonians was first ~ here is some wisdom I gleaned from this letter that Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church. 

1Thess. 3:12-13
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hears blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
1Thess 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel (body) in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust.  (The world certainly needs more of personal self control!)
1Thess 4:7
For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
1Thess 4:10-11
...But we encourage you, brethren, that you increase more & more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with you own hands, as we commanded you!
(lead a quiet life, mind your own business & work with your hands ~ great & much needed advice)
1Thess. 5:11-15
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake, Be at peace among yourselves.  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for both yourselves and for all.
1Thess.5:21-22
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

2Thess. 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
2Thess 3:6
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
(This is a lot different than what happens today ~ we should be more serious about our sin & the sin of people we associate with)
2Thess.3:10
...If anyone will not work neither shall he eat.
(We are made to work and take care of ourselves, not depend on the welfare of others)
2Thess 3:13-14
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.  And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

The original letters were not written with chapters & verses but were written as letters to a group of people.  The translators added the chapters and verses for ease of reading & locating particular texts.

Always test what is True ~

I got real excited last week when a friend posted on facebook a link to some free books from Amazon for the kindle.  The books were written by a very popular Christian woman, whose bible studies I had previously participated in.  I went to Amazon and downloaded all the free books ~ probably 10.  I shared this on facebook & I sent an email to some friends sharing this "great deal".

Sat. Greg and I were listening to some recordings from John McArthur's "Strange Fire" conference ~ one of the speakers played an excerpt from this woman sharing ~ she was saying that during her time (quiet time?) with the Lord ~ he called her by name & told her to write down what he was saying.  And teaching from these "encounters". This is very anti-biblical.

 Revelation 22:18-19 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

That seems pretty clear to me ~ we should not add to scripture or take away from it.  The Lord doesn't speak to people now like he did in Bible times.  He does speak to us through His word.  He may clarify a bible passage to us when He wants to reveal a truth to us ~ that truth has always been there but we may not have been ready for that clarification yet.  But there is nothing in scripture to indicate that He will give us a new revelation, instead there are many verses that warn us against people who claim this.  Its not Gods Word & anything else, its simply Gods Word.

So back to the story of this teacher ~ I went home and recanted my email and facebook post.  A friend immediately emailed back and said she had stopped reading this gals books several years ago because they didn't line up with the Bible.  Then I googled heresy of ---- -----.  Lots came up and verified from numerous resources what we had heard from the conference. 

The books have been removed from my kindle.

The lessons I learned ~ don't go by previous experiences, always test what is the absolute truth, if what you hear or read doesn't line up with scripture then RUN away from it, don't take anyone else's word for it ~ find out for yourself.  Humble yourself to learning the truth, don't be too prideful to admit you made a mistake, correct your misconceptions with others.  If you don't understand something ~ ask for help, read commentaries about the subject, footnotes in your Bible are very helpful, reading a literal translation from the original language to the current language clarifies a lot.

As the Lords children, we must always be vigilant. Unfortunately the world contains many wolves in sheeps clothing.

Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God & our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:17-18 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wide, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

This wasn't a post to slam anyone, but instead a reminder to always test anything against what we know is the Lords truth.  If anyone just has to know ~ leave me your email address and I will answer you. 

How Should We Act

This is a great reminder of how we, as Christians should act or portray ourselves.

Scriptures are clear that we should lead humble, quiet lives & that we should not be filled with pride.

Its pretty easy to remember but harder to carry out in our lives!

 

 

 

Just wondering ~

 

I constantly hear/read the term

I am trying to be a "good Christian".

 

What in the world does that mean?

The Bible says none of us are good ~

we are all sinners. (Matthew 19:17)

None of us can perfectly keep the 10 Commandments ~ ever.

Lying, cheating, stealing, hating, envy, bad talking/thinking, not being respectful of parents, putting other things before the Lord ~ all sins ~ committed every day by His Children.

 

My actions/attitudes/beliefs don't make me a "good Christian" ~

I have a Good Savior ~

who knows my every thought & deed (Hebrews 4:12)

who knows my heart (Romans 10:10)

who Loves me as His child ~ even when I am not good (2Timothy3:13-18)

who encourages me to strive to His standards & not the worlds (2Timothy 4:1-5)

who teaches me ~ not just gives to me (NT parables)

 

I am thankful that the Lord left us with His Word ~

That His Word is plainly written for us ~ not hidden

 

That He loved His creation (man) enough to send His Son to save His children ~

 

John 5:22-25

For the Father judges no one but has committed all judgment in the son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Rather.  He who does not honor the Son does hot honor the Father who sent Him.  Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death unto life.

 

No, I am not good ~ but my life, faith & trust are in the One Who Is Good!