"Twas The Night Before Jesus Came"

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house Not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care In hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed. Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap. When out of the East there arose such a clatter. I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash! When what to my wondering eyes should appear But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY! The light of His face made me cover my head It was Jesus! returning just like He had said. And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself. In the Book of Life which He held in His hand Was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name; When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame. The people whose names had been written with love He gathered to take to His Father above. With those who were ready He rose without a sound. While all the rest were left standing around. I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight. In the words of this poem the meaning is clear; The coming of Jesus is drawing near. There's only one life and when comes the last call We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

written by Unknown Author

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Duty


Galatians 6:9-10
Paul the Apostle had great knowledge of Old Testament scripture, he spent a life time
 studying (how much do we study?) and writing know the epistles.  God uses greatly his
 knowledge and understanding of Old Testament truths to help those he writes to 
(that includes believers today).
We think of the Saints in Old Testament times who failed, they missed the mark, they 
came up short of their duty.  Paul could then declare, (inspired by God) "all have sinned
 and come short of the glory of God" many had, yes, all have!
Yet, as Christians we also miss the mark, we fail in our duty, and we all grow tired. 
 Paul knew that, Paul felt that, Paul had even experienced that.  So he writes to those
 in Galatia (and all that read) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season 
we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all 
men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith".
How easily we grow weary and especially in duty!  If work was fun we would call it
 play and not labor.  Yes, we grow tired, yes, it's hard to do good to those who use us
 and abuse us, but Jesus said it this way, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would 
that men should do to you, do even so to them:", that's the golden rule! 
Don't grow weary, press on dear child, for in due season we will reap the harvest.

2-28-13

"Giants Anyone"


1 Samuel 17:45
 
Are you facing giants?  You do know that God places them in your path!  But He has prepared you to face the giant, with David he put him over a flock of sheep.  You say that is a menial task.  That was training for a king!  He killed a lion, he killed a bear, he was a protector of sheep.  what was next on the list?  A giant!
 
God is preparing you for the giants in your path, to be protector and to be provider for those about you.
 
Yes, in time of battle David could declare "Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield, but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.  This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand:" (1 Samuel 17:45, 46a)
 
What confidence, how sure, how did David know.  Keeping the flock David found the Lord!  He walked with Him, he talked with Him!
 
Can you say as David declared, the Lord is my Shepherd, as we face the giants.
 
4-30-13

Monday, May 18, 2015

Wanting a Closer Walk with God???

Then please go here  and order "It's Personal" Daily Journal, read the very front and THEN listen to the CD in the back. Really listen to it and start a GREAT Journey towards a Closer Walk and Fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ today!
A Fellow Servant,
 
~ Christian Country Mama ~

Be Thou...

Be Thou
1 Timothy 4:12
"Be thou an example of the believer, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Let's look at what a Christian should be.
First, we are to be examples in word (logos), the manner in which we talk or write, to be Christ like. Remember He was the word from the beginning, so let us be examples of Christ.
Next, in conversation (anastrophe), it means the way we live, our behavior. People are watching you, they are watching us! Are we Christ like in our conversation?
Paul asked about charity (agape). This is love as God loves. We are to love one another, to love God, ever to love our enemies! How are you doing in this department?
What about spirit (pneuma). This is that which we can't see or touch, but is the inner person where we meet and know God. Have you met with Him today (we must worship in spirit).
Also in faith (pistis), we know that faith is the substance of things not seen. It's trust, belief, faithfulness, yes that substance by which you were saved. Faith cometh by hearing, so are we listening to God?
Last, Paul speaks of purity (hagneia). This deals with moral cleanness. The flesh is lustful and sensual and we are called unto godliness and purity so we are to deny self and live unto Christ. Many have fallen into fornication, adultery, even pornography (if you look upon a woman with lust you have committed adultery in your heart). Are your thoughts pure?
So Paul calls on us to be "be thou" examples, how are you doing?
God Bless
9-12-13

Another Great Post From Bro. John...

I Love The Lord
Psalm 116
 
The Psalmist has reason as he declared, "I love the Lord because". There are many becauses the Psalmist gives!
One reason is the Lord listened to his prayers! God knows the voice of his children (aren't you glad he knows your voice) and "inclines His ear" and "therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live". He is always there to hear your cries, He is a Mighty God and Father!
Another reason, in the time of trouble "I found trouble and sorrow" you don't have to look far! But the Lord is always near!
"The Lord preserveth the simple". It's not complicated, believe on the Lord Jesus, trust in the Lord with all your strength, cast all your cares on the Lord! Yes, I love the Lord!
Because "the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee" that we may "return unto thy rest". God is good, and His mercy endureth forever! Yes, I love the Lord because! Because He first loved me!
The 116th Psalm goes on and on why we love the Lord! Do you love Him? Then today let us show it!
Let your light shine!
2-4-13

This is a Wonderful Post...

How Childish
1 Corinthians 13:11
 
Paul writing to the believers at Corinth desired to see spiritual growth and spiritual maturity. That is true with any pastor, to see his flock mature.
As Paul wrote about love being greater than gifts in chapter 13 he declared in verse 11, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things".
He's talking about a thought process! He's comparing the physical maturing process to the spiritual maturing process!
There is nothing wrong with being childish, as long as you're a child but too many adults act childish. Children blame others, are selfish, desire their way, they fight and fuss, you remember. But Paul calls on us to grow up, to act like adults, take on responsibilities, to work with others, to help and to understand what is important in this spiritual journey.
It's past time, so let's grow up. Time is short, many need Christ, the fields are white, harvest time is now, and the laborers are few. Grow up and put away childish things.
4-29-13

Monday, May 4, 2015

Holy Women




Whatever Happened to Holiness?

In our culture today, holiness is a word that we hear very little and see in action even less. Sadly many people, including some Christians, don't take God's command to be holy seriously enough and non-Christians could care less about this vital character quality. As Christian women, we should strive daily to display holiness in our speech, attitude and conduct.
As 1 Timothy 4:12 says, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
In Noah's day, when God saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, He was grieved in His heart that He had made man (Genesis 6:5-6). How much more is God grieved by the evil in our world today?
What is holiness?

Quote, "Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture." In other words, hating what God hates, loving what God loves and measuring everything by the standard of His Word.
A woman who desires to be holy will hate every false way and have a great fear of displeasing God
(Psalm 119:11,120).

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
She will seek after God with her whole heart and strive to be more conformed to Christ's image
(Psalm 119:10,
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

She will bear with and forgive others, even as God also has forgiven her
(Ephesians 4:32).

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
She will aim to be unselfish, humble, faithful and full of love and compassion for sinners, like Christ.
She will deny herself in order to minister more effectively to others, just as Dorcas did (Acts 9:36-42).

Sound impossible? Only by God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit can we ever hope to become holy and even with our best efforts we will never be perfectly holy in this life.
Why is holiness important?
Holiness is essential because God commands it.
1 Peter 1:15-16 says, But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Hebrews 12:14 says, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Scripture also says,
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

How much clearer does God need to be?
Another reason to be holy is that holiness shows the world whose we are.
I Peter 2:9 says, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
QUOTE:
"The only safe evidence that we are one with Christ, and Christ in us, is a holy life." We are called to be holy women that give the world proof that we love Christ.

A Christian who exhibits holiness will stand out since holiness is almost non-existent in our culture. Christian women have the opportunity to shine for Christ by choosing to be obedient to Scripture's commands to be holy.
*That means examining our hearts for sins that can keep us from holiness, like carelessness and dishonesty.
*Most of us can resist the big temptations because we fear the consequences, but do we give in to the smaller ones like TO MUCH TIME ON COMPUTER, IN FRONT OF TV, SHOPPING ETC.
What Produces Holiness?
--Holiness begins with the fear of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 7:1 states,
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Holiness is perfected or completed by obedience, which is produced by the fear of God.



"I have thought about it a great deal, and the more I think, the more certain I am that obedience is the gateway through which knowledge, yes, and love, too, enter the mind of the child. "
"My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed!"
Anne Sullivan 1866-1936
Let's look at four conditions that must be present in our lives in order for us to have the quality of holiness:
--There must be a hungering and thirsting after God, His righteousness and His Word (Psalm 42:1-2); As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:
--We can never experience holiness without a repentant spirit (1 John 1:9); If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
--The third condition for holiness is an abhorrence of all evil (Romans 12:9A); Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;
--We must consciously, deliberately and purposefully cling to that which is good (Romans 12:9b cleave to that which is good
It takes time to be holy and there are no short cuts. Unlike oatmeal, there's no such thing as "instant holiness." As we seek to develop a faithful and consistent prayer life and feed on God's Word, the Holy Spirit will begin to produce Christ's holiness in us.
In 1882, William Longstaff, a wealthy Englishman, heard a sermon from 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, for I am holy." This prompted him to write the hymn Take Time to Be Holy. The first stanza says:
"Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord.
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends with God's children; help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek."

Robert McCheyne was a saintly man of God, who, in his comparatively short life, won many souls to the Lord. After he died, a letter addressed to him was found on his desk. It was from a person he had led to Christ and said, "It was nothing you said that first made me wish to be a Christian. It was the beauty of holiness which I saw in your face."
May we seek to be holy women in all that we say and do. Then Jesus will be glorified and magnified in our lives and the world will see the beauty of holiness, without which no man (or woman) will see the Lord.
 
 From: Mom of 9's Place