"When persons have learned to looked upon the daily course of their ordinary life, with its duties and troubles, however common-place, as their offering to God, and as the safest school for themselves of perfection, they will have made a very important step in the spiritual life. Another step, so simple that it is often despised, is to do everything, however ordinary, as well as it can possibly be done, for God's sake. A third is to be always pressing forward; when a mistake is made, or a fault committed, to face and admit it freely; but having asked God to supply the deficiency caused by our own infirmity, to go on steadfastly and hopefully." unquote H. L. Sidney Lear
"And whatever ye do, do it heartily as unto God and not unto men, knowing that of God ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve Christ." Colossians 3:23,24
* The attitude and motive of our heart as Wives, Mothers and Keepers of the Home is very important *
We are advised by the apostle Paul in Colossians to do all heartily as unto God and not unto men. We must realize that ALL that we do each day is to "be unto God, for we serve Christ Jesus", As stewards and caretakers of our household it is important that we fully understand and accept that God is the sole owner of EVERYTHING. We are only stewards and caretakers of what God gives us. We will never be content in our duties as a Wife, Mother and Keeper of the Home until we accept this Divine Truth. Giving up control and ownership isn't easy---therefore we need to constantly remind ourselves that it is God that owns every thing and we are working for Him. Realizing these principles of life and working in partnership with God we will do all that we do each day "heartily as unto God".
Overseeing the household in itself is no small task; with preparing healthy nutritious meals, caring for the physical appearance of the home, possibly making one's clothes, organizing purchases, and assisting our husbands with other household task. The point is that it is not what we do or how we perform our duties in the home or in the Church, the important thing is the motive of the heart. A wise woman will check her heart's motive daily, because serving others can wear a person down, if they over extend themselves or they serve from a wrong heart motive.
Day after day of performing the same routine procedures, picking up dirty socks and underwear, hanging up wet towels left lying on the floor, cleaning hair out of the sink drain, turning off lights or reshaping the toothpaste tube, etc. can seem so unproductive but when performed from an ungrateful heart they are down right burdensome. A complaining attitude is but a step away from resentment that can develop into a root of bitterness, which unrecognized can affect every member in the household; it can defile the whole house. (Hebrews 12:15)
Serving and performing your duties as a wife, mother and homemaker with a wrong heart attitude can create a smoldering fire of resentment that will, if not quenched by the Holy Spirit burst into flames of passion and harmful words. Expecting others to reward you for doing what is "a servants duty to do" can bring disappointments and frustration. Those we love do not always express their appreciation and gratitude in ways that we expect or even needed. It is vital that we understand (and accept) that all we do is "unto the LORD". He is the Rewarder and when we look to human beings for rewards in this present life, we are often disappointed or hurt. Understanding these truths will open to our hearts the teaching of the apostle Peter to wives in 1 Peter chapter 3. "...be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won, by the conversation of the wives; " The wife of an unbelieving husband can win him over by her attitude and motives of her heart......'conversation with a quiet and meek spirit'.
What is in our heart speaks loudly in how we care for our homes, our children and our husband. We show forth the law of kindness and love by fulfilling our duties in the home with the right attitude and heart motive. As difficult as it may be at times we have to leave our husband to God and trust Him. "A meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price." Follow this principle and you will find that the price you pay in remaining pure before God will be rewarded. When our eyes are on the One we are supposed to be serving, our household duties become a blessings instead of chores. When your duties begin to be chores remember that Messiah is the Head of your husband and therefore, the Head of the entire household, and that He is a fair employer who gives many fringe benefits.
Keeping these thoughts in mind will make our homemaking a joy. When our eyes are on the Savior it will be reflected in our appearance, overseeing our household, our love life, and in the services we perform in the Body of Messiah. When the motives of our heart are right, a new freedom comes to responsibilities and daily schedules and we discover a new sweetness, softness and peace and it will literally fill every part of our home.
The Heavenly Father is in back of every creation, governing all, for He is Divine Order; surely we can bring order to our small castles. Today let's choose to have the right attitude about our household duties and bring order into our lives as we "...watch over our household."
By Norma Dalton
~ The Christian Country Farm ~
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
II Corinthians 10:5
"Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
Questions for Reflection: Carefully and honestly reflect on the type of thoughts that occupy your mind. Is your mind filled with thoughts of CHRIST or consumed with earthly issues? Do you think far more about work or recreation than spiritual growth and serving CHRIST? Are you filled with unclean thoughts? Are you plagued with fearful or angry thoughts? Write down any sinful thought pattern GOD brings to your attention. For each one, say 5 Hail Mary's and 2 acts of contrition, Just kiddin!!!! {I use to be catholic before I got saved, and I just thought I would throw that in, to see if y'all are paying attention!!!!!!} Now for real...For each one, ask GOD's forgiveness and trust Him to renew your mind {Romans 12:2} Resolve to take every thought captive to the LORDship of CHRIST. What specific thoughts should replace the ones that are worldly?
Matthew 5:28- "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." {Ladies this goes both ways, ya know?}
Questions for Reflection: Do lustful, unclean thoughts frequently occupy your mind? Do you watch programs or movies that stimulate improper thoughts and feelings? Are you conscious of unclean thoughts or motives? Do you often have thoughts you would be ashamed for others to know? Do you have wondering eyes?
If you sense GOD's conviction, be specific in your confession. Decide how you are going to change your thoughts to remove the patterns of sin. Be specific about the thoughts you need to change. It is vital that you replace unclean thoughts with other thoughts that focus on CHRIST. Memorizing key Scriptures will provide a powerful tool for removing inappropriate thoughts. Every time an unclean thought arises, you can replace it with Scripture and a prayerful focus on GOD. If you follow this process, you will soon have a brand new mind! {Romans 12:2}
Questions for Reflection: Carefully and honestly reflect on the type of thoughts that occupy your mind. Is your mind filled with thoughts of CHRIST or consumed with earthly issues? Do you think far more about work or recreation than spiritual growth and serving CHRIST? Are you filled with unclean thoughts? Are you plagued with fearful or angry thoughts? Write down any sinful thought pattern GOD brings to your attention. For each one, say 5 Hail Mary's and 2 acts of contrition, Just kiddin!!!! {I use to be catholic before I got saved, and I just thought I would throw that in, to see if y'all are paying attention!!!!!!} Now for real...For each one, ask GOD's forgiveness and trust Him to renew your mind {Romans 12:2} Resolve to take every thought captive to the LORDship of CHRIST. What specific thoughts should replace the ones that are worldly?
Matthew 5:28- "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." {Ladies this goes both ways, ya know?}
Questions for Reflection: Do lustful, unclean thoughts frequently occupy your mind? Do you watch programs or movies that stimulate improper thoughts and feelings? Are you conscious of unclean thoughts or motives? Do you often have thoughts you would be ashamed for others to know? Do you have wondering eyes?
If you sense GOD's conviction, be specific in your confession. Decide how you are going to change your thoughts to remove the patterns of sin. Be specific about the thoughts you need to change. It is vital that you replace unclean thoughts with other thoughts that focus on CHRIST. Memorizing key Scriptures will provide a powerful tool for removing inappropriate thoughts. Every time an unclean thought arises, you can replace it with Scripture and a prayerful focus on GOD. If you follow this process, you will soon have a brand new mind! {Romans 12:2}
Beginning Your Revival Journey
First Category Sins of Thought...
We must begin our journey with cleansing of the heart and mind. According to Scripture, sin begins in the heart and mind {Matthew 15:19}. Until your thoughts and attitudes are under GOD's control, you will never know the fullness of life in CHRIST.
It is no accident that Satan frequently targets our minds with inappropriate, sinful thoughts. The devil knows if he can develop strongholds in our thinking, he will easily lead us into sin and separation from GOD's power. In Proverbs 23:7, GOD reveals the enormous importance of fully surrendering our minds to CHRIST. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." In other words, what you think is a huge part of what you are!
Prayerfully consider the following Scriptures and honestly answer all the questions. Remember, you can only be as filled with GOD as you are willing to be emptied of yourself. If you are completely honest and thorough in your confession, GOD will completely cleanse and transform your life.
Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent."
Romans 8:16 "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."
Dear reader, as you start your cleansing journey, you must begin with certainty of your salvation. The first sin to overcome is doubt about your salvation. Indeed, you cannot be pleasing to GOD with such doubts in your heart. You can make no spiritual progress until you're absolutely certain of your relationship to CHRIST.
Concerning this point, the following Scriptures reveal three truths of enormous relevance: (1) On the day of judgement, Matthew 7:23 states that many who think they are saved will discover they do not know GOD; (2) According to John 17:3, true salvation consists of knowing CHRIST in a life-changing personal relationship; (3) People who are genuinely saved have a strong supernatural assurance of their salvation {Romans 8:16}.
Tragically, in recent decades it has been all too easy for people to join churches without having a genuine salvation experience. In fact, we are now seeing many longtime church members come under conviction and find true salvation. Presently, GOD is doing a glorious new work among uncovered church members!
If you have any doubt whether you are saved, be assured that GOD wants to give you absolute certainty {1 John 5:13}. He doesn't want you to live another day in doubt. As you answer the following questions, please be completely honest with yourself and with GOD. Don't just answer how you think you're "supposed" to answer. Ask GOD for clear discernment as you consider these crucial questions.
Questions for Reflection: Do you have nagging doubts about whether you have been saved? Do you often sense GOD speaking to your heart or does that idea seem foreign to you? Do you have a personal relationship with CHRIST or do you just know facts about Him? Can you remember a time you were deeply convicted of your lostness? Can you remember a time when you truely turned from sin and personally surrendered your life to Jesus? When you made your profession of faith, did you experience a noticeable change in your life? Do you have absolute peace that you are forgiven and going to heaven? Do you have a significant desire for Bible reading and prayer? Do you have a longing to be in church and with GOD's people? Are you known as a person of kindness and love?
If you had to honestly answer no to many of the above questions, it is essential that you stop now and settle your relationship with CHRIST. The good news is you can settle it! GOD is willing and able to give you the assurance you so desperately need. If you have any doubt whatsoever about your salvation, I urge you to prayerfully work through it before going one step further! Through His clear promises, GOD wants to lead every reader to perfect assurance and peace.
If you answered yes to the questions, then proceed with your cleansing journey. You can confidently rejoice that JESUS' blood cleanses you from all unrighteousness. Rejoice that your eternal security is in JESUS' perfect righteousness and not your imperfect performance.
We must begin our journey with cleansing of the heart and mind. According to Scripture, sin begins in the heart and mind {Matthew 15:19}. Until your thoughts and attitudes are under GOD's control, you will never know the fullness of life in CHRIST.
It is no accident that Satan frequently targets our minds with inappropriate, sinful thoughts. The devil knows if he can develop strongholds in our thinking, he will easily lead us into sin and separation from GOD's power. In Proverbs 23:7, GOD reveals the enormous importance of fully surrendering our minds to CHRIST. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." In other words, what you think is a huge part of what you are!
Prayerfully consider the following Scriptures and honestly answer all the questions. Remember, you can only be as filled with GOD as you are willing to be emptied of yourself. If you are completely honest and thorough in your confession, GOD will completely cleanse and transform your life.
Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent."
Romans 8:16 "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."
Dear reader, as you start your cleansing journey, you must begin with certainty of your salvation. The first sin to overcome is doubt about your salvation. Indeed, you cannot be pleasing to GOD with such doubts in your heart. You can make no spiritual progress until you're absolutely certain of your relationship to CHRIST.
Concerning this point, the following Scriptures reveal three truths of enormous relevance: (1) On the day of judgement, Matthew 7:23 states that many who think they are saved will discover they do not know GOD; (2) According to John 17:3, true salvation consists of knowing CHRIST in a life-changing personal relationship; (3) People who are genuinely saved have a strong supernatural assurance of their salvation {Romans 8:16}.
Tragically, in recent decades it has been all too easy for people to join churches without having a genuine salvation experience. In fact, we are now seeing many longtime church members come under conviction and find true salvation. Presently, GOD is doing a glorious new work among uncovered church members!
If you have any doubt whether you are saved, be assured that GOD wants to give you absolute certainty {1 John 5:13}. He doesn't want you to live another day in doubt. As you answer the following questions, please be completely honest with yourself and with GOD. Don't just answer how you think you're "supposed" to answer. Ask GOD for clear discernment as you consider these crucial questions.
Questions for Reflection: Do you have nagging doubts about whether you have been saved? Do you often sense GOD speaking to your heart or does that idea seem foreign to you? Do you have a personal relationship with CHRIST or do you just know facts about Him? Can you remember a time you were deeply convicted of your lostness? Can you remember a time when you truely turned from sin and personally surrendered your life to Jesus? When you made your profession of faith, did you experience a noticeable change in your life? Do you have absolute peace that you are forgiven and going to heaven? Do you have a significant desire for Bible reading and prayer? Do you have a longing to be in church and with GOD's people? Are you known as a person of kindness and love?
If you had to honestly answer no to many of the above questions, it is essential that you stop now and settle your relationship with CHRIST. The good news is you can settle it! GOD is willing and able to give you the assurance you so desperately need. If you have any doubt whatsoever about your salvation, I urge you to prayerfully work through it before going one step further! Through His clear promises, GOD wants to lead every reader to perfect assurance and peace.
If you answered yes to the questions, then proceed with your cleansing journey. You can confidently rejoice that JESUS' blood cleanses you from all unrighteousness. Rejoice that your eternal security is in JESUS' perfect righteousness and not your imperfect performance.
God's Special Invitation To You
Jeremiah 29:13-"And you shall seek me and find me,
when you shall search for me with all your heart."
James 4:8-"Draw nigh to GOD,
and He will draw nigh to you."
Do you hear GOD's awesome invitation to you? GOD is longing to pour His holy presence and power on your life. He is longing to cleanse and set you free from the bondage of sin. He longs to sanctify and transform you into the full image of CHRIST {Romans 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:23}. If you prayerfully {and honestly} work through the Scriptures in these posts, GOD will begin that miraculous work in your life. His Word will accomplish its purpose! GOD will teach you how to embrace daily cleansing as a way of life and the very heart of your relationship with Him.
However, do not approach this process just to "get blessed." Do it becausae GOD is holy and He deserves your full surrender. Do it because you love JESUS and want to please Him. Do it not from a selfish motive, but with genuine desire to worship GOD in holiness. According to 1 John 3:3, all saved persons have a deep desire to purify themselves. Indeed, we cannot please GOD without a lifestyle of deep holiness. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD" {Hebrews 12:14}.
These posts focus on bringing you into full cleansing and right relationship with GOD. It is also designed to keep you cleansed and growing in true discipleship. Yet, cleansing is only part of a dynamic love relationship with JESUS. GOD also intends His children to experience a vibrant, biblically-balanced prayer life!
In the Conclusion of this resource, I will show how any believer can enter into a dynamic prayer life and relationship with GOD. No believer should put up with a mediocre prayer life! Never forget that older children and teenagers can also experience the glorious reality of prayer! We should not sell our youth short.
You will soon discover this cleansing journey is more in-depth and comprehensive than some you may have used, It is specifically designed to bring you into a thorough search of all key areas of your life. Incomplete confession leads to incomplete cleansing. If you allow GOD to do a deep daily work, you will experience life-changing discipleship!
Dear friend, GOD is now waiting to meet you at the point of His cleansing Word. He is ready to fully forgive and fill you with Himself. In these posts, the Scriptures are carefully arranged to examine every category of your life. As you purposely draw near to GOD, be assured He will draw near to you {James 4:8}. But before you even start, before my next post, pause and ask GOD to speak clearly to your heart. Enter now into GOD's presence and be changed forever!
when you shall search for me with all your heart."
James 4:8-"Draw nigh to GOD,
and He will draw nigh to you."
Do you hear GOD's awesome invitation to you? GOD is longing to pour His holy presence and power on your life. He is longing to cleanse and set you free from the bondage of sin. He longs to sanctify and transform you into the full image of CHRIST {Romans 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:23}. If you prayerfully {and honestly} work through the Scriptures in these posts, GOD will begin that miraculous work in your life. His Word will accomplish its purpose! GOD will teach you how to embrace daily cleansing as a way of life and the very heart of your relationship with Him.
However, do not approach this process just to "get blessed." Do it becausae GOD is holy and He deserves your full surrender. Do it because you love JESUS and want to please Him. Do it not from a selfish motive, but with genuine desire to worship GOD in holiness. According to 1 John 3:3, all saved persons have a deep desire to purify themselves. Indeed, we cannot please GOD without a lifestyle of deep holiness. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD" {Hebrews 12:14}.
These posts focus on bringing you into full cleansing and right relationship with GOD. It is also designed to keep you cleansed and growing in true discipleship. Yet, cleansing is only part of a dynamic love relationship with JESUS. GOD also intends His children to experience a vibrant, biblically-balanced prayer life!
In the Conclusion of this resource, I will show how any believer can enter into a dynamic prayer life and relationship with GOD. No believer should put up with a mediocre prayer life! Never forget that older children and teenagers can also experience the glorious reality of prayer! We should not sell our youth short.
You will soon discover this cleansing journey is more in-depth and comprehensive than some you may have used, It is specifically designed to bring you into a thorough search of all key areas of your life. Incomplete confession leads to incomplete cleansing. If you allow GOD to do a deep daily work, you will experience life-changing discipleship!
Dear friend, GOD is now waiting to meet you at the point of His cleansing Word. He is ready to fully forgive and fill you with Himself. In these posts, the Scriptures are carefully arranged to examine every category of your life. As you purposely draw near to GOD, be assured He will draw near to you {James 4:8}. But before you even start, before my next post, pause and ask GOD to speak clearly to your heart. Enter now into GOD's presence and be changed forever!
How to meet God through these posts
Seven key points to Remember...
1) This resource is designed as a relationship journey with GOD, not a program or formula. These posts is comprised largely of GOD's own words from Scripture. As you read, reflect on His words, GOD can speak directly to your heart. These posts must be "prayed through" and not merely read. As you pray through these posts, you will literally be talking to GOD and He will talk to you. This process is not some program you do, it is a relationship you experience. It is not a one-time activity, but a continuing journey of growth with your loving Heavenly Father.
After each Scripture, you will find questions to examine your life in light of that particular verse. It is essential that you not rush this process! As you read each Scripture, ask GOD to reveal what He wants to change. When He reveals a sin, immediately confess it and trust CHRIST for victory over that sin. Above all, do not be discouraged if you discover many area of needed change. Our growth is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. GOD will definitely give you the grace to experience victory and He accepts you through the whole journey struggles and all.
2) Use a prayer notebook or journal as you work through these posts. As GOD reveals areas of sin, note it in your journal and be specific. {If you are concerned about privacy, use abbreviations that are clear only to you.} Be sure to identify specific ways to overcome the sinful patterns GOD reveals. Remember, it is not enough merely to confess a sin, it must also be forsaken.{Proverbs 28:13}. For each sin you identify, find a corresponding Scripture that promises victory and strength. It is indeed vital that you replace a sinful pattern with a specific GODly pattern. For help with this process, use a good concordance or the little book, "GOD's Promises for Your Every Need." By believing GOD's promise, you can find CHRIST's victory over any sin.
When you experience temptation and battle, use Scripture to resist the enemy. The Word of GOD is the sword of the Spirit and your weapons of warfare are mighty for pulling down of strongholds! {2 Corinthians 10:3-5}
3) Specifically ask GOD for deep conviction of sin and clear spiritual discernment. According to John 16:3 and 1 Corinthians 2:11, only GOD can bring true conviction and spiritual discernment. According to Jeremiah 17:9, we cannot even begin to know our own hearts without GOD's revelation. Above all, do not approach this journey as a mere mental exercise.
I also urge you to stay committed to the entire process. In other words, prayerfully go through all the Scriptures. Now days we have such a tendency to avoid serious time alone with our Holy GOD. We surround ourselves with activity and noise and many will do almost anything to avoid a deep cleansing encounter with GOD. Yet, such Bible-centered encounters are essential to discipleship and holiness!
4) Embrace the cleansing journey as a daily relationship with GOD, not a one-time experience. Daily confession and cleansing are the essence of walking in the Spirit! Let GOD guide you at the pace He sets for you.
This scriptural resource is especiaaly designed for use in your daily prayer time. In your daily quiet time, you can either pray through a couple of verses of briefly scan all the verses to see if GOD brings something to special awareness. When He does convict of sin,, pause and focus more attention on that area.
When usingf these posts as a part of your daily prayer time, I suggest you read and reflect on two or three Scriptures each day until you get through the entire resource. You can then start again at the beginning {or print as you go along.} In this manner, every area of your life will be thoroughly examined in continuous forty day cycles. You will be amazed how GOD will reveal different things each time through the resource!
I strongly suggest the use of this {or some} biblical resource to guide you in your daily cleansing and growth. This type of continual cleansing is the very essence of discipleship, growth and sanctification. Bible-centered cleansing and prayer are the process, you will experience a daily walk of supernatural holiness and power.
5) Approach the confession process with great assurance of GOD's mercy and blessing {Isaiah 1:18}. Do not be afraid of what GOD might show you. Whatever sin He reveals, CHRIST already died for it! And GOD already knows about it anyway. GOD doesn't convict you to condemn you, but to set you free! {John 8:36}.
Please do not be afraid GOD will ask you to do things you cannot do. He will surely give you the grace to make all the changes He requires. The mighty blessings of GOD will be well worth any changes He asks you to make! Above all, do not feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Do not feel that you must somehow become "perfect" overnight. No matter how much you have failed in the past, GOD will take you on a step by step journey of cleansing and renewal. This is an ongoing process and GOD's loving grace will cover you throughout the whole journey.
It is also important to understand that some sins may represent spiritual strongholds and could take some time to experience the full manifestation of victory. Sometimes believers think they are doing something wrong if they don't feel instantaneous victory with a single prayer or confession. Remember, this is a daily process of growth, not a one-time event. You have a kind Heavenly Father who will lovingly guide you all the way!
6) Be prepared for spiritual warfare {1 Peter 5:8}. According to GOD's Word, your spiritual enemy is very real. You need to be aware that Satan hates what you're setting out to do in this journey. He is terrified you might get clean before GOD and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit. He knows you will thendiscover awesome power in prayer and spiritual service. At all costs, Satan will fight to keep you from finishing your personal journey of revival.
Ephesians 6:11 mentions the "wiles" of the devil. That means he designs stragies to keep you from knowing and walking with GOD. For some, he will seek to use your busy schedule. {As mine!} In others he will use discouragement and guilt. Satan will tell you, "What's the use? You're such a failure and you may as well give up." {As he does with me, OFTEN!} For still others, he'll try to convince you that sin's grip is too strong and you'll never be free.
But never forget, dear reader, Satan is a liar and he is defeated. At its heart, effective spiritual warfare can be boiled down to one key principle: "Submit yourselves therefore to GOD, resist the devil and he will flee from you!" {James 4:8} In other words, as you confess your sins and choose to surrender to GOD, you can then tell Satan"to flee" in the mighty name of JESUS CHRIST. Don't let Satan bluff you out of your cleansing journey with GOD.
7) Ask a trusted friend to pray for you in areas of needed change. There is enormous power when two or more "agree together" concerning a prayer request {Matthew 18:19}. If you are determined, you can find full victory for any sin GOD reveals in your life. Don't let pride keep you from confessing your needs and struggles to others {James 5:16} There is awesome power in united agreement and I strongly urge you to find a regular prayer partner. No matter how much you've struggled, you will see victory if you trust GOD and refuse to give up {Luke 18:1}.
1) This resource is designed as a relationship journey with GOD, not a program or formula. These posts is comprised largely of GOD's own words from Scripture. As you read, reflect on His words, GOD can speak directly to your heart. These posts must be "prayed through" and not merely read. As you pray through these posts, you will literally be talking to GOD and He will talk to you. This process is not some program you do, it is a relationship you experience. It is not a one-time activity, but a continuing journey of growth with your loving Heavenly Father.
After each Scripture, you will find questions to examine your life in light of that particular verse. It is essential that you not rush this process! As you read each Scripture, ask GOD to reveal what He wants to change. When He reveals a sin, immediately confess it and trust CHRIST for victory over that sin. Above all, do not be discouraged if you discover many area of needed change. Our growth is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. GOD will definitely give you the grace to experience victory and He accepts you through the whole journey struggles and all.
2) Use a prayer notebook or journal as you work through these posts. As GOD reveals areas of sin, note it in your journal and be specific. {If you are concerned about privacy, use abbreviations that are clear only to you.} Be sure to identify specific ways to overcome the sinful patterns GOD reveals. Remember, it is not enough merely to confess a sin, it must also be forsaken.{Proverbs 28:13}. For each sin you identify, find a corresponding Scripture that promises victory and strength. It is indeed vital that you replace a sinful pattern with a specific GODly pattern. For help with this process, use a good concordance or the little book, "GOD's Promises for Your Every Need." By believing GOD's promise, you can find CHRIST's victory over any sin.
When you experience temptation and battle, use Scripture to resist the enemy. The Word of GOD is the sword of the Spirit and your weapons of warfare are mighty for pulling down of strongholds! {2 Corinthians 10:3-5}
3) Specifically ask GOD for deep conviction of sin and clear spiritual discernment. According to John 16:3 and 1 Corinthians 2:11, only GOD can bring true conviction and spiritual discernment. According to Jeremiah 17:9, we cannot even begin to know our own hearts without GOD's revelation. Above all, do not approach this journey as a mere mental exercise.
I also urge you to stay committed to the entire process. In other words, prayerfully go through all the Scriptures. Now days we have such a tendency to avoid serious time alone with our Holy GOD. We surround ourselves with activity and noise and many will do almost anything to avoid a deep cleansing encounter with GOD. Yet, such Bible-centered encounters are essential to discipleship and holiness!
4) Embrace the cleansing journey as a daily relationship with GOD, not a one-time experience. Daily confession and cleansing are the essence of walking in the Spirit! Let GOD guide you at the pace He sets for you.
This scriptural resource is especiaaly designed for use in your daily prayer time. In your daily quiet time, you can either pray through a couple of verses of briefly scan all the verses to see if GOD brings something to special awareness. When He does convict of sin,, pause and focus more attention on that area.
When usingf these posts as a part of your daily prayer time, I suggest you read and reflect on two or three Scriptures each day until you get through the entire resource. You can then start again at the beginning {or print as you go along.} In this manner, every area of your life will be thoroughly examined in continuous forty day cycles. You will be amazed how GOD will reveal different things each time through the resource!
I strongly suggest the use of this {or some} biblical resource to guide you in your daily cleansing and growth. This type of continual cleansing is the very essence of discipleship, growth and sanctification. Bible-centered cleansing and prayer are the process, you will experience a daily walk of supernatural holiness and power.
5) Approach the confession process with great assurance of GOD's mercy and blessing {Isaiah 1:18}. Do not be afraid of what GOD might show you. Whatever sin He reveals, CHRIST already died for it! And GOD already knows about it anyway. GOD doesn't convict you to condemn you, but to set you free! {John 8:36}.
Please do not be afraid GOD will ask you to do things you cannot do. He will surely give you the grace to make all the changes He requires. The mighty blessings of GOD will be well worth any changes He asks you to make! Above all, do not feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Do not feel that you must somehow become "perfect" overnight. No matter how much you have failed in the past, GOD will take you on a step by step journey of cleansing and renewal. This is an ongoing process and GOD's loving grace will cover you throughout the whole journey.
It is also important to understand that some sins may represent spiritual strongholds and could take some time to experience the full manifestation of victory. Sometimes believers think they are doing something wrong if they don't feel instantaneous victory with a single prayer or confession. Remember, this is a daily process of growth, not a one-time event. You have a kind Heavenly Father who will lovingly guide you all the way!
6) Be prepared for spiritual warfare {1 Peter 5:8}. According to GOD's Word, your spiritual enemy is very real. You need to be aware that Satan hates what you're setting out to do in this journey. He is terrified you might get clean before GOD and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit. He knows you will thendiscover awesome power in prayer and spiritual service. At all costs, Satan will fight to keep you from finishing your personal journey of revival.
Ephesians 6:11 mentions the "wiles" of the devil. That means he designs stragies to keep you from knowing and walking with GOD. For some, he will seek to use your busy schedule. {As mine!} In others he will use discouragement and guilt. Satan will tell you, "What's the use? You're such a failure and you may as well give up." {As he does with me, OFTEN!} For still others, he'll try to convince you that sin's grip is too strong and you'll never be free.
But never forget, dear reader, Satan is a liar and he is defeated. At its heart, effective spiritual warfare can be boiled down to one key principle: "Submit yourselves therefore to GOD, resist the devil and he will flee from you!" {James 4:8} In other words, as you confess your sins and choose to surrender to GOD, you can then tell Satan"to flee" in the mighty name of JESUS CHRIST. Don't let Satan bluff you out of your cleansing journey with GOD.
7) Ask a trusted friend to pray for you in areas of needed change. There is enormous power when two or more "agree together" concerning a prayer request {Matthew 18:19}. If you are determined, you can find full victory for any sin GOD reveals in your life. Don't let pride keep you from confessing your needs and struggles to others {James 5:16} There is awesome power in united agreement and I strongly urge you to find a regular prayer partner. No matter how much you've struggled, you will see victory if you trust GOD and refuse to give up {Luke 18:1}.
Christ in you-The foundation of victory
It is vital to understand that Jesus didn't die just to take you to heaven, but to indwell and empower you here on earth! The same GOD that spoke John 3:16, also spoke Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace."
Yet, you may well be asking, "Because I struggle so much, I wonder how I could really know victory?" In Romans 6:6, Paul makes the answer beautifully clear. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." This simple verse is the very foundation of your victory over sin.
In fact, the verses above can become your personal "declaration of independence" over the power and domination of sin. When CHRIST died for your sins, He not only removed the penalty of sin, but also the power. By the Holy Spirit, the same risen CHRIST now indwells every saved person. The CHRISTian life is not you trying to grit your teeth and somehow live for Him, it's learning to let Him live through you! We do this through a moment by moment faith in His indwelling life and power.
Galatians 2:20 further describes the liberating truth of CHRIST living in us. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Do you see it? When you receive CHRIST, all that He accomplished on the cross is fully alive and active in you. Because you are "in CHRIST", His death to sin's penalty and power is now your death to sin's penalty and power. JESUS CHRIST in all His victory literally abides within you and can live through you right now.
So in the coming posts, when you are convicted of sin, don't despair. Look straight to JESUS to overcome its grip. Just as you are forgiven by His sacrificial death, you are empowered by His resurrection life working in you. Let this cleansing process point you straight to JESUS and victory, not to yourself and defeat.
Yet you may well be asking, "How do I do this?" In Colossians 2:6, we find GOD's marvelous answer. "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him." We walk in CHRIST the same way we received Him. So how did you receive JESUS? You received Him by simple faith. You simply took JESUS at His word and trusted Him to save you. And friend, that's exactly how you walk in victory over sin and self. When you face temptation and weakness, you simply claim CHRIST's forgiveness and indwelling power to be your victory. You choose to turn from the sin and trust JESUS for His power to live through you. And what happens if you still feel tempted? You just keep trusting and resisting the sin. In GOD's time, you will see complete and total victory. JESUS CHRIST cannot fail!
Yet, you may well be asking, "Because I struggle so much, I wonder how I could really know victory?" In Romans 6:6, Paul makes the answer beautifully clear. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." This simple verse is the very foundation of your victory over sin.
In fact, the verses above can become your personal "declaration of independence" over the power and domination of sin. When CHRIST died for your sins, He not only removed the penalty of sin, but also the power. By the Holy Spirit, the same risen CHRIST now indwells every saved person. The CHRISTian life is not you trying to grit your teeth and somehow live for Him, it's learning to let Him live through you! We do this through a moment by moment faith in His indwelling life and power.
Galatians 2:20 further describes the liberating truth of CHRIST living in us. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Do you see it? When you receive CHRIST, all that He accomplished on the cross is fully alive and active in you. Because you are "in CHRIST", His death to sin's penalty and power is now your death to sin's penalty and power. JESUS CHRIST in all His victory literally abides within you and can live through you right now.
So in the coming posts, when you are convicted of sin, don't despair. Look straight to JESUS to overcome its grip. Just as you are forgiven by His sacrificial death, you are empowered by His resurrection life working in you. Let this cleansing process point you straight to JESUS and victory, not to yourself and defeat.
Yet you may well be asking, "How do I do this?" In Colossians 2:6, we find GOD's marvelous answer. "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him." We walk in CHRIST the same way we received Him. So how did you receive JESUS? You received Him by simple faith. You simply took JESUS at His word and trusted Him to save you. And friend, that's exactly how you walk in victory over sin and self. When you face temptation and weakness, you simply claim CHRIST's forgiveness and indwelling power to be your victory. You choose to turn from the sin and trust JESUS for His power to live through you. And what happens if you still feel tempted? You just keep trusting and resisting the sin. In GOD's time, you will see complete and total victory. JESUS CHRIST cannot fail!
PREPARING FOR YOUR LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY
In spite of today's staggering moral decline, there are growing signs GOD is mightily touching His people. A rising number of believers and churches are seeing miraculous moves of GOD's Spirit. In fact, some churches are experiencing things so incredible only GOD can explain what is happening!
Yet, you may well ask, "If GOD is so mightily at work, why am I not experiencing His mighty presence and power? Why are other churches seeing such phenomenal moves of the Spirit and yet we are not?" The good news is you can experience GOD's mighty presence and power. GOD definitely wants to move in your life and your church!
However, there is a key requirement for experiencing GOD's power in your life and church. It is found in Isaiah 59:1-2: "Behold the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear."
My friend, do you see the crucial point? Though GOD is willing to touch His people unconfessed sin has blocked His mighty answers to prayer. In order to move in power, GOD requires deep cleansing and repentance among His people. Psalm 66:18 makes this crystal clear: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me."
If our nation is to avert much-deserved judgement, believers must admit immediately return to the knowledge that GOD is infinitely holy. He simply will not move if unconfessed sin remains in the lives of His children! For this very reason, GOD seems distant to many believers. Because of unconfessed sin, crucial prayers go unanswered and countless believers live in defeat and pain. If you hope to experience GOD's mighty power and blessing, thorough daily confession is not an option, it is absolutely essential!
The sad reality is that many believers have confession times that are far too infrequent and shallow. Because we tend to quickly rush through confession times, many sins have "built up" between us and GOD. Usually we are not even aware how seriously the Holy Spirit is quenched in our lives. But do not despair! Through level of confession and cleansing that will utterly change your life. After all, GOD's Word will not return void!
Thank GOD for the rising number of believers who desire to purify their hearts. All across America, pastors are beginning to lead their congregations to embrace this biblical process of cleansing and repentence. Typically it is done in a specific period ranging from one week to forty days. Some churches ask discipleship training groups to pray and work through the Scripture guide. Still others ask all active church members to pray through the resources on their own. Many churches conclude the cleansing emphasis with churchwide revival meetings or solemn assemblies. {Though that is not required.} This resource is also designed to be a preparation tool for annual revival meetings. Regardless of the format used, when GOD's people experience full biblical repentance, the results are phenomenal! Whether the cleansing is churchwide, small group or individual, you will experience an awesome release of GOD's presence {James 4:8}.
In Isaiah 1:18, our loving Father is giving a glorious invitation to every person reading this Blog. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
In 1 John 1:9, GOD gives a further promise, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Friend, there is no reason you cannot learn to experience GOD's total forgiveness and cleansing on a daily basis. A victorious relationship with GOD is not out of your reach!
No matter how much you've struggled, you can experience a miraculous cleansing and filling of GOD's Spirit! However, this will not happen with some brief, casual prayer time. The Psalmist says you must be willing to let GOD search your heart. "Search me, O GOD, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" {Psalm 139:23-24}.
Serious cleansing requires regularly getting alone with GOD for a thorough examination of your life. In the coming posts, you will discover a practical way any believer can experience deep daily cleansing. If you sincerely seek GOD through simple biblical process, He will totally revolutionize your life! Yet before you begin your journey, it is crucial to grasp the foundation of your victory over sin. That foundation is none other than JESUS CHRIST living in you!
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Christian Woman in the Christian Home...
Who Indeed?
By:Wilda Fancher
Who am I to write a book on the Christian woman in the Christian Home? I, who, on occasion, and in turn-rarely all on the same day, fortunately-pout with my husband, yell at my children, neglect our parents, let down a friend, burn the toast, spend too much on a new dress, skip church at night, turn green when I visit friends in new houses, feel I'm to busy to get involved with sad-type folks. These, among other un-Christian like things, I do. Same as you do.
But I'm not satisfied with myself as a Christian. Just like you're not satisfied with yourself.
That's why I am one to write this book-and why you're the one to read it. We're two who yearn for our families to look at us, but to see Christ. You could write the book as easily as I, but I'm the lucky {at this point, I'm not sure of my choice of a word here} one who got the contract.
So I'll write, you'll read, and each of us will be on our way toward being a better one-a Christian woman in our Christian home.
Beginning
The first thing to do is to scratch perfection. Yours, Your husband's. Your child's.
I am a Christian woman who must relate to her world and its problems. Like you, I have had many dreams. Some have come true, while others have not. It's adjusting to both kinds of dreams-the did-come-true ones and the didn't-come-true ones-that makes for happiness.
Recently I took the advice of some wise sage who said that the thing to do when you get to the end of your rope is to tie a knot in it and hang on. There I hung.
Screaming is not the answer. Nor is nagging. Nor is sweet talking or begging.
Every man has a hobby or something he really enjoys doing. You either learn to enjoy his hobby with him or do not fuss when he goes without you.
I must add, "Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." {Matthew 5:48}
And how shall this be? It shall be at the expense of much happy energy. What is so sad about doing whatever you're doing real well? A sense of accomplishment after a job well-done makes for a much better night's sleep than furtive unease about shoddy or neglected work.
Will perfection ever be? No. Then why try? Because it is in the trying that we aim high and find we need help. A sense of companionship with and encouragement from God is the most valuable aid to achievement a Christian has.
It is the will of God that the Christian woman seeks-for herself as she helps her husband do the will of God for him, the will of God for the house that is their home, for the children as she helps them know God so they will recognize His voice when He speaks to them and reveals His will for them.
"Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Sounds so simple, doesn't it?
How terribly complex we make it.
Her God
Most any time I get a tomato out of the refrigerator I look it over carefully to see if it is good. If it is good, I use it.
That's what a Christian woman should do to her concept of God. Get it out, look it over carefully, and see if it is good. If it is, keep on using it. If it isn't, get a new concept.
Point One:God is the Creator. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Nothing I have read anywhere but the Bible or heard from any other source that has given me a better explanation than that.
Point Two:After everything was created and God saw that it was all good, how did everything get so messed up? Because Adam and Eve had been created with minds of their own and the ability to make their own choices. That's what caused it all to go sour. Eve made a bad choice and Adam followed after her.
Point Three:I'm sure God hoped Adam and Eve and any others who were created along with them would not make the bad choice, but he must have felt he had to give them the choice, for fellowship with nonthinking beings would be quite shallow.
Knowing the possibility of man's estranging himself from God, God planned for the means of removing estrangement and for restoring fellowship-the sacrifice of Jesus.
Point Four:After Jesus completed the plan for my redemption, the Holy Spirit was let loose to hover around Christians, to lead them, to comfort them, and to love them for God, as much as each Christian will allow.
There is a real sense of joy in recognizing the hand of God, His Holy Spirit, at work in my life. It makes praying a richer experience because I express more gratitude, and you know how your love grows toward someone when you're grateful.
Point five:I belong to God. My reason for existing is to seek His will and to do it.
For I am just like Eve-I make the bad choice, all to often. Still, God loves me, I am forgiven through my faith in Jesus Christ, and I keep trying to be in the center of God's will.
Point six:One of these days I will die. Everyone knows he will die sooner or later. Lots of folks come to a time when they are made to realize death may be sooner rather than later.
But one of these days I will die-I will go through an experience translating me from earth to heaven and into the eternal physical presence of God. An experience which accomplishes that can't be all bad.
Such is my concept of God. It makes me able to have a real gratitude for the past from which to learn and on which to build, to feel a sense of thrill and accomplishment in the present, and to hold a deeply calming hope for the future.
Teaching Our Children to Love God...
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO LOVE GOD
by
Julia M. Faulkner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Deuteronomy 6: 5, 6, & 7, we read that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and might. It also says for us to teach these words to our children, telling very specifically how to do this. But I believe it would be wise if we were first ask ourselves if we can truly say we love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and might. Practice what you preach definitely applies here (I Timothy 4:12).
Take some time to study the following verses. First of all, why should you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and might? Romans 6: 6?9, 2 Corinthians 5: 17 & 18, Romans 5:6, and Romans 12:1 are just a few reasons we should be able to love the Lord so fully! Then you might ask yourself how you can love the Lord in such a way. Read 1 John 3:18 and Hebrews 1:9. As an example of what not to do, study Ezekiel 33:31. Finally you need to see if there are things hindering you from loving the Lord as you should. Just a few verses of scripture should have you searching your heart. Galatians 1:10, Luke 16:13, & Matthew 6:21 are just a few examples of hindrances in our love for the Lord. More specifically, where is your heart? Have you left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? Then you need to claim I John 1:9 and seek God's forgiveness.
Now that we have examined our own love for the Lord, how do we go about teaching our children? First off, we must begin when they are young, as pointed out in Proverbs 22:6 and II Timothy 3:14, 15. You can never begin too soon! Ephesians 6:4 is a very helpful verse.
The most logical way to begin is to show your child what the Bible says about God and his love for man. The following verses will help your child know exactly how much God loves him/her: I John 4: 19 (God loved us first), John 3:16 (God loves the world and sent His son), and Romans 5:8 should get you started. I would suggest helping you child(ren) memorize these verses as soon their verbal skills will allow. Usually 2 or 2 1/2 years is a good time.
I John 4:19 tells us that we love God because he loved us first. I don't think we can teach our children about loving God without first teaching this very important verse. From there I suggest teaching Romans 3:23 and 6:23. These two verses talk about man's sin and God's gift of eternal life. Not only does the child see the extent of God's love here, it's an early introduction to the plan of salvation! And isn't that the ultimate goal? If a child never realizes how much God loves him/her, how can he ever accept the wonderful sacrifice of God's son for our unrighteousness?
To me the sweetest memory is of my children singing "Jesus Loves Me" when they were but about 2 years old. II Corinthians 9:6 is an especially encouraging verse for parents trying to raise children in a Godly manner. Basically it says that we reap what we sow! So be careful of what you allow to be planted in your child's mind. One of the worst offenders is the television. But music, books, friends, and many other factors influence your child in undesirable ways.
Read Proverbs 19:27. If you teach your child right from wrong as each situation arises (i.e. bad language on TV. ? tell him/her that it is displeasing to God, and change the channel!), then they will remember the right thing to do next time the incident comes up. You'll be surprised at how often you'll be witnessing to your child about what does and does not please God. "Train up a child . . ." (Proverbs 22:6) is basically what I'm trying to say here.
I cannot say enough about how important it is to begin teaching our children from a very young age. I'm sure that it makes as much sense to you as it does to me that it is easier to teach correct behavior and attitude from the start, than to have to go back and correct it later on. Proverbs 22:6 really does work wonders! It takes more effort to change someone's thinking about something than to start out doing the right thing from the beginning. You've heard the old saying about someone being "set in his ways"? Well, it does not take a child very long to become accustomed to undesirable habits.
Pray with your child daily at times other than meals and bedtime. One suggestion would be to pray with your child each morning before he/she leaves for school for the day. It is a scary thought to think of the influences our children are exposed to when we are not there. So, in light of that thought, pray that the Lord will help your child to know what is right and wrong and that they will be able to resist the pressure of their peers to participate in behavior and activities that are not in alignment with what they have been taught at home. Also ask God to help your child to be a good witness for Him.
Can you think of other things to pray for? If your child is having any problems at school (teacher, bullies, school work), help him/her to memorize 1 Peter 5:7. I have often helped Elizabeth pray that the Lord would help her to do well on tests and school work (especially if she was having any particular difficulties). Doing these few simple things will help cultivate your child's trust in the Lord.
But don't forget what I Thessalonians 5:18 says (a good verse to memorize). To give thanks!
As I come to a close, I would like to share with you a few ideas in training up your child. These things really don't take long, but the rewards will be well worth your effort. Besides the memorizing of scripture, I recommend reading the Bible to your child(ren) daily. And I don't mean bible story books, either! Take your Bible and read from it to them. When a child is able to read on their own, let him/her read to you. While it is true that there are some long, hard words to read, there are plenty of passages simple enough for even a child to read. The point is to teach good habits for personal Bible study. For any of us not reared in such a manner, the importance of this practice should be very clear. I still struggle with being dedicated in my daily Bible study. At any rate, a good time to do this is right after school or right before bedtime. An extra benefit of doing this is the precious memories the child will have of you sharing God and His word. It blesses my heart to hear preachers talk about how their parents did this very thing with them when they were growing up. Don't you want to be remembered as a godly parent? I know I do, but I often fail.
My final point is to simply talk to your child everyday about God and His love for him/her. According to Deuteronomy 6:7 we should be talking to our children about God all the day long. From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. I like to play a little game each night as I tuck the children into bed. After they have said their prayers, I ask each child who loves them the most; even more than mommy or daddy. The answer of course is Jesus! And then I ask them if they know how much that Jesus loves them, and what did Jesus do to show his love? He died on the cross to save us from our sin, so that we can one day come and live with Him in Heaven. Even Rebekah at two years of age could answer these questions. Although she may not have fully understood what it all meant, I knew I had planted the seed.
If you will just follow the few simple ideas I've given you here (start young, read the Bible to your child, help them to memorize scripture, and so forth), then I'm convinced that your child won't have much trouble loving the Lord his God with all of his heart, soul, and might!
Note ? You may wonder why I did not include the scripture text with the references I gave. It is really quite simple. While I wanted to give scripture to back up what I tried to say here, I feel that it is your responsibility to look up the text during you private bible study time. Please don't just read over what I've written. Take the time to look up all of the verses I've included. You never know what God will show you!
by
Julia M. Faulkner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Deuteronomy 6: 5, 6, & 7, we read that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and might. It also says for us to teach these words to our children, telling very specifically how to do this. But I believe it would be wise if we were first ask ourselves if we can truly say we love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and might. Practice what you preach definitely applies here (I Timothy 4:12).
Take some time to study the following verses. First of all, why should you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and might? Romans 6: 6?9, 2 Corinthians 5: 17 & 18, Romans 5:6, and Romans 12:1 are just a few reasons we should be able to love the Lord so fully! Then you might ask yourself how you can love the Lord in such a way. Read 1 John 3:18 and Hebrews 1:9. As an example of what not to do, study Ezekiel 33:31. Finally you need to see if there are things hindering you from loving the Lord as you should. Just a few verses of scripture should have you searching your heart. Galatians 1:10, Luke 16:13, & Matthew 6:21 are just a few examples of hindrances in our love for the Lord. More specifically, where is your heart? Have you left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? Then you need to claim I John 1:9 and seek God's forgiveness.
Now that we have examined our own love for the Lord, how do we go about teaching our children? First off, we must begin when they are young, as pointed out in Proverbs 22:6 and II Timothy 3:14, 15. You can never begin too soon! Ephesians 6:4 is a very helpful verse.
The most logical way to begin is to show your child what the Bible says about God and his love for man. The following verses will help your child know exactly how much God loves him/her: I John 4: 19 (God loved us first), John 3:16 (God loves the world and sent His son), and Romans 5:8 should get you started. I would suggest helping you child(ren) memorize these verses as soon their verbal skills will allow. Usually 2 or 2 1/2 years is a good time.
I John 4:19 tells us that we love God because he loved us first. I don't think we can teach our children about loving God without first teaching this very important verse. From there I suggest teaching Romans 3:23 and 6:23. These two verses talk about man's sin and God's gift of eternal life. Not only does the child see the extent of God's love here, it's an early introduction to the plan of salvation! And isn't that the ultimate goal? If a child never realizes how much God loves him/her, how can he ever accept the wonderful sacrifice of God's son for our unrighteousness?
To me the sweetest memory is of my children singing "Jesus Loves Me" when they were but about 2 years old. II Corinthians 9:6 is an especially encouraging verse for parents trying to raise children in a Godly manner. Basically it says that we reap what we sow! So be careful of what you allow to be planted in your child's mind. One of the worst offenders is the television. But music, books, friends, and many other factors influence your child in undesirable ways.
Read Proverbs 19:27. If you teach your child right from wrong as each situation arises (i.e. bad language on TV. ? tell him/her that it is displeasing to God, and change the channel!), then they will remember the right thing to do next time the incident comes up. You'll be surprised at how often you'll be witnessing to your child about what does and does not please God. "Train up a child . . ." (Proverbs 22:6) is basically what I'm trying to say here.
I cannot say enough about how important it is to begin teaching our children from a very young age. I'm sure that it makes as much sense to you as it does to me that it is easier to teach correct behavior and attitude from the start, than to have to go back and correct it later on. Proverbs 22:6 really does work wonders! It takes more effort to change someone's thinking about something than to start out doing the right thing from the beginning. You've heard the old saying about someone being "set in his ways"? Well, it does not take a child very long to become accustomed to undesirable habits.
Pray with your child daily at times other than meals and bedtime. One suggestion would be to pray with your child each morning before he/she leaves for school for the day. It is a scary thought to think of the influences our children are exposed to when we are not there. So, in light of that thought, pray that the Lord will help your child to know what is right and wrong and that they will be able to resist the pressure of their peers to participate in behavior and activities that are not in alignment with what they have been taught at home. Also ask God to help your child to be a good witness for Him.
Can you think of other things to pray for? If your child is having any problems at school (teacher, bullies, school work), help him/her to memorize 1 Peter 5:7. I have often helped Elizabeth pray that the Lord would help her to do well on tests and school work (especially if she was having any particular difficulties). Doing these few simple things will help cultivate your child's trust in the Lord.
But don't forget what I Thessalonians 5:18 says (a good verse to memorize). To give thanks!
As I come to a close, I would like to share with you a few ideas in training up your child. These things really don't take long, but the rewards will be well worth your effort. Besides the memorizing of scripture, I recommend reading the Bible to your child(ren) daily. And I don't mean bible story books, either! Take your Bible and read from it to them. When a child is able to read on their own, let him/her read to you. While it is true that there are some long, hard words to read, there are plenty of passages simple enough for even a child to read. The point is to teach good habits for personal Bible study. For any of us not reared in such a manner, the importance of this practice should be very clear. I still struggle with being dedicated in my daily Bible study. At any rate, a good time to do this is right after school or right before bedtime. An extra benefit of doing this is the precious memories the child will have of you sharing God and His word. It blesses my heart to hear preachers talk about how their parents did this very thing with them when they were growing up. Don't you want to be remembered as a godly parent? I know I do, but I often fail.
My final point is to simply talk to your child everyday about God and His love for him/her. According to Deuteronomy 6:7 we should be talking to our children about God all the day long. From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. I like to play a little game each night as I tuck the children into bed. After they have said their prayers, I ask each child who loves them the most; even more than mommy or daddy. The answer of course is Jesus! And then I ask them if they know how much that Jesus loves them, and what did Jesus do to show his love? He died on the cross to save us from our sin, so that we can one day come and live with Him in Heaven. Even Rebekah at two years of age could answer these questions. Although she may not have fully understood what it all meant, I knew I had planted the seed.
If you will just follow the few simple ideas I've given you here (start young, read the Bible to your child, help them to memorize scripture, and so forth), then I'm convinced that your child won't have much trouble loving the Lord his God with all of his heart, soul, and might!
Note ? You may wonder why I did not include the scripture text with the references I gave. It is really quite simple. While I wanted to give scripture to back up what I tried to say here, I feel that it is your responsibility to look up the text during you private bible study time. Please don't just read over what I've written. Take the time to look up all of the verses I've included. You never know what God will show you!
Womanhood
1- Womanhood should be a beautiful thing. It has however been cheapened by the media and men in general. They have taken women of that Godly pedastal and put her instead on the runway of a strip joint.(hope that makes sense, it does to me lol)
2- I have not always been a christian. My ideas on womanhood have changed alot. I used to think that it was ok for a woman to be partly dressed and that being gawked at by other men was a compliment to my then boyfriend/husband. I truly thought i was sexy. Those men thought so too. But that is all that i was. A shell. Empty inside. I see that i have a purpose now. That my beauty is indeed only for my husband and i have been teaching that very same thing to our daughters. When our son is old enough to truly understand, he will also be taught how he should view women. And How they should indeed be treated.
3- Because she has the courage it takes to be what God wants her to be. The kind of wife He expects her to be. She is commited to her husband and her home. She is not afraid of what others say about the woman she has become. She knows that some put her down for it but she is setting an example even if they are too blind to see it.
4- Feminists. By this i mean bra burning mamas lol although there are days when i want to burn my own . I am all for being a woman but there is a point where i say hey, you know what, nope i'm not doing that for the sake of being "free".
5- Naomi, She has incredible strength although i also admire Ruth for choosing to stay with her mother inlaw even though she had no more sons to give. And the words she speaks to her mother inlaw are also great. I guess i do not have a great answer for that question just that i admire them both.
6- Qualities God admires: That they be teachers of the youger women, they know how to love their husbands and children, they are discreet and obedient.
Qualities God does not admire: False accuser, not sober clear minded women, unholy women.
7- The qualities i esteem are in line with what is written. Now to be that woman is awful hard. I have not even been close for quite some time. But i am getting back on track.
8- That the woman be clear minded, sober and be an obedient woman to God and husband.
9- I do not know that i understand this question. Does it not mean that she be worshipful?
10- Oh Goodness this one is good as i love these passages. there is so much said of this tongue.
I will say that I myself have used my tongue in such a way to shame me to the very spirit that is within me.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
11- temperance
(noun) 1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT ; 2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions; b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink .
It is important for a woman not to be a drunk and given to much wine because she as well as her husband has a job to do. First she must praise and worship God, second she must be obedient to her God and her husband and third she must be a mother to her children, How does one teach their daughters while being absent minded? She MUST be an example.
2- I have not always been a christian. My ideas on womanhood have changed alot. I used to think that it was ok for a woman to be partly dressed and that being gawked at by other men was a compliment to my then boyfriend/husband. I truly thought i was sexy. Those men thought so too. But that is all that i was. A shell. Empty inside. I see that i have a purpose now. That my beauty is indeed only for my husband and i have been teaching that very same thing to our daughters. When our son is old enough to truly understand, he will also be taught how he should view women. And How they should indeed be treated.
3- Because she has the courage it takes to be what God wants her to be. The kind of wife He expects her to be. She is commited to her husband and her home. She is not afraid of what others say about the woman she has become. She knows that some put her down for it but she is setting an example even if they are too blind to see it.
4- Feminists. By this i mean bra burning mamas lol although there are days when i want to burn my own . I am all for being a woman but there is a point where i say hey, you know what, nope i'm not doing that for the sake of being "free".
5- Naomi, She has incredible strength although i also admire Ruth for choosing to stay with her mother inlaw even though she had no more sons to give. And the words she speaks to her mother inlaw are also great. I guess i do not have a great answer for that question just that i admire them both.
6- Qualities God admires: That they be teachers of the youger women, they know how to love their husbands and children, they are discreet and obedient.
Qualities God does not admire: False accuser, not sober clear minded women, unholy women.
7- The qualities i esteem are in line with what is written. Now to be that woman is awful hard. I have not even been close for quite some time. But i am getting back on track.
8- That the woman be clear minded, sober and be an obedient woman to God and husband.
9- I do not know that i understand this question. Does it not mean that she be worshipful?
10- Oh Goodness this one is good as i love these passages. there is so much said of this tongue.
I will say that I myself have used my tongue in such a way to shame me to the very spirit that is within me.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
11- temperance
(noun) 1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT ; 2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions; b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink .
It is important for a woman not to be a drunk and given to much wine because she as well as her husband has a job to do. First she must praise and worship God, second she must be obedient to her God and her husband and third she must be a mother to her children, How does one teach their daughters while being absent minded? She MUST be an example.
Proverbs 31
VIRTUOUS PROVERBS 31 MAN AND WOMAN
By Norma Daulton
"Her husband is known in the gates;When he sits among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23
First to understand the scripture "He is known at the gates" we must take a look back in Bible times. In Bible times most cities were walled and fortified for protection against the enemy. Of course these cities had gates for entrance and exit. These gated entrances had rooms within them. Most had a water supply of some type, places to build fires and stairwells leading up to the top of the wall. These rooms inside of the gates were set side for the daily works of the city government, deliberations and of course the room where the guards stood watch.
We see from the second part of this verse that her husband "sits among the elders of the land" this tells us he is a reputable man and contributes to public life. He is obviously a man of influence within the city. Whatever position this man held it was one of prestige, well known and well looked upon. His position could have very well been that of a civic leader in today's society equal to a city councilmen, lawyer etc. It could also have been a leader in the religious establishment of that day.
The Virtuous Woman and Man of Proverbs 31 compliment each other in their own unique roles in the home, in the community and in the Church. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states: "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor." Two working together to fulfill their divine destiny in the Lord can be a powerful team.
COMPARISON OF THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN AND MAN.
* The Christian man is happy and confident in his role as the head of the home and in the work place.
* He is a man of common sense and wisdom.
* His employment is within the city, serving the people.
* He has earned honor and respect for his work.
* He is known for his good character.
* The Proverbs 31 Woman is also happy and confident in her role as a Christian Woman, Wife, Mother, and Keeper of the Home.
* She is a gentle, kind and soft spoken woman of great wisdom.
* She serves the people in her household with great love and stretches out in charity to others outside her household when time permits.
* She is respected by her husband for her resourcefulness and creativity. She is respected by her maids and sisters in the Body of Christ.
* She is known for her impeccable character.
* She surrounds her "head" (husband) with prayer and is respectful and gives honor to her husband's role as head of the home. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." Proverbs 12:4
Today's society has for the most part lost the appreciation for the old saying "behind every good man is a woman". When looking at some of the Spiritual leaders today and yesterday years History reveals that wives have always been a gentle but strong force behind her husband.
Reading stories of D.L. Moody and his ministry I have been moved by the fact that he said after hearing his wife pray with their children that he knew that he could go on to his next preaching assignment with confidence that she could and would indeed hold down the fort, keep the home-fires burning and keep the Godly focus in their home while he was away.
Warren Wiersbe (Back to the Bible speaker and teacher) had this to say about his wife Betty. "She is a help meet in the truest sense, the mother of four children, budget balancer, mechanic and 'jack of all trades'. Our ministry has been a team effort and I couldn't have wanted a more understand and dependable partner". Quote from Power for Living 1/16/2000
What awesome blessings these and other Christian women are to their husband's. We, my dear Sister, can be a blessing to our husbands as we fulfill our divine role as a Woman, Wife and Mother. To do so, we must rise against the grain of modern day liberals and delight in our roles as Proverbs 31 Women. We must not be ashamed to say that we are Christian Women who are happily fulfilling our divinely appointed destiny.
Today many woman are encouraged to be their own person at any cost..."make something of themselves in the world." If a woman chooses to stay at home instead of working outside the home she is considered "out of the flow of things". Women who choose to stay at home are often looked down on as lazy, unproductive, uneducated. Not so! Some of the Christian ladies I have shared with in Bible Studies and Church meetings are college graduates... but they have chosen to use their talents in the home.
I have heard Christian friends say that they could not wait to get a job and get away from the 'humdrum of housekeeping'. When finances are an issue and mothers have to leave the home to work, it is a whole different issue and both husband and wife can stay the course by working together to keep their family values intact and the home running smoothly. But when women seek to leave home, not because of financial needs but just to get away and find out "who they are" something is amiss in their thinking.
Let me pause to say that I do not want any woman to feel condemned if she is currently working outside the home. God's perfect plan for each of us is in the home, but there are so many circumstances that lead some to work outside the home. May none of us be guilty of pointing the finger at any woman who is not a stay at home mom.
I worked for 30 years after many attempts to bear a child and when I was finally told I would never have a child my husband and I agreed upon my receiving training that would enable me to qualify for a post in an elementary school as an administrative assistant.
When my husband was transferred to another state after 30 years of service with his company I gave up that high paying position that I had grown to love and followed my husband and became a stay at home woman... later when he was called to an Evangelistic Outreach I served alongside him until he retired from secular employment and from the ministry.
My desire, and I hope yours, is to be a blessing to our husbands and children in a godly fashion. God desires that we count our role as Wife, Mother and Keeper of the Home as one of high priority, respectable, honorable, our Divine Destiny and do it with all our strength, mind and body as unto the Lord.
Things to ponder regarding being a blessing to your husband
1. Encourage your husband, find the strengths he has and focus on them.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
2. Praise your husbands and appreciate the small things.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
3. Take care of your home. Your home is a reflection of you as you are a reflection of your husband.
4. Take care of your marriage. It is a fact that love and marriage take a lot of elbow grease and effort.
5. Take care of yourself. Keep your appearance up. Funny how we don't mind doing ourselves up for a special occasion---Make everyday a special occasion!
6. PRAY for your husband. He needs you to be a Prayer Warrior. Ladies, we are to circle our *head* with prayers.
7. Respect your husband.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
8. Be a good reflection of your husband, protect and preserve his reputation as well as your own.
1 Timothy 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
3:5 for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?
By Norma Daulton
"Her husband is known in the gates;When he sits among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23
First to understand the scripture "He is known at the gates" we must take a look back in Bible times. In Bible times most cities were walled and fortified for protection against the enemy. Of course these cities had gates for entrance and exit. These gated entrances had rooms within them. Most had a water supply of some type, places to build fires and stairwells leading up to the top of the wall. These rooms inside of the gates were set side for the daily works of the city government, deliberations and of course the room where the guards stood watch.
We see from the second part of this verse that her husband "sits among the elders of the land" this tells us he is a reputable man and contributes to public life. He is obviously a man of influence within the city. Whatever position this man held it was one of prestige, well known and well looked upon. His position could have very well been that of a civic leader in today's society equal to a city councilmen, lawyer etc. It could also have been a leader in the religious establishment of that day.
The Virtuous Woman and Man of Proverbs 31 compliment each other in their own unique roles in the home, in the community and in the Church. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states: "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor." Two working together to fulfill their divine destiny in the Lord can be a powerful team.
COMPARISON OF THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN AND MAN.
* The Christian man is happy and confident in his role as the head of the home and in the work place.
* He is a man of common sense and wisdom.
* His employment is within the city, serving the people.
* He has earned honor and respect for his work.
* He is known for his good character.
* The Proverbs 31 Woman is also happy and confident in her role as a Christian Woman, Wife, Mother, and Keeper of the Home.
* She is a gentle, kind and soft spoken woman of great wisdom.
* She serves the people in her household with great love and stretches out in charity to others outside her household when time permits.
* She is respected by her husband for her resourcefulness and creativity. She is respected by her maids and sisters in the Body of Christ.
* She is known for her impeccable character.
* She surrounds her "head" (husband) with prayer and is respectful and gives honor to her husband's role as head of the home. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." Proverbs 12:4
Today's society has for the most part lost the appreciation for the old saying "behind every good man is a woman". When looking at some of the Spiritual leaders today and yesterday years History reveals that wives have always been a gentle but strong force behind her husband.
Reading stories of D.L. Moody and his ministry I have been moved by the fact that he said after hearing his wife pray with their children that he knew that he could go on to his next preaching assignment with confidence that she could and would indeed hold down the fort, keep the home-fires burning and keep the Godly focus in their home while he was away.
Warren Wiersbe (Back to the Bible speaker and teacher) had this to say about his wife Betty. "She is a help meet in the truest sense, the mother of four children, budget balancer, mechanic and 'jack of all trades'. Our ministry has been a team effort and I couldn't have wanted a more understand and dependable partner". Quote from Power for Living 1/16/2000
What awesome blessings these and other Christian women are to their husband's. We, my dear Sister, can be a blessing to our husbands as we fulfill our divine role as a Woman, Wife and Mother. To do so, we must rise against the grain of modern day liberals and delight in our roles as Proverbs 31 Women. We must not be ashamed to say that we are Christian Women who are happily fulfilling our divinely appointed destiny.
Today many woman are encouraged to be their own person at any cost..."make something of themselves in the world." If a woman chooses to stay at home instead of working outside the home she is considered "out of the flow of things". Women who choose to stay at home are often looked down on as lazy, unproductive, uneducated. Not so! Some of the Christian ladies I have shared with in Bible Studies and Church meetings are college graduates... but they have chosen to use their talents in the home.
I have heard Christian friends say that they could not wait to get a job and get away from the 'humdrum of housekeeping'. When finances are an issue and mothers have to leave the home to work, it is a whole different issue and both husband and wife can stay the course by working together to keep their family values intact and the home running smoothly. But when women seek to leave home, not because of financial needs but just to get away and find out "who they are" something is amiss in their thinking.
Let me pause to say that I do not want any woman to feel condemned if she is currently working outside the home. God's perfect plan for each of us is in the home, but there are so many circumstances that lead some to work outside the home. May none of us be guilty of pointing the finger at any woman who is not a stay at home mom.
I worked for 30 years after many attempts to bear a child and when I was finally told I would never have a child my husband and I agreed upon my receiving training that would enable me to qualify for a post in an elementary school as an administrative assistant.
When my husband was transferred to another state after 30 years of service with his company I gave up that high paying position that I had grown to love and followed my husband and became a stay at home woman... later when he was called to an Evangelistic Outreach I served alongside him until he retired from secular employment and from the ministry.
My desire, and I hope yours, is to be a blessing to our husbands and children in a godly fashion. God desires that we count our role as Wife, Mother and Keeper of the Home as one of high priority, respectable, honorable, our Divine Destiny and do it with all our strength, mind and body as unto the Lord.
Things to ponder regarding being a blessing to your husband
1. Encourage your husband, find the strengths he has and focus on them.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
2. Praise your husbands and appreciate the small things.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
3. Take care of your home. Your home is a reflection of you as you are a reflection of your husband.
4. Take care of your marriage. It is a fact that love and marriage take a lot of elbow grease and effort.
5. Take care of yourself. Keep your appearance up. Funny how we don't mind doing ourselves up for a special occasion---Make everyday a special occasion!
6. PRAY for your husband. He needs you to be a Prayer Warrior. Ladies, we are to circle our *head* with prayers.
7. Respect your husband.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
8. Be a good reflection of your husband, protect and preserve his reputation as well as your own.
1 Timothy 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
3:5 for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?
Titus 2 Conference...
I am trying to get a conference set up at our Church on Oct. 1-3, Lord willing, with the Maxwell's from http://www.titus2.com/ Any who are close by King's Mountain, NC then or maybe your family would like to plan your vacation for that time and come join us.
There will be food, fellowship, singing, preaching and of course a great conference from the Maxwell's. So please come and join us for this great time of worship, fellowship and teaching. Here is the website to our Church with the address http://lovevalleybaptist.com/
~Christian Country Mama~
There will be food, fellowship, singing, preaching and of course a great conference from the Maxwell's. So please come and join us for this great time of worship, fellowship and teaching. Here is the website to our Church with the address http://lovevalleybaptist.com/
~Christian Country Mama~
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A few pictures of my sweet babies...
Miriam-9 1/2 & Abigail at Abigail's 5th birthday Party, here on our Farm.
My sweet baby grandson, Jaysen, he will be 2 in July.
And this is my oldest daughter and my youngest daughter, Rachael-21 1/2, who is also Jaysen's mother, and then Esther, my sweet little Boo. She will be 2 in September.
I don't seem to have any of my oldest Son, Paul-26, so I'll be sure to get some of him next time he comes here to visit. Which will be soon I hope!
Well have a Blessed night and a glorious Sunday, tomorrow.
~Christian Country Mama~
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Here is what some of the Bible study will consist of...
Passage Deuteronomy 6:5-9:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Passage Psalm 127:3:
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Passage Psalm 19:14:
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Passage 1 Corinthians 15:58:
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Passage Proverbs 31:10-31:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Passage Joshua 24:15:
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Passage Titus 2:3-5:
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, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Any of you ladies that would like to join my Group in this Bible study, then please come and join us on May 1st.
~Christian Country Mama~
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Passage Psalm 127:3:
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Passage Psalm 19:14:
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Passage 1 Corinthians 15:58:
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Passage Proverbs 31:10-31:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Passage Joshua 24:15:
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Passage Titus 2:3-5:
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, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Any of you ladies that would like to join my Group in this Bible study, then please come and join us on May 1st.
~Christian Country Mama~
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
May 1st...
I am starting a Bible study on my Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Deuteronomy6Women/ and I believe I will apply it to my heart and post about that study here on my Blog. Any who are interested can join me if you would like.
As I stated it will begin May 1st, this is not a debate thing or anything like that, just a Bible study of the women of the Bible. And also Deuteronomy 6, Proverbs 31, Titus 2 and Joshua 24.
Well I have bread rising so I will close for now and post again soon.
~Christian Country Mama~
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Major Cleaning!!!
We cleaned "as a family" today, even my sweetie did ALOT of cleaning up with us! He can be really sweet sometimes. And then there's most of the other times, LOL. Just kidding!
Today one of our Horses had her baby! It is SO cute. I'll post some pictures as soon as I figure out why my camera is not down loading any pictures. One of our stray cats had kittens 2 weeks ago, too. Baby "anything" are so sweet aren't they?!
A very dear friend of ours from Church gave us a dryer tonight, we have been drying them on the clothes line, {or at the laundry mat, which is a bit expensive} for the past, well for the past year and a couple of months. It sure will be nice having a dryer again.
When I have more time I will post what we are hoping is the Lord's will and He will open the doors to soon.
Well have a great night and a wonderful day tomorrow,
~Christian Country Mama~
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
URGENT Prayer Request...
A VERY good friend of mine from Church, well her husband died last night. He had a stroke on late Sat. night and died late last night. He was younger than me and my husband. It is SO sad, he was saved, but left behind a wife and 4 children, ages 16 down to 7, this is going to be a hard time for them for a while. I don't think it has actually "hit" the children yet. And my friend was not so good tonight when I went and visited her.
Please pray extra hard for this family, as they will desperately need it. Thank you all for those who care and will pray for them.
~Christian Country Mama~
Please pray extra hard for this family, as they will desperately need it. Thank you all for those who care and will pray for them.
~Christian Country Mama~
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I disappoint myself sometimes
I know this is my first post since I started this Blog, but it took me a while to set it up and then I had to stop, children needing me. I do not get on the computer everyday, except to check my emails and then I usually have to get off here. But today I have a few minutes while dinner is cooking and the babies are sleeping.
I was very disappointed in myself yesterday. I was very ill with the girls, one of the babies was sick and I allowed the girls to just sit around and watch movies. And it seemed all they did was argue and fight and make alot of noise. So in turn, I was very irritable and fussed and yelled a bit at them. I know that is not "teaching them", at all very well. I hate it when I'm tired and everything seems to go wrong that day and the babies are crying or sick and the girls are fussing. Well it just makes for a bad day and my nerves and patience seems to be tested. And when I "fail" the test I fail myself and my children, not to leave out and most importantly, I fail the Lord, too.
Well since this is my first post here I will tell a little about myself and my family. We live on a small 8 acre farm with 5 Horses, 7 chickens & 1 rooster, 2 dogs and 4 "STRAY" cats that were left here by the old tenants. I am not a cat person, but my girls knew what would happen if taken to the pound. Well I'm a sucker for their crying tenderly, so we allowed them to stay...OUTSIDE!!! LOL
I have 5 children, 2 are grown and on their own. I have an almost 10 year old girl, 5 year old girl, a girl 1 1/2 and I have custody of my 20 month old special needs grandson. He is sweet as can be and is quiet most of the time, but does require a bit of extra care. He is as I said 20 months old, but it is as if he was only 2 or 3 months old. He can not hold up his head and can only turn have way on his belly. It tears my heart up and I tell him all the time, "Come on baby, get up and crawl and run around like your Aunt and get into things!!" He has therapists 4 days a week and another one who comes twice a month also. So it gets a bit...well it interrupts our day. Not to mention it feels like we have people over ALL the time. We have had him since July 8th 2009.
We have had a garden some, in the past, but this year we are planning on having a huge garden. We are planning to live off the land as much as we can. I use to sew ALOT, but since getting my grandson and my littlest one getting older and into things and just plain like having twins, I haven't had much free time to sew. But I am hoping to get back into it again here real soon. We are getting a milk cow or calf or two this Spring and we will be having FRESH milk, butter, and ice cream from them. We gather and eat eggs from our chickens and we are also thinking of getting a goat for goat milk soap.
We have taken foster care classes and are thinking of fostering or adopting a couple more girls in maybe about 8 months or so. One about 9 and one about 5, the girls are wanting "sisters" each their own age.
We home school our children and yes I shelter them from the world as much as I can. I want them to stay as innocent for as long as they can. People have said, "Well they will learn about it all sometime and then the world will eat them up." That is not always true. You CAN prepare them without them having to "experience" it all. I have experienced it all, just about when I was growing up. I was raised Catholic and well, my lands my Daddy use to bring the keg to the Church picnics. My brother use to grow pot in the back yard, that is till I ratted on him! And I was pretty much able to go and do what I wanted as long as my parents never found out. So it is REAL hard to pull the wool over my eyes, especially after my oldest daughter, she is now 21 and it is her child that I am raising. I trusted her and allowed her to "have a life" and she sure showed me that you can NOT let your children roam around, spend the night with others and even go to public school!
Well I reckon I have went on enough and I have had to stop and come back to write this off and on all day.
Have a great day,
~Christian Country Mama~
I was very disappointed in myself yesterday. I was very ill with the girls, one of the babies was sick and I allowed the girls to just sit around and watch movies. And it seemed all they did was argue and fight and make alot of noise. So in turn, I was very irritable and fussed and yelled a bit at them. I know that is not "teaching them", at all very well. I hate it when I'm tired and everything seems to go wrong that day and the babies are crying or sick and the girls are fussing. Well it just makes for a bad day and my nerves and patience seems to be tested. And when I "fail" the test I fail myself and my children, not to leave out and most importantly, I fail the Lord, too.
Well since this is my first post here I will tell a little about myself and my family. We live on a small 8 acre farm with 5 Horses, 7 chickens & 1 rooster, 2 dogs and 4 "STRAY" cats that were left here by the old tenants. I am not a cat person, but my girls knew what would happen if taken to the pound. Well I'm a sucker for their crying tenderly, so we allowed them to stay...OUTSIDE!!! LOL
I have 5 children, 2 are grown and on their own. I have an almost 10 year old girl, 5 year old girl, a girl 1 1/2 and I have custody of my 20 month old special needs grandson. He is sweet as can be and is quiet most of the time, but does require a bit of extra care. He is as I said 20 months old, but it is as if he was only 2 or 3 months old. He can not hold up his head and can only turn have way on his belly. It tears my heart up and I tell him all the time, "Come on baby, get up and crawl and run around like your Aunt and get into things!!"
We have had a garden some, in the past, but this year we are planning on having a huge garden. We are planning to live off the land as much as we can. I use to sew ALOT, but since getting my grandson and my littlest one getting older and into things and just plain like having twins, I haven't had much free time to sew. But I am hoping to get back into it again here real soon. We are getting a milk cow or calf or two this Spring and we will be having FRESH milk, butter, and ice cream from them. We gather and eat eggs from our chickens and we are also thinking of getting a goat for goat milk soap.
We have taken foster care classes and are thinking of fostering or adopting a couple more girls in maybe about 8 months or so. One about 9 and one about 5, the girls are wanting "sisters" each their own age.
We home school our children and yes I shelter them from the world as much as I can. I want them to stay as innocent for as long as they can. People have said, "Well they will learn about it all sometime and then the world will eat them up." That is not always true. You CAN prepare them without them having to "experience" it all. I have experienced it all, just about when I was growing up. I was raised Catholic and well, my lands my Daddy use to bring the keg to the Church picnics. My brother use to grow pot in the back yard, that is till I ratted on him! And I was pretty much able to go and do what I wanted as long as my parents never found out. So it is REAL hard to pull the wool over my eyes, especially after my oldest daughter, she is now 21 and it is her child that I am raising. I trusted her and allowed her to "have a life" and she sure showed me that you can NOT let your children roam around, spend the night with others and even go to public school!
Well I reckon I have went on enough and I have had to stop and come back to write this off and on all day.
Have a great day,
~Christian Country Mama~
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