S - 10:9 For if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved!
O - SO SIMPLE! Even now that I'm a believer I still make things harder than they have to be! All he asks for is Confession and Faith!
A - I need to sow this in my actions to unbeleivers around me so they can really see just how simple salvation is!
P - Lord thank you that you offer salvation to everyone! Thank you for making redemption so simple for us because it wsn't simple for you. I love you Lord and I'm so thankful for your provision.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Karlyn - Romans 8 and 9
S - 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
O - all I have to say to that is AMEN!
A - Fear should never enter my mind because God is my fortress!
S - 9:20-21 But who are you o man to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
O - Great reminder not to question God on why I am the way I am.
A - Instead allow him to use my "flaws" and weaknesses for his glory!
P - I'm in Grapevine TX through Saturday at my national BeautiControl convention!!!! Very exciting but tiring. Praying for a vision for this next year and praying for the women who will be touched by this opportunity and experience!
Have a safe trip Ginny and praying for the rest of you too!
O - all I have to say to that is AMEN!
A - Fear should never enter my mind because God is my fortress!
S - 9:20-21 But who are you o man to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
O - Great reminder not to question God on why I am the way I am.
A - Instead allow him to use my "flaws" and weaknesses for his glory!
P - I'm in Grapevine TX through Saturday at my national BeautiControl convention!!!! Very exciting but tiring. Praying for a vision for this next year and praying for the women who will be touched by this opportunity and experience!
Have a safe trip Ginny and praying for the rest of you too!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ginny - Romans 8
Good Morning Girlz!!! This will be my last post this week. I'm out of town starting tomorrow and won't have access to a computer. Hope y'all have a great rest of the week and weekeend, and I'll be back on Monday. Love you all!
S - "But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." vs 25
O - Faith and hope go hand and hand. We must have faith in our Lord that what He has up his sleeve is worth waiting for. It's all about the adventure and living in the now. Taking each day for what it's worth and not worrying about the unknown.
A - This verse brings me renewed strength to keep going. What do I have to worry about? God knows. He's never left, and the possibilities of what's next are endless. I want to enjoy life right now, each day.
P - Lord I pray that I may bask in your joy and care everyday. May others see my joy and may I point them to You. To You be the glory!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Ginny - Romans 7
I miss y'all!!!! I've been having so much fun being lazy and redecorating my kitchen & bathrooms. I wish y'all were here to help and be lazy with me! Anyone want to come to Lubbock??? I have peanut butter m&m's!!!
S - "For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate."
O - Oh Paul I love ya! Does anyone else give an understanding nod to this? I can sure relate! It just sounds confusing, but that's why it makes perfect sense. We know what is right, yet we chose a different path sometimes.
A - I see this in my life in food & finances. I know what is right, but I turn this way, or I turn this way, or I just stop. Whatever it may be -- "I am not practicing what I would like to do."
P - Lord help me get back on track. Help me to see what is right and have the strength to do it!
Karlyn - Romans 7:17-18
S - 7:17-18 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is , in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of good is not.
O - I feel like this a lot. I have such good intentions and I hear the holy spirit telling me what he wants me to do but then I can ignore that calling and just be selfish and do what I want or not do anything at all.
A - In our book club last night we talked about Joy and how when we're praising God, singing to God, serving him by helping others, and in his Word it's so much easier for us to have joy because we aren't focused on selfishness but Him. That's where I stand every day, am I going to be selfish and think only about me and the problems that I have or things I don't have or am I going to focus my attention on Christ and others. I want to do the second part a whole lot more than I am!
P - Lord help me to listen when you speak to me and not just have good intentions but act on what you want me to do. Help me not to focus on my needs and wants. Thank you for all the second chances you give us.
O - I feel like this a lot. I have such good intentions and I hear the holy spirit telling me what he wants me to do but then I can ignore that calling and just be selfish and do what I want or not do anything at all.
A - In our book club last night we talked about Joy and how when we're praising God, singing to God, serving him by helping others, and in his Word it's so much easier for us to have joy because we aren't focused on selfishness but Him. That's where I stand every day, am I going to be selfish and think only about me and the problems that I have or things I don't have or am I going to focus my attention on Christ and others. I want to do the second part a whole lot more than I am!
P - Lord help me to listen when you speak to me and not just have good intentions but act on what you want me to do. Help me not to focus on my needs and wants. Thank you for all the second chances you give us.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ruth Week 5 Day 1
Ruth 4:4-6
These verse takes place in front of the town gates with witnesses and the family redeemer that is closest to Ruth. Boaz has gone to him to inform him that there is family land for him to redeem and a woman for him to marry.
I thought it was very interesting the way Boaz presented the land. He didn't mention Ruth at all the first time. When the redeemer knew only of the land, he immediatley said yes to buying it. Then Boaz turns around and issues a big BUT! In order for him to purchase the land he had to marry Ruth, a moabite. This really showed me how much Boaz cared for Ruth. It was custom to offer the land to the next closet but they didn't have to marry the widow. Boaz wanted to make sure that Ruth was taken care of. The more I read the more I think that their love wasn't purely romantic or what we think of love. I think the love they had was out of respect and admiration. I think the romantic love came much later. Thats just my guess. Anyways, the family redeemer turned the offer down and gave permission to Boaz to redeem Ruth and the land. The man didn't want to risk his reputation or his family name.
I started thinking about if the risks I've taken in my life. I've taken a few but not many. I like to play it safe. I like everything to be in order and in control. However, the older and deeper I get with God the more risks I feel like taking. Right now the big risk that I'm about to take in my life is the possiblity of going on the mission trip Turkey. Dan and I feel lead to go on this trip. The problem is childcare and fear. My inlaws live in the same town but they rarely help out with the kids. They are good for an hour or 2. The whole time Grant's been born they have kept twice over night. There is no way the could handle all 3. So we are going to ask them (hopefully they aren't on a cruise or somewhere else. They missed Levi's first birthday party because they wanted to go to the cabin in Arkansas) to keep Grant and Micah. I have a friend who said that if they are still living in Shreveport in Nov. that she would keep Levi. This is such a risk for me to leave my kids for 10 days to go to another country! Its scary and exciting at the same time! Then The devil plays with my head and puts all these thoughts in my head like what if I have a blood clot on the plane, get sick, or something happens to the boys! So please pray peace and that we can work out all the details. I do desire to take more risks. I want to be more like Boaz and Ruth who even though they may have been afraid they stepped up to the challenge.
These verse takes place in front of the town gates with witnesses and the family redeemer that is closest to Ruth. Boaz has gone to him to inform him that there is family land for him to redeem and a woman for him to marry.
I thought it was very interesting the way Boaz presented the land. He didn't mention Ruth at all the first time. When the redeemer knew only of the land, he immediatley said yes to buying it. Then Boaz turns around and issues a big BUT! In order for him to purchase the land he had to marry Ruth, a moabite. This really showed me how much Boaz cared for Ruth. It was custom to offer the land to the next closet but they didn't have to marry the widow. Boaz wanted to make sure that Ruth was taken care of. The more I read the more I think that their love wasn't purely romantic or what we think of love. I think the love they had was out of respect and admiration. I think the romantic love came much later. Thats just my guess. Anyways, the family redeemer turned the offer down and gave permission to Boaz to redeem Ruth and the land. The man didn't want to risk his reputation or his family name.
I started thinking about if the risks I've taken in my life. I've taken a few but not many. I like to play it safe. I like everything to be in order and in control. However, the older and deeper I get with God the more risks I feel like taking. Right now the big risk that I'm about to take in my life is the possiblity of going on the mission trip Turkey. Dan and I feel lead to go on this trip. The problem is childcare and fear. My inlaws live in the same town but they rarely help out with the kids. They are good for an hour or 2. The whole time Grant's been born they have kept twice over night. There is no way the could handle all 3. So we are going to ask them (hopefully they aren't on a cruise or somewhere else. They missed Levi's first birthday party because they wanted to go to the cabin in Arkansas) to keep Grant and Micah. I have a friend who said that if they are still living in Shreveport in Nov. that she would keep Levi. This is such a risk for me to leave my kids for 10 days to go to another country! Its scary and exciting at the same time! Then The devil plays with my head and puts all these thoughts in my head like what if I have a blood clot on the plane, get sick, or something happens to the boys! So please pray peace and that we can work out all the details. I do desire to take more risks. I want to be more like Boaz and Ruth who even though they may have been afraid they stepped up to the challenge.
Ginny - Romans 6
Hello Girlz!!! There is something about typing this while sitting on my couch that makes me very happy! Vacation is wonderful!
S - "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace." vs 14
O - Sin does not dictate who we are...forgiveness does. When we let sin hold us in bondage and squeeze the life out of us, we are missing out of the freedom and love offered through out Savior. I don't know why He does it, but He does. His arms are always open. We must chose to walk into them.
A - Have y'all ever read Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love? I am reading it right now. It is my first Francine Rivers book, and have had many people tell me she is wonderful. So far they are right! This book is wonderful! It is such a picture of God's love and acceptance and our constant cycle of wanting to return to the old, sinful life. What is it that I keep going back to that is not good for me? Food, selfishness, pride... God has so much more to offer!
P - Lord, help me be strong to resist the temptation to return to that which is comfortable. Thank you for Your grace.
Karlyn - Romans 6:22
S - But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification and the outcome, eternal life.
O - We all know 6:23 but I've never paid much attention to this verse. I think it's interesting Paul's choice of words. benefit results in sanctification. We usually think of benefits being something special or valuable and this is how he refers to sanctification. When I think of sanctification it's usually not something fun because you're going through a building of Christ's character in you and taking off the sin nature. A lot of times that can be a really hard change or test. I appreciate Paul's optimistic outlook on sanctification. It's definitely a positive thing, but I tend to dread sanctification because it can be hard.
A - Part of the reason sanctification is hard for me is because I don't want to let go of my sin nature. Because I'm freed from sin I need to love Christ more than my sin. I need to have eyes for sin like God does. It should be ugly and completely unappealing!
P - Lord thank you that I'm freed of sin and help me to look forward to sanctification because it makes me look like you and brings me closer to home. Help me to be disgusted with my sin.
Have a great Monday and sorry I was MIA a few days last week.
O - We all know 6:23 but I've never paid much attention to this verse. I think it's interesting Paul's choice of words. benefit results in sanctification. We usually think of benefits being something special or valuable and this is how he refers to sanctification. When I think of sanctification it's usually not something fun because you're going through a building of Christ's character in you and taking off the sin nature. A lot of times that can be a really hard change or test. I appreciate Paul's optimistic outlook on sanctification. It's definitely a positive thing, but I tend to dread sanctification because it can be hard.
A - Part of the reason sanctification is hard for me is because I don't want to let go of my sin nature. Because I'm freed from sin I need to love Christ more than my sin. I need to have eyes for sin like God does. It should be ugly and completely unappealing!
P - Lord thank you that I'm freed of sin and help me to look forward to sanctification because it makes me look like you and brings me closer to home. Help me to be disgusted with my sin.
Have a great Monday and sorry I was MIA a few days last week.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Ginny - Romans 5
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." vs. 5
O - No need to get discouraged - hope will produce results! Why can be confident of this? Because God loves us. He wants what is best for us, therefore He is not going to leave us hanging.
A - I'm going to say that to myself over and over again when I get discouraged..."hope does not disappoint, hope does not disappoint, hope does not disappoint." Sometimes perseverance is hard....O.K. so all the time perseverance is hard! But when we serve a risen Savior we can KNOW He is fighting for us!
P - Lord You are teaching me so much about hope and I pray the words and truths You are showing me that I will practice them. Help me not to lose hope, but that I may be strengthened daily to live my life in Your promises. You are so good!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ginny - Romans 4
Good Morning Girlz!!!! Ugh, I've got my feather's ruffled this morning! Can anyone else not stand nosey people!?!? I wish I had a better mechanism for handling them, but I normally just shut down & avoid them. Probably not the most loving thing to do!
O.K. on to scripture :) ...
S - Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said of him, "So shall your offspring be." vs. 18
O - O.K. did anybody else catch that? "against all hope...in hope believed" Does that sound contradictory to anybody else??? It certainly caught my attention! Against hope, he hoped. So, what does that mean? I think it means when every thing pointed against him and there was no escape or answer in sight Abraham kept hoping and hope set him free! He chose to believe God's promise and persevered till he saw it come to be.
A - O.K. so we all have probably had times in our lives where the odds were stacked against us. What do we do? Do we change our plan? Do we try to finagle the system so that things are more in our favor? Or do we continue to place our hope in the Lord and His promises? There are areas in my life that I get ahead of the Lord. I want what I want regardless if it is what His Word tells me is best for me. I do this with relationships and food primarily. Hope can be hard b/c it does require waiting. We throw those desires out to the Lord, and then we wait for the day we see them come true. That can get discouraging if we aren't very patient. I believe there is a lot to be done in the waiting. An active waiting takes advantage of the adventure and lives in the now while hoping for the future.
P - Lord, I start by asking You to calm my nerves. Give me the grace, poise, and love to interact with people that annoy me (just being honest!). Lord I also pray that I don't give up hoping. I can get discouraged and become synical, but Lord may each day be fresh and full of life. Lord I believe in You, and I believe you want what's best for me. I place my hope in you.
O.K. on to scripture :) ...
S - Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said of him, "So shall your offspring be." vs. 18
O - O.K. did anybody else catch that? "against all hope...in hope believed" Does that sound contradictory to anybody else??? It certainly caught my attention! Against hope, he hoped. So, what does that mean? I think it means when every thing pointed against him and there was no escape or answer in sight Abraham kept hoping and hope set him free! He chose to believe God's promise and persevered till he saw it come to be.
A - O.K. so we all have probably had times in our lives where the odds were stacked against us. What do we do? Do we change our plan? Do we try to finagle the system so that things are more in our favor? Or do we continue to place our hope in the Lord and His promises? There are areas in my life that I get ahead of the Lord. I want what I want regardless if it is what His Word tells me is best for me. I do this with relationships and food primarily. Hope can be hard b/c it does require waiting. We throw those desires out to the Lord, and then we wait for the day we see them come true. That can get discouraging if we aren't very patient. I believe there is a lot to be done in the waiting. An active waiting takes advantage of the adventure and lives in the now while hoping for the future.
P - Lord, I start by asking You to calm my nerves. Give me the grace, poise, and love to interact with people that annoy me (just being honest!). Lord I also pray that I don't give up hoping. I can get discouraged and become synical, but Lord may each day be fresh and full of life. Lord I believe in You, and I believe you want what's best for me. I place my hope in you.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Ginny - Romans 3
Good Morning Girlz!!! We are 1/2 way through the week, which in my world means 2 more days till vacation!!! Get excited!
S - "What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?" vs. 3
O - Although my brain does not completely understand the concept of God loving us inspite of our unwillingness to yield to His ways, I am so thankful He does! There is no mistake too big that He is not waiting with open arms to welcome us back. He is faithful when we are not.
A - This verse reminded me of a song. The lyrics of the chorus speak for themselves. I pray that whatever we are faced with this day, this week, this month, this year that we claim His strength.
His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone;
He'll carry us when we can't carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.
P - Lord I pray for Karlyn, Cindy, Amber, Jenifer and myself today. I pray that our weakness would be made strong as we wait on You. Whatever is on our hearts and in our minds, we give to You knowing there is no other place we'd rather it be.
S - "What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?" vs. 3
O - Although my brain does not completely understand the concept of God loving us inspite of our unwillingness to yield to His ways, I am so thankful He does! There is no mistake too big that He is not waiting with open arms to welcome us back. He is faithful when we are not.
A - This verse reminded me of a song. The lyrics of the chorus speak for themselves. I pray that whatever we are faced with this day, this week, this month, this year that we claim His strength.
His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone;
He'll carry us when we can't carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.
P - Lord I pray for Karlyn, Cindy, Amber, Jenifer and myself today. I pray that our weakness would be made strong as we wait on You. Whatever is on our hearts and in our minds, we give to You knowing there is no other place we'd rather it be.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Ginny - Romans 2
Good Morning Girlz!!! Happy Birthday Amber!!!
S- "A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, but the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God." vs. 28-29
O - The heart is what matters. The people tried to do all the right things and look the right way in order to get applause from others, but in the end it is pleasing our Father that matters, and He looks on the inside.
A - In what ways do I let the acceptance of others guide my choices and priorities? Is my heart pure in its motives? The only pure motive is to glorify our Lord. I glorify Him by living out His Word. Being Jesus to those around me. Meeting needs. Loving others. Encouraging. Teaching. Turning the other cheek.
P - Lord help me to exam my heart this week to see those areas where Your glory is not my main focus. Help me as I change my heart and mind to be in line with You. I pray I recognize opportunites to be You to others around me.
S- "A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, but the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God." vs. 28-29
O - The heart is what matters. The people tried to do all the right things and look the right way in order to get applause from others, but in the end it is pleasing our Father that matters, and He looks on the inside.
A - In what ways do I let the acceptance of others guide my choices and priorities? Is my heart pure in its motives? The only pure motive is to glorify our Lord. I glorify Him by living out His Word. Being Jesus to those around me. Meeting needs. Loving others. Encouraging. Teaching. Turning the other cheek.
P - Lord help me to exam my heart this week to see those areas where Your glory is not my main focus. Help me as I change my heart and mind to be in line with You. I pray I recognize opportunites to be You to others around me.
Karlyn - Romans 2:16
S - And this is the message I proclaim - that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life.
O - How many times do we say no one knows what I said in my thoughts. No one knows my heart. I can put up a front and everyone will think I'm just fine.
A - I have to remind myself often that God sees hears and knows everything about me. Even more knows it before I do it. I cannot hide from him.
P - Lord thank you that I can't hide sin from you and you know the worst and best parts of me. Father help me not to hide under my sin but let your grace and forgiveness cover it.
O - How many times do we say no one knows what I said in my thoughts. No one knows my heart. I can put up a front and everyone will think I'm just fine.
A - I have to remind myself often that God sees hears and knows everything about me. Even more knows it before I do it. I cannot hide from him.
P - Lord thank you that I can't hide sin from you and you know the worst and best parts of me. Father help me not to hide under my sin but let your grace and forgiveness cover it.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Ginny - Romans 1
Good Morning...pretty much afternoon...Girlz!!!
S - "that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith" vs. 12
O - I know this is more of a side note that Paul throws in there, than a major bullet point in the chapter, but it's the one that jumped out to me. We need help along this Christian walk.
A - You gals encourage me so much and I am so glad we are doing this blog. Everyday is a blessing. Y'all have encouraged and challenged me, and I am so glad we have taken this journey together. We certainly do need one another!
P - Lord, I thank you so much for these girls and for their friendship. Thank you for a place we can be real and honest. I pray for each one of us as we begin our weeks.
S - "that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith" vs. 12
O - I know this is more of a side note that Paul throws in there, than a major bullet point in the chapter, but it's the one that jumped out to me. We need help along this Christian walk.
A - You gals encourage me so much and I am so glad we are doing this blog. Everyday is a blessing. Y'all have encouraged and challenged me, and I am so glad we have taken this journey together. We certainly do need one another!
P - Lord, I thank you so much for these girls and for their friendship. Thank you for a place we can be real and honest. I pray for each one of us as we begin our weeks.
Let's Go To Romans!Karlyn - Romans 1
Good Monday Morning!
S - Romans 1:19-20 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky. Through everything God has made they can clearly see his invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
O - We had the opportunity to eat lunch with Ryan's uncle yesterday. This is a man who is in his 50's and over the past 5-6 years has begun to really know Christ and to grow as a Christian. For the first time in 10 years of me knowing him he began sharing with us yesterday about how much he loves being a Christian and how God has taken the old from him and made him new! He talked about the verse above and how he lived for so long blinded to all that God is around him and how he wants his brother to really see the evidence of God in our world. It was very reviving to sit and listen to him talk from his heart.
A - I sit and think that I want people to be able to look at me and see the undeniable evidence of God in my life and then I wonder what am I actually doing for them to see that? I've spent a lot of time wallowing in my sin and I'm not sure how anyone can see him in me right now.
P - Please pray for me as I fight this battle of jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, all this ugly stuff I want to get rid of! I know that I'm free in Christ I just need to live it!
Have a great Monday!
S - Romans 1:19-20 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky. Through everything God has made they can clearly see his invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
O - We had the opportunity to eat lunch with Ryan's uncle yesterday. This is a man who is in his 50's and over the past 5-6 years has begun to really know Christ and to grow as a Christian. For the first time in 10 years of me knowing him he began sharing with us yesterday about how much he loves being a Christian and how God has taken the old from him and made him new! He talked about the verse above and how he lived for so long blinded to all that God is around him and how he wants his brother to really see the evidence of God in our world. It was very reviving to sit and listen to him talk from his heart.
A - I sit and think that I want people to be able to look at me and see the undeniable evidence of God in my life and then I wonder what am I actually doing for them to see that? I've spent a lot of time wallowing in my sin and I'm not sure how anyone can see him in me right now.
P - Please pray for me as I fight this battle of jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, all this ugly stuff I want to get rid of! I know that I'm free in Christ I just need to live it!
Have a great Monday!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Ginny - Isaiah 41:10
Good Morning Girlz!!! Headed to Amarillo tonight to have dinner with some girlfriends. Wish y'all were here to join in the fun!
S - "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
O - I love the picture of God's power and control in this verse. How awesome He is! It's almost like He is telling us to settle down, don't worry about it, He's got everything under control.
A - There is no reason to fear or be anxious. This verse serves as an anchor to me when life throws a curve ball. It brings me back to where I am grounded in what I know: GOD IS IN CONTROL.
P - Lord thank you for being my comfort. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for being my strength. Also, thank y'all for your prayers. This has been a good week and I am looking forward to the weekend. Thank y'all for praying for my heart & mind as I closed the chapter on Nick. Y'all are such treasures to me! Love you all! Praying for y'all!
S - "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
O - I love the picture of God's power and control in this verse. How awesome He is! It's almost like He is telling us to settle down, don't worry about it, He's got everything under control.
A - There is no reason to fear or be anxious. This verse serves as an anchor to me when life throws a curve ball. It brings me back to where I am grounded in what I know: GOD IS IN CONTROL.
P - Lord thank you for being my comfort. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for being my strength. Also, thank y'all for your prayers. This has been a good week and I am looking forward to the weekend. Thank y'all for praying for my heart & mind as I closed the chapter on Nick. Y'all are such treasures to me! Love you all! Praying for y'all!
Karlyn - Job 23:10-12
HAPPY FRIDAY MORNING!
S - But He knows where I'm going and when he tests me I will come out as pure gold. For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.
O - This was Job's response to his "friend" Eliphaz. Job is still working through all the craziness that has happened to him and all his friends telling him he needs to repent of sin. I like how confident he is knowing where he stands with God.
A - I have these verses on my bathroom mirror. This is what I want to remind myself every morning and night. Have I stayed on God's paths and not turned where I want to go? Have I kept his commands and treasured his word more than FOOD. That's a big one for me! I fall pretty short of this every day!
P - God thank you for giving us your word so that we have a way to read and know who you are and how we are to live! Help me to treasure your words more than anything in my life. Remind me that you're more precious than anything I can have here on earth.
Have a great weekend everybody! Hope you get to relax and have some fun!
S - But He knows where I'm going and when he tests me I will come out as pure gold. For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.
O - This was Job's response to his "friend" Eliphaz. Job is still working through all the craziness that has happened to him and all his friends telling him he needs to repent of sin. I like how confident he is knowing where he stands with God.
A - I have these verses on my bathroom mirror. This is what I want to remind myself every morning and night. Have I stayed on God's paths and not turned where I want to go? Have I kept his commands and treasured his word more than FOOD. That's a big one for me! I fall pretty short of this every day!
P - God thank you for giving us your word so that we have a way to read and know who you are and how we are to live! Help me to treasure your words more than anything in my life. Remind me that you're more precious than anything I can have here on earth.
Have a great weekend everybody! Hope you get to relax and have some fun!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Ruth Week 4 Day 3
Day 3
Lay Down
Ruth 3:5-9- I finally got to the part where she went to the threshing floor and laid down at Boaz feet. Through out this bible study Kelly has given us a glimpse into the culture back then. This usually bores me but I vowed that I would go deeper this time and not skim.
The threshing floor at night time was filled with evil and sin. It was the time of day when the lady of the nights would come to the men. This time was also during the reign of Judges, which people basically did whatever they wanted and didn't think twice. By knowing all of this, it makes Boaz reaction more amazing. By simple asking who she was, it showed he had high morals.
All Ruth did was lay at his feet and wait. It sounds simple but it was huge. For the past years she had been constantly fighting for survial and now she had come to the place in her life where she had to totally surrender. Her future was based on Boaz reaction and his acceptance of her marriage propsal!
There is so much I can learn from Ruth, but today its about total surrender. This is so hard for me! Its all about trust and the unknown for me! I don't know why I have such a hard time with trust. Its always been a struggle for me. Its also the unknown. Where will God send me? What will he have me do? How will it be filled? I'm such a planner that this bugs me. I need to let go.
Lord, help me give my ALL to you. Help me to get over of not knowing the future and the trust issues I have.
Lay Down
Ruth 3:5-9- I finally got to the part where she went to the threshing floor and laid down at Boaz feet. Through out this bible study Kelly has given us a glimpse into the culture back then. This usually bores me but I vowed that I would go deeper this time and not skim.
The threshing floor at night time was filled with evil and sin. It was the time of day when the lady of the nights would come to the men. This time was also during the reign of Judges, which people basically did whatever they wanted and didn't think twice. By knowing all of this, it makes Boaz reaction more amazing. By simple asking who she was, it showed he had high morals.
All Ruth did was lay at his feet and wait. It sounds simple but it was huge. For the past years she had been constantly fighting for survial and now she had come to the place in her life where she had to totally surrender. Her future was based on Boaz reaction and his acceptance of her marriage propsal!
There is so much I can learn from Ruth, but today its about total surrender. This is so hard for me! Its all about trust and the unknown for me! I don't know why I have such a hard time with trust. Its always been a struggle for me. Its also the unknown. Where will God send me? What will he have me do? How will it be filled? I'm such a planner that this bugs me. I need to let go.
Lord, help me give my ALL to you. Help me to get over of not knowing the future and the trust issues I have.
Ginny - Joshua 23
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "But you are to cling to the Lord your God." vs. 8
O - There are so many favorite verses of mine, but this one has been particulary present these past few weeks. Sometimes all we need to do is cling. To hold on as tight as we can to the Lord, and not let go. He will walk us through, we just have to cling.
A - Life can be unfair at times, and in our own little worlds we can under go "persecution" for doing the right thing. It is at these times that words are not the best tactic. Rather we are to draw even closer the Lord and cling to Him as He takes us through the situation. There are many days that I say over and over to myself, "Cling to Him. Cling to Him." He is faithful.
P - Thank you for carrying me through. Your strength is perfect.
S - "But you are to cling to the Lord your God." vs. 8
O - There are so many favorite verses of mine, but this one has been particulary present these past few weeks. Sometimes all we need to do is cling. To hold on as tight as we can to the Lord, and not let go. He will walk us through, we just have to cling.
A - Life can be unfair at times, and in our own little worlds we can under go "persecution" for doing the right thing. It is at these times that words are not the best tactic. Rather we are to draw even closer the Lord and cling to Him as He takes us through the situation. There are many days that I say over and over to myself, "Cling to Him. Cling to Him." He is faithful.
P - Thank you for carrying me through. Your strength is perfect.
Karlyn - favorite passage Colossians 3:12-13
S - Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves , you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
O - I've been in this passage for over a month and never did I realize how many areas of my life I was still in control of. Here are some things I've learned:
*at the point of salvation I was justified. I am holy chosen and dearly loved. I don't work to be these things I am these things because of Christ in me.
*because Christ is in me now I'm listening to the holy spirit to be sanctified every day to become more like Christ in the virtues of compassion kindness humility gentleness forgiveness and patience. I have to allow the Spirit to chisel off the virtues that are human nature so I can get to Christ's virtues.
A - I struggle of course with all the virtues but 2 stand out and I was surprised that these are the 2 that struck me the most. FORGIVENESS and KINDNESS. I've learned through the Word that I'm to be ready to forgive before reconciliation or an apology on the other person's part because those two things may never happen! In my forgiveness I've got to look at my heart first and see where I'm off base and where I need to be forgiven.
Kindness - true kindness comes from a heart that is overflowing with Jesus. Kindness isn't just a nice shallow compliment. When I'm full of Him I can't help but look at others before myself and see their needs and want to be there to meet them.
P - Please pray for my forgiving heart. I've struggled a lot this summer and when it comes down to it it's my selfishness. It's been difficult for me to lay down my desires and not resent others for the good they've been able to experience. I wish I didn't have to be so vague but our controls are still messed up and I can't make this private. I get to a point that I feel like I've forgiven and then I start dwelling on the circumstances again. The hardest part is that the other people involved aren't aware of the hurt I've experienced and it's really not their fault. So pray for my heart and mind. Love y'all!
O - I've been in this passage for over a month and never did I realize how many areas of my life I was still in control of. Here are some things I've learned:
*at the point of salvation I was justified. I am holy chosen and dearly loved. I don't work to be these things I am these things because of Christ in me.
*because Christ is in me now I'm listening to the holy spirit to be sanctified every day to become more like Christ in the virtues of compassion kindness humility gentleness forgiveness and patience. I have to allow the Spirit to chisel off the virtues that are human nature so I can get to Christ's virtues.
A - I struggle of course with all the virtues but 2 stand out and I was surprised that these are the 2 that struck me the most. FORGIVENESS and KINDNESS. I've learned through the Word that I'm to be ready to forgive before reconciliation or an apology on the other person's part because those two things may never happen! In my forgiveness I've got to look at my heart first and see where I'm off base and where I need to be forgiven.
Kindness - true kindness comes from a heart that is overflowing with Jesus. Kindness isn't just a nice shallow compliment. When I'm full of Him I can't help but look at others before myself and see their needs and want to be there to meet them.
P - Please pray for my forgiving heart. I've struggled a lot this summer and when it comes down to it it's my selfishness. It's been difficult for me to lay down my desires and not resent others for the good they've been able to experience. I wish I didn't have to be so vague but our controls are still messed up and I can't make this private. I get to a point that I feel like I've forgiven and then I start dwelling on the circumstances again. The hardest part is that the other people involved aren't aware of the hurt I've experienced and it's really not their fault. So pray for my heart and mind. Love y'all!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ruth Week 4
Day 2
A New Day
Okay I had typed a whole page then it got deleted!! So this is some of what I typed!
Today was all about Ruth moving forward. I don't know about ya'll but I don't think I would be as obedient as Ruth was to Naomi. She asked no questions but went ahead and did what Naomi had instructed. I can't imagine what was going through Ruth's head. She was probably nervous, excited, scared and thinking about her past. Naomi finally realized it was time for Ruth to move on from widowhood. She would always remember her husband but she had the future to think about. There is so much symbolism in the clothes Ruth put on for Boaz. She was no longer wearing the clothes customed to a widow but was wearing her finest outer garments. She was letting him and the world know that she was ready to move on and that she was ready for the future.
The verse that stood out for me today was from Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
I need to move on. Its easy for me to forgive but very hard for me to forget. I need to learn from the past and not be afraid of the future. I need to be willing to take risks and available for God to use me wherever he might put. I need to listen more and not just hear and sit.
A New Day
Okay I had typed a whole page then it got deleted!! So this is some of what I typed!
Today was all about Ruth moving forward. I don't know about ya'll but I don't think I would be as obedient as Ruth was to Naomi. She asked no questions but went ahead and did what Naomi had instructed. I can't imagine what was going through Ruth's head. She was probably nervous, excited, scared and thinking about her past. Naomi finally realized it was time for Ruth to move on from widowhood. She would always remember her husband but she had the future to think about. There is so much symbolism in the clothes Ruth put on for Boaz. She was no longer wearing the clothes customed to a widow but was wearing her finest outer garments. She was letting him and the world know that she was ready to move on and that she was ready for the future.
The verse that stood out for me today was from Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
I need to move on. Its easy for me to forgive but very hard for me to forget. I need to learn from the past and not be afraid of the future. I need to be willing to take risks and available for God to use me wherever he might put. I need to listen more and not just hear and sit.
New Adventures!
Hey girls! I am still here even though you don't here from me. Just a couple of things to update you on. We are having our Backyard Bible Club at the mobile home park and it is fabulous. We had 27 kids last night. Tonight we will be sharing about salvation. I don't suspect any of them are ready to give their lives to the Lord, but we will planting those seeds. Please pray for these kiddos and for us as we share with them.
I have been hired to teach full day kindergarten at the school at my church. I'm excited, but have much to do in just a few weeks. I will have about 12 students and work alongside 2 other K teachers. I'm pretty excited, but there are many other emotions and logistics to take care of.
Jeremy and I are contemplating another opportunity. We have a meeting about it on the 19th. Pray for clear direction from the Lord.
I love you all very much and keep you close to my heart. I read your writings and see all that is going on in life.I am praying for you and look forward to the time when we can all be together.
I have been hired to teach full day kindergarten at the school at my church. I'm excited, but have much to do in just a few weeks. I will have about 12 students and work alongside 2 other K teachers. I'm pretty excited, but there are many other emotions and logistics to take care of.
Jeremy and I are contemplating another opportunity. We have a meeting about it on the 19th. Pray for clear direction from the Lord.
I love you all very much and keep you close to my heart. I read your writings and see all that is going on in life.I am praying for you and look forward to the time when we can all be together.
Ginny - Hebrews 13
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen." vs. 21
O - Amen is right! Doesn't that just about sum it up! It's all about Him! HE has equipped us. We are able because of HIM. What matter is what is pleasing to HIM. All for HIS glory!
A - I can be a very selfish person. Even if it's not visible from the outside my priorities can all be centered around me. This is true in temporal areas such as time management, finances, what I want to eat for dinner, and so on and so on, but it is also true in my spiritual walk as well. The more I focus on myself the more I limit the possibilites of what HE has in store.
P - Lord I don't want to miss out on the adventure! I pray that my eyes are taken from my selfish point of view and placed on You. Open up my heart, mind, and soul to taste and see what You have in store.
S - "equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen." vs. 21
O - Amen is right! Doesn't that just about sum it up! It's all about Him! HE has equipped us. We are able because of HIM. What matter is what is pleasing to HIM. All for HIS glory!
A - I can be a very selfish person. Even if it's not visible from the outside my priorities can all be centered around me. This is true in temporal areas such as time management, finances, what I want to eat for dinner, and so on and so on, but it is also true in my spiritual walk as well. The more I focus on myself the more I limit the possibilites of what HE has in store.
P - Lord I don't want to miss out on the adventure! I pray that my eyes are taken from my selfish point of view and placed on You. Open up my heart, mind, and soul to taste and see what You have in store.
Karlyn - Hebrews 12 & 13
Yesterday got away from me before I could post!!!
S - 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening, it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
O - I feel like this summer has been full of discipline for me. It is painful but I did ask for it! I'm beginning to see after I strip away some of this junk in my life that there is peace on the other side and contentment in "right living". It's still hard. I read Galatians 5:16 last night "So I say let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."
A - My sinful nature craves a LOT! But if I'll stop and let the Spirit lead me instead, I don't have to go through as much discipline!
Which leads me to chapter 13
S - 13:15-16 Therefore let us offer to Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. these are the sacrifices that please God.
O- This is where all my thoughts and desires should begin. If I would be in Christ's mindset praising him and thinking of others before myself I wouldn't need near as much discipline!
A - I just finished the kindness chapter in Kelly Minter's Fitting Room. I thought humility would be the hard one to read but kindness kicked my booty! I realized that true kindness overflows out of a heart that's completely unselfish and desires to really see others and their needs. It's not just giving a kind word to someone.
P - Lord thank you for lovingly disciplining me and showing me what to strip off that doesn't look like you. Let my thoughts first be to praise you and to see how to be present and helpful to others. Help me to get rid of selfishness and laziness. Thank you for your grace and patience!
S - 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening, it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
O - I feel like this summer has been full of discipline for me. It is painful but I did ask for it! I'm beginning to see after I strip away some of this junk in my life that there is peace on the other side and contentment in "right living". It's still hard. I read Galatians 5:16 last night "So I say let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."
A - My sinful nature craves a LOT! But if I'll stop and let the Spirit lead me instead, I don't have to go through as much discipline!
Which leads me to chapter 13
S - 13:15-16 Therefore let us offer to Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. these are the sacrifices that please God.
O- This is where all my thoughts and desires should begin. If I would be in Christ's mindset praising him and thinking of others before myself I wouldn't need near as much discipline!
A - I just finished the kindness chapter in Kelly Minter's Fitting Room. I thought humility would be the hard one to read but kindness kicked my booty! I realized that true kindness overflows out of a heart that's completely unselfish and desires to really see others and their needs. It's not just giving a kind word to someone.
P - Lord thank you for lovingly disciplining me and showing me what to strip off that doesn't look like you. Let my thoughts first be to praise you and to see how to be present and helpful to others. Help me to get rid of selfishness and laziness. Thank you for your grace and patience!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Ruth Week 4 Day 1
A Mother in Law's Request
As I studied this today, I have done it under a heavy heart. I was hurt very badly by someone I love very much. It has shaken my trust and questioned so many things that I thought were true and secure. All I want to do is put up walls and be closed off. I know this is not right and healing can't come from an attiude like this. The one good thing is that I went directly to the Lord instead of picking up the phone. In the past I would have wanted to call my mom and vented. But I can finally see that I'm growing and took it to God first. Please pray for my heart and attiude. Help me to calm down, realx, and let me know if I'm making more of big deal out of it then it really is. Thanks girls so much for being here for me because honestly today has been tough and heartbreaking. I know the next couple of days and weeks will be tough but I know I will come out stronger. I know God is working in me and making me a better person. This past 6 months feels like its one thing after another. I just pray that I quickly learn the lessons He wants me to learn so I can move on!
Ruth 3:1-6
These first verses is all about Naomi giving directions to Ruth. Naomi has decided that's it time for Ruth to let Boaz know that he their next of kin. She gives Ruth specific instructions. First, she is to put bathe, use perfume and put her best clothes on. Then she was to go to the threshing floor. After that she is to let Boaz fall asleep, lay at his feet and uncover his feet.
I never really analyzed this part of the story. If you read it quickly, you might think it rather forward for Naomi to put Ruth in such a vernable situation. I honestly believe Naomi meant well and she was following all the customs of that time, but I think she kind of rushed it instead of allowing God to be in total control.
I can totally relate to Naomi. I'm so like her. I have the best intentions and plans, but the majority of the time I put them into action before God can. I like to have control and its a daily struggle to let God have control over EVERY part of my day and life.
As I studied this today, I have done it under a heavy heart. I was hurt very badly by someone I love very much. It has shaken my trust and questioned so many things that I thought were true and secure. All I want to do is put up walls and be closed off. I know this is not right and healing can't come from an attiude like this. The one good thing is that I went directly to the Lord instead of picking up the phone. In the past I would have wanted to call my mom and vented. But I can finally see that I'm growing and took it to God first. Please pray for my heart and attiude. Help me to calm down, realx, and let me know if I'm making more of big deal out of it then it really is. Thanks girls so much for being here for me because honestly today has been tough and heartbreaking. I know the next couple of days and weeks will be tough but I know I will come out stronger. I know God is working in me and making me a better person. This past 6 months feels like its one thing after another. I just pray that I quickly learn the lessons He wants me to learn so I can move on!
Ruth 3:1-6
These first verses is all about Naomi giving directions to Ruth. Naomi has decided that's it time for Ruth to let Boaz know that he their next of kin. She gives Ruth specific instructions. First, she is to put bathe, use perfume and put her best clothes on. Then she was to go to the threshing floor. After that she is to let Boaz fall asleep, lay at his feet and uncover his feet.
I never really analyzed this part of the story. If you read it quickly, you might think it rather forward for Naomi to put Ruth in such a vernable situation. I honestly believe Naomi meant well and she was following all the customs of that time, but I think she kind of rushed it instead of allowing God to be in total control.
I can totally relate to Naomi. I'm so like her. I have the best intentions and plans, but the majority of the time I put them into action before God can. I like to have control and its a daily struggle to let God have control over EVERY part of my day and life.
Ginny - Hebrews 12
Good Morning Girlz!!! July 12th! How did we get to the middle of July??? I love summer; I want it to slow down!
S - "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and week knees, 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." vs. 12
O - Prepare yourself. Just like a runner is going to strengthen their muscles and stretch before & after running - we need to prepare ourselves for this spiritual journey by being in the Word. When we do that the journey is more doable. We see direction in the paths and instead of hurting ourselves, we become stronger.
A - Yes, I was drawn to this verse b/c of the running comparison, especially the week knees part. My knees hurt so bad! One life lesson I have learned through all this running is not to give up. I have had days when I did not want to run b/c I wasn't in the mood. Life had thrown some curve balls and I would have much preferred to sit at home and just think through things, but when I move past that and go run, it teaches me that life goes on as long as we persevere. There will always be a reason for a pity party, but I can't do that everytime. Pull up the boot straps and get going. Sometimes the only thing to do and the only thing we should do is just keep going. Don't sit around and analyze about it, journal about it, or contemplate it - just get up and keep moving.
P - Lord thank you for being a practical God. A God of little drama. Thank you for being constant and stable. Thank you for giving me the strength to keep going.
S - "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and week knees, 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." vs. 12
O - Prepare yourself. Just like a runner is going to strengthen their muscles and stretch before & after running - we need to prepare ourselves for this spiritual journey by being in the Word. When we do that the journey is more doable. We see direction in the paths and instead of hurting ourselves, we become stronger.
A - Yes, I was drawn to this verse b/c of the running comparison, especially the week knees part. My knees hurt so bad! One life lesson I have learned through all this running is not to give up. I have had days when I did not want to run b/c I wasn't in the mood. Life had thrown some curve balls and I would have much preferred to sit at home and just think through things, but when I move past that and go run, it teaches me that life goes on as long as we persevere. There will always be a reason for a pity party, but I can't do that everytime. Pull up the boot straps and get going. Sometimes the only thing to do and the only thing we should do is just keep going. Don't sit around and analyze about it, journal about it, or contemplate it - just get up and keep moving.
P - Lord thank you for being a practical God. A God of little drama. Thank you for being constant and stable. Thank you for giving me the strength to keep going.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Ginny - Hebrews 11
Good Morning Girlz!!!
Weekend was good! It was a very spontaneous trip to Dallas, but it was so fun! Tim is moving to New York City beginning of August, so I like seeing him as much as I can these days. Hope everyone's week has started out good too!
S - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." vs. 1
O - What we do not see...that brings up two emotions for me: #1 - Excitement. Just think of all the possibilities that are out there! God is preparing and taking care of what comes next. He has a plan and wants to bless me, so what is to come must be amazing! #2 - Fear. What if I don't like what He has planned, or what if it's not what I wanted, or what if it doesn't come on my time table. (Obviously a lot of selfishness going on in that second emotion!)
A - I have always been a person who fears the unknown. Through Bible Study and an incredible mentor the Lord has brought me through and broken so many chains in regards to fear. I have grown so much, and compared to the bondage I use to live in - I'm a totally new person! Praise the Lord!!! But there are times that that fear will creep back in and try to build up the walls again. That's why I love the other words used in verse one: "confidence" "assurance." I think the Lord knew this was an easier said-then-done type of assignment. He knew we needed strength and a strong mind to get through the times of waiting. I chose to believe the best is yet to come - in regards to desires here on Earth, but also for the day we walk through the pearly gates!
P - Lord, forgive me when I get discouraged and let my selfish perspective cloud the joy of serving a God that does have so much in store for all of us! Thank you for being a God that's not satisfied with mediocre, but wants what is best for me. Lord, I pray for all of us today and what our hearts might be yearning for. I pray that you would meet those desires. That the flood gates would be open and blessings would rain down. To You be all GLORY!
Weekend was good! It was a very spontaneous trip to Dallas, but it was so fun! Tim is moving to New York City beginning of August, so I like seeing him as much as I can these days. Hope everyone's week has started out good too!
S - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." vs. 1
O - What we do not see...that brings up two emotions for me: #1 - Excitement. Just think of all the possibilities that are out there! God is preparing and taking care of what comes next. He has a plan and wants to bless me, so what is to come must be amazing! #2 - Fear. What if I don't like what He has planned, or what if it's not what I wanted, or what if it doesn't come on my time table. (Obviously a lot of selfishness going on in that second emotion!)
A - I have always been a person who fears the unknown. Through Bible Study and an incredible mentor the Lord has brought me through and broken so many chains in regards to fear. I have grown so much, and compared to the bondage I use to live in - I'm a totally new person! Praise the Lord!!! But there are times that that fear will creep back in and try to build up the walls again. That's why I love the other words used in verse one: "confidence" "assurance." I think the Lord knew this was an easier said-then-done type of assignment. He knew we needed strength and a strong mind to get through the times of waiting. I chose to believe the best is yet to come - in regards to desires here on Earth, but also for the day we walk through the pearly gates!
P - Lord, forgive me when I get discouraged and let my selfish perspective cloud the joy of serving a God that does have so much in store for all of us! Thank you for being a God that's not satisfied with mediocre, but wants what is best for me. Lord, I pray for all of us today and what our hearts might be yearning for. I pray that you would meet those desires. That the flood gates would be open and blessings would rain down. To You be all GLORY!
Cindy - update :)
Hey ladies! I am still alive...sorry I haven't been able to contribute to the blog. I am hoping to get back soon :) I do have good news....I'm pregnant!!! :) I am 8 weeks...and with that comes a prayer request. I leave next week for a week of camp at M-fuge. I have been really nauseated the last couple of weeks. I really need prayer at camp for strength and good health. Camp is very tiring in of itself, so on top of being pregnant, it really is going to be hard. Thank you for your prayers!
Love you girls!!
Karlyn - Hebrews 11
Hope your weekend was fun and relaxing! Mine was good but busy. Need one more day of rest:)
S - 11:16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
O - Heavenly Homeland sounds really good. I'm tired of bills, insurance, stress of the farm, clutter in my house, stuff in general, pondering what to do about school for the boys, and the craziness of life. I want something better, perfect - heaven! I want to be called faithful.
A - Even though I'm tired of it all there's a continual purpose for me while I'm still here. That thought helps me get through all the un-fun things I don't want to do every day. Colossions 3:23 whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not man - that's hard for me to put into practice!
P - Lord when I get frustrated with the mundane things of life please give me your perspective and help me to be faithful knowing that there is a better place and I'll be there some day. Thank you for a new day and a new week. Help me to use my time and efforts to glorify who you are and not just live life.
S - 11:16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
O - Heavenly Homeland sounds really good. I'm tired of bills, insurance, stress of the farm, clutter in my house, stuff in general, pondering what to do about school for the boys, and the craziness of life. I want something better, perfect - heaven! I want to be called faithful.
A - Even though I'm tired of it all there's a continual purpose for me while I'm still here. That thought helps me get through all the un-fun things I don't want to do every day. Colossions 3:23 whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not man - that's hard for me to put into practice!
P - Lord when I get frustrated with the mundane things of life please give me your perspective and help me to be faithful knowing that there is a better place and I'll be there some day. Thank you for a new day and a new week. Help me to use my time and efforts to glorify who you are and not just live life.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Ginny - Hebrews 10
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "Day after day..." vs. 11 "For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." vs. 12
O - The priests were simply going through the motions. Their rituals had no lasting effects. Only God can truly change us. Only God gives meaning. Only Christ's blood saves us.
A - "Day after day..." How often do I do the same thing over and over again and it gets me no where? As Dr. Phil says, "How's that workin' for ya?" I can spin my wheels, hopin', wishin', prayin', when sometimes what needs to happen is to move on. Pick up my camp and head north. Stop circling the mountain over and over again.
P - I have come to this point with Nick. Thank y'all so much for praying, but it is time to stop hoping he will come around and to move on. I claim vs. 23 "Let us hold UNSWERVINGLY to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." He has never failed me yet, and He's not going to. Thank you again for your prayers and friendship. Have a wonderful weekend!
S - "Day after day..." vs. 11 "For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." vs. 12
O - The priests were simply going through the motions. Their rituals had no lasting effects. Only God can truly change us. Only God gives meaning. Only Christ's blood saves us.
A - "Day after day..." How often do I do the same thing over and over again and it gets me no where? As Dr. Phil says, "How's that workin' for ya?" I can spin my wheels, hopin', wishin', prayin', when sometimes what needs to happen is to move on. Pick up my camp and head north. Stop circling the mountain over and over again.
P - I have come to this point with Nick. Thank y'all so much for praying, but it is time to stop hoping he will come around and to move on. I claim vs. 23 "Let us hold UNSWERVINGLY to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." He has never failed me yet, and He's not going to. Thank you again for your prayers and friendship. Have a wonderful weekend!
Karlyn - Hebrews 10
S - 10:32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things....vs 34 you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
O -It's hard for me to imagine just how hard it was for the early Christians. To know that beating, jail, or death could happen just for being vocal about their faith. It's very rare that I feel "persecuted" for what I believe, and it's so minor as compared to what others face. They accepted persecution with JOY. I don't know that I've had JOY when I was being made fun of. I wasn't focusing on the eternal.
A - The longer I'm alive I know the persecution will grow worse. I want to be joyful and teach the boys to want for the eternal and not just right now.
P - Lord I ask that you would give me the right responses when I feel like my faith is being challenged or ridiculed. Help my persecutors to see JOY in me not anger or frustration! Let them see you the real person they are challenging!
Have a safe and fun weekend everyone! We'll finish Hebrews next week and on Thursday and Friday you pick your favorite passages from any book or study to share! Love y'all. Amber I'm still praying for your job, Jen praying for the frustrating things you're going through, Cindy praying for rest for y'all, Ginny I'm praying for your relationship desires!
O -It's hard for me to imagine just how hard it was for the early Christians. To know that beating, jail, or death could happen just for being vocal about their faith. It's very rare that I feel "persecuted" for what I believe, and it's so minor as compared to what others face. They accepted persecution with JOY. I don't know that I've had JOY when I was being made fun of. I wasn't focusing on the eternal.
A - The longer I'm alive I know the persecution will grow worse. I want to be joyful and teach the boys to want for the eternal and not just right now.
P - Lord I ask that you would give me the right responses when I feel like my faith is being challenged or ridiculed. Help my persecutors to see JOY in me not anger or frustration! Let them see you the real person they are challenging!
Have a safe and fun weekend everyone! We'll finish Hebrews next week and on Thursday and Friday you pick your favorite passages from any book or study to share! Love y'all. Amber I'm still praying for your job, Jen praying for the frustrating things you're going through, Cindy praying for rest for y'all, Ginny I'm praying for your relationship desires!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Ruth Week 3 Day 3
Day 3 Invited to the Table
Ruth 2:14 At lunchtime Boaz called her,"Come over here and help yourself to some of our food. You can dip your bread in our wine if you like." So she sat with his harvesters and Boaz gave her food- more than she could eat.
This was huge because Ruth was just a servant. Back then people with power didn't mingle with the lower people. Once again Boaz went out of his way for Ruth. He saw past her status and saw her for who she was.
Kelly refered to Revelations 19:6-10. This verse talks about the big feast for us believers in the new heaven. There are similarties between these two verses. Ruth nor us were/are worthy of sitting at such a wonderful and awesome table, but like Boaz, God sees us for what we are worth. He has forgiven us and accepted us as His own. He will bring us to His table dressed in our finest so we can worship. How humbling is that? It still amazes me that God has chosen me and has given me such a wonderful gift. Its so hard for me to understand why people don't accept His love and forgiveness. I can't imagine going through life especially the hard times without knowing the hope and promises I have in Him.
Lord, thankyou for loving me and allowing me to be part of your family. I look forward to that day in Heaven when I'm with YOU and ALL believers as we sit at Your table, feast and worship you!
Ruth 2:14 At lunchtime Boaz called her,"Come over here and help yourself to some of our food. You can dip your bread in our wine if you like." So she sat with his harvesters and Boaz gave her food- more than she could eat.
This was huge because Ruth was just a servant. Back then people with power didn't mingle with the lower people. Once again Boaz went out of his way for Ruth. He saw past her status and saw her for who she was.
Kelly refered to Revelations 19:6-10. This verse talks about the big feast for us believers in the new heaven. There are similarties between these two verses. Ruth nor us were/are worthy of sitting at such a wonderful and awesome table, but like Boaz, God sees us for what we are worth. He has forgiven us and accepted us as His own. He will bring us to His table dressed in our finest so we can worship. How humbling is that? It still amazes me that God has chosen me and has given me such a wonderful gift. Its so hard for me to understand why people don't accept His love and forgiveness. I can't imagine going through life especially the hard times without knowing the hope and promises I have in Him.
Lord, thankyou for loving me and allowing me to be part of your family. I look forward to that day in Heaven when I'm with YOU and ALL believers as we sit at Your table, feast and worship you!
Ginny - Hebrews 9
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands, that was only a copy of the true one; He entered Heaven itself, now to appear to us in God's prescence." vs. 24
O - I love how BIG our God is! He didn't get a copy or fake. He doesn't need a repeat. He is true from the beginning and completes it all the first time out. He did it all!
A - I want to tap into that power! I want to rely on the Lord for strength to get the job done the very best way the first time out. Move over fear and self inhibition, let's get this thing done!
P - Thank you Lord that I may come into Your prescence and have a relationship with you.
S - "For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands, that was only a copy of the true one; He entered Heaven itself, now to appear to us in God's prescence." vs. 24
O - I love how BIG our God is! He didn't get a copy or fake. He doesn't need a repeat. He is true from the beginning and completes it all the first time out. He did it all!
A - I want to tap into that power! I want to rely on the Lord for strength to get the job done the very best way the first time out. Move over fear and self inhibition, let's get this thing done!
P - Thank you Lord that I may come into Your prescence and have a relationship with you.
Karlyn - Hebrews 9
Happy Thursday everyone!
S- 9:26, 28 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself....So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many....
O - I understand why this is so hard for unbelievers to grasp and to understand. I also understand that faith comes into play with this too. There's a lot to take in: Jesus was the perfect Son of God who came to earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, healed and raised people from the dead, died on a cross, came back alive, rolled a huge stone away, and him dying once took on every sin past present and future of every person from that moment on, and all you have to do is to accept the forgiveness and believe. WOW.
A - I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit and that he reveals Jesus to us little by little and calls us to faith. God is so smart knowing that we would need the Spirit to help us process and have faith! I'm understanding more and more that's it's not just my actions or what I say to unbelievers but asking the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and give them the faith they need to believe.
P - Thank you Jesus that I don't have to sacrifice animals constantly for my sin! I can't thank you enough for being willing to take on sin head to head so that I can just come to you and my sin is gone! Please give me the wisdom in how to pray for those who still need you Lord!
S- 9:26, 28 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself....So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many....
O - I understand why this is so hard for unbelievers to grasp and to understand. I also understand that faith comes into play with this too. There's a lot to take in: Jesus was the perfect Son of God who came to earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, healed and raised people from the dead, died on a cross, came back alive, rolled a huge stone away, and him dying once took on every sin past present and future of every person from that moment on, and all you have to do is to accept the forgiveness and believe. WOW.
A - I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit and that he reveals Jesus to us little by little and calls us to faith. God is so smart knowing that we would need the Spirit to help us process and have faith! I'm understanding more and more that's it's not just my actions or what I say to unbelievers but asking the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and give them the faith they need to believe.
P - Thank you Jesus that I don't have to sacrifice animals constantly for my sin! I can't thank you enough for being willing to take on sin head to head so that I can just come to you and my sin is gone! Please give me the wisdom in how to pray for those who still need you Lord!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Karlyn - Hebrews 8
Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!
S - 8:6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
O - Going through the Chronological Bible study I've been doing I've learned more about the law and OT than I ever have before. There were SOOO many rules and if you did this you had to do that and so on. God created all those laws to keep them safe and healthy but I can't imagine ever being able to live up to the law. I'm so thankful for the new covenant and that GRACE abounds!
A - I need to make sure unbelievers around me can see that I'm not living by the LAW but by Grace, Forgiveness, and unconditional love!!
P - Thank you Lord for a new covenant and the LAW is no more! I praise you for knowing exactly what we needed and knowing that only Jesus could provide it. Thank you for loving us enough to take away the law and give us Grace!
S - 8:6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
O - Going through the Chronological Bible study I've been doing I've learned more about the law and OT than I ever have before. There were SOOO many rules and if you did this you had to do that and so on. God created all those laws to keep them safe and healthy but I can't imagine ever being able to live up to the law. I'm so thankful for the new covenant and that GRACE abounds!
A - I need to make sure unbelievers around me can see that I'm not living by the LAW but by Grace, Forgiveness, and unconditional love!!
P - Thank you Lord for a new covenant and the LAW is no more! I praise you for knowing exactly what we needed and knowing that only Jesus could provide it. Thank you for loving us enough to take away the law and give us Grace!
Ginny - Hebrews 8
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being." vs. 1-2
O - WE DO have a high priest! I love that! WE DO! He is on the throne and in control. He is not a mere human that makes mistakes, He is perfect! And yet He still loves and cares for me. His majesty amazes me!
A - God is in control. God is in control of my life. He has it in his hand. I trust Him. I believe in Him. I hope in Him. There is no one higher I can turn to. He knows my heart and He knows what's best. He is the only one that can make it happen. I'm so glad we have a God like that!
P - Lord, thank You for being in control. Thank you for holding my life in Your hands. Thank you for being my high priest seated on the throne above all else.
S - "Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being." vs. 1-2
O - WE DO have a high priest! I love that! WE DO! He is on the throne and in control. He is not a mere human that makes mistakes, He is perfect! And yet He still loves and cares for me. His majesty amazes me!
A - God is in control. God is in control of my life. He has it in his hand. I trust Him. I believe in Him. I hope in Him. There is no one higher I can turn to. He knows my heart and He knows what's best. He is the only one that can make it happen. I'm so glad we have a God like that!
P - Lord, thank You for being in control. Thank you for holding my life in Your hands. Thank you for being my high priest seated on the throne above all else.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Ruth Week 3 Day 2
Humility
This was a great lesson. Up until these past few months, I thought I was an ok humble person. God thought otherwise. The last few months have been very humbling and more times than not I've been on my knees asking for understanding, help, being a peacekeeper, and forgiveness. Through this process I have become stronger and closer to God. One of my favorite quotes this week was "When God ordained the humbling you can be wholly certain that His love is the catalyst.
Kelly used various verses that talked about being humbled and compared them to Ruth. Ruth had to get over her own feelings and emotions and was beyond humble. She was at her lowest and she refused to let her pride take over. She was willing to do anything to help out her family. God honored her for humbling herself.
That is the one thing that stood out in all the verses referenced. Everytime you read a verse about being humble it it followed by an action. God will reward us for taking action.
I need to look at being humbled as a learning process. I don't want to stay where I'm at in my spritual life. I want to grow.
Lord, help me to be encouraged during my humbling seasons. Even though they are tough and I don't always understand, help me to remember that there is joy. peace and growth at the end.
This was a great lesson. Up until these past few months, I thought I was an ok humble person. God thought otherwise. The last few months have been very humbling and more times than not I've been on my knees asking for understanding, help, being a peacekeeper, and forgiveness. Through this process I have become stronger and closer to God. One of my favorite quotes this week was "When God ordained the humbling you can be wholly certain that His love is the catalyst.
Kelly used various verses that talked about being humbled and compared them to Ruth. Ruth had to get over her own feelings and emotions and was beyond humble. She was at her lowest and she refused to let her pride take over. She was willing to do anything to help out her family. God honored her for humbling herself.
That is the one thing that stood out in all the verses referenced. Everytime you read a verse about being humble it it followed by an action. God will reward us for taking action.
I need to look at being humbled as a learning process. I don't want to stay where I'm at in my spritual life. I want to grow.
Lord, help me to be encouraged during my humbling seasons. Even though they are tough and I don't always understand, help me to remember that there is joy. peace and growth at the end.
Ginny - Hebrews 6-7
Hello!!!
S - 6:9 "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case - the things that have to do with salvation.
O - God will reward us for our work and love we show down here. The ultimate reward is Heaven itself.
A - I love the line "we are convinced of better things." You know, there is so much more than what this world makes life out to be. I want abundant life. I don't want good; I want the best. The Lord offers that!
S - 7:26 - "Such a high priest truly meets our need..."
O - The Lord knows what truly lasts, what is truly fulfilling. He is beyond capable and wants to give us that fulfillment.
A - He knows better what I need than I do. He sees what will be lasting and beneficial to me. He knows my heart, all my desires, and wants the best for me.
P - I have a specific prayer request today. There is a boy I have liked for a long time and last year we dated some. He has come back into the picture and there is nothing I want more than to have a relationship with this guy. His name is Nick, and I ask that y'all pray for him specifically this week. He spent all day at the lake and grilling out with me and our friends Chad & Kacie yesterday. It was such a fun day, but I feel like what happens next will be a big sign as to what direction to go. If he calls/text - great! and we'll see where it goes. If he doesn't contact me, then that's pretty much my answer and I am done holding out hope he'll make a move. I really, really like him so I also ask that you pray for my heart & mind in all this. Thanks for your prayers! Love you all very, very much!!!
S - 6:9 "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case - the things that have to do with salvation.
O - God will reward us for our work and love we show down here. The ultimate reward is Heaven itself.
A - I love the line "we are convinced of better things." You know, there is so much more than what this world makes life out to be. I want abundant life. I don't want good; I want the best. The Lord offers that!
S - 7:26 - "Such a high priest truly meets our need..."
O - The Lord knows what truly lasts, what is truly fulfilling. He is beyond capable and wants to give us that fulfillment.
A - He knows better what I need than I do. He sees what will be lasting and beneficial to me. He knows my heart, all my desires, and wants the best for me.
P - I have a specific prayer request today. There is a boy I have liked for a long time and last year we dated some. He has come back into the picture and there is nothing I want more than to have a relationship with this guy. His name is Nick, and I ask that y'all pray for him specifically this week. He spent all day at the lake and grilling out with me and our friends Chad & Kacie yesterday. It was such a fun day, but I feel like what happens next will be a big sign as to what direction to go. If he calls/text - great! and we'll see where it goes. If he doesn't contact me, then that's pretty much my answer and I am done holding out hope he'll make a move. I really, really like him so I also ask that you pray for my heart & mind in all this. Thanks for your prayers! Love you all very, very much!!!
Karlyn - Hebrews 6-7
Hope everyone had a fun 4th of July long weekend!
S - 6:10,12 For God is not unjust, He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do...Then you will not become spriritually dull and indifferent....
7:19 For the law never made anything perfect, for now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
O - The cure for spiritual dullness and indifference = actively caring for other believers!
A - Because of pride and selfishness I get very caught up with the fact that there are very few workers in our church but lots of people who could be and should be working. Many times I focus my heart on why aren't they doing their part can't they see how hard I'm working...and on and on and on. These verses in chapters 6 are a NICE reminder that if I was to CARE for other believers and not fuss at them in my mind I wouldn't become dull and indifferent. Caring for other believers is something I don't do well because I think many times I perceive that they're already believers so they should just jump in there and help the rest of us care for these people that aren't believers.
Just like many things in my life I have it backwards! I need to care for believers first so that the non-believers will see our love for each other and desire that love and see that our spirituality isn't dull and indifferent but VIBRANT and personal.
P - Father thank you for giving us each other to walk together. Thanks you that I don't have to be a christian by myself. father I pray that you will change my heart and show me how to take care of the believers around me. Give me a desire to give them the unconditional love, forgiveness, and friendship you give me. Thank you that we don't live by the law but by your grace. God I pray blessings on Ginny, Cindy, Amber, and Jen today. Whatever they are longing for in you this week I pray that you pour it out on them! Thank you that they lift me up and care for me!
S - 6:10,12 For God is not unjust, He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do...Then you will not become spriritually dull and indifferent....
7:19 For the law never made anything perfect, for now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
O - The cure for spiritual dullness and indifference = actively caring for other believers!
A - Because of pride and selfishness I get very caught up with the fact that there are very few workers in our church but lots of people who could be and should be working. Many times I focus my heart on why aren't they doing their part can't they see how hard I'm working...and on and on and on. These verses in chapters 6 are a NICE reminder that if I was to CARE for other believers and not fuss at them in my mind I wouldn't become dull and indifferent. Caring for other believers is something I don't do well because I think many times I perceive that they're already believers so they should just jump in there and help the rest of us care for these people that aren't believers.
Just like many things in my life I have it backwards! I need to care for believers first so that the non-believers will see our love for each other and desire that love and see that our spirituality isn't dull and indifferent but VIBRANT and personal.
P - Father thank you for giving us each other to walk together. Thanks you that I don't have to be a christian by myself. father I pray that you will change my heart and show me how to take care of the believers around me. Give me a desire to give them the unconditional love, forgiveness, and friendship you give me. Thank you that we don't live by the law but by your grace. God I pray blessings on Ginny, Cindy, Amber, and Jen today. Whatever they are longing for in you this week I pray that you pour it out on them! Thank you that they lift me up and care for me!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ginny - Hebrews 5
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek." vs. 7-10
O - Jesus cried out to the Lord. He was scared. The world seemed too much, and so he cried to the Lord. Not only did God hear Him, but He went above and beyond. Jesus's death became the source of eternal salvation!
A - How often do I cry before the Lord. I'm scared. I'm worried. Things are not going right. God hears and often times His answer is better than I could have ever imagined! Thank y'all so much for praying for me and my work situation. Today I have seen an answer to prayer and there is a true break in the clouds!
P - Lord I praise Your name! You are good! Thank you for seeing me through all the tears and bringing forth such joy. I love you!
S - "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek." vs. 7-10
O - Jesus cried out to the Lord. He was scared. The world seemed too much, and so he cried to the Lord. Not only did God hear Him, but He went above and beyond. Jesus's death became the source of eternal salvation!
A - How often do I cry before the Lord. I'm scared. I'm worried. Things are not going right. God hears and often times His answer is better than I could have ever imagined! Thank y'all so much for praying for me and my work situation. Today I have seen an answer to prayer and there is a true break in the clouds!
P - Lord I praise Your name! You are good! Thank you for seeing me through all the tears and bringing forth such joy. I love you!
Karlyn - Hebrews 5
S - 5:8 Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
O - I am by no means SUFFERING the way many people do for Christ. My "sufferings" are very trivial when compared to someone who is really struggling. However, the sufferings I am going through are serious to me and some days seem very frustrating. If I would learn obedience a little faster I know God would take away some of these issues, but he always replaces it with something else!:)
A - Just like a child obedience is a process. There are days when I think Sawyer really understands and he's got this obedience thing down and then we have a breakdown! Whew! I'm sure this is magnified 100x's with my relationship with God. I think sometimes that I've really got it then BAM I blow it again. Crazy sinful nature! There was a song we sang about obedience when I was little and the last line says, "Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe". I need to sing that song more often!
P - Lord I don't like to always obey, there are times when I just want to do it my way and then the sufferings become greater! God I want to learn and grow in you. Help me to see obedience as something to be desired just like I want my kids to obey because it will keep them safe and help them to grow.
Have a fun holiday weekend! I hope you get to Celebrate the 4th with a BANG! Love y'all!
O - I am by no means SUFFERING the way many people do for Christ. My "sufferings" are very trivial when compared to someone who is really struggling. However, the sufferings I am going through are serious to me and some days seem very frustrating. If I would learn obedience a little faster I know God would take away some of these issues, but he always replaces it with something else!:)
A - Just like a child obedience is a process. There are days when I think Sawyer really understands and he's got this obedience thing down and then we have a breakdown! Whew! I'm sure this is magnified 100x's with my relationship with God. I think sometimes that I've really got it then BAM I blow it again. Crazy sinful nature! There was a song we sang about obedience when I was little and the last line says, "Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe". I need to sing that song more often!
P - Lord I don't like to always obey, there are times when I just want to do it my way and then the sufferings become greater! God I want to learn and grow in you. Help me to see obedience as something to be desired just like I want my kids to obey because it will keep them safe and help them to grow.
Have a fun holiday weekend! I hope you get to Celebrate the 4th with a BANG! Love y'all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)