S - I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
O - Pleases Him - gives us what we ask for, not if I think I'm pleasing him.
A - If it pleases him and follows what he wants to happen to glorify him I will receive what I ask for. Not everything I think is a good idea or thing to do is what God wants to happen and I've got to be willing to follow his plan.
P - Lord help me to be more accepting of things when they don't go my way!
Monday, November 28, 2011
I John 5:6-12: Karlyn
S - And Jesus Christ was revealed as God's Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross- not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. So we have these three witnesses- The Spirit, the water, and the blood, and all three agree. Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about His Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don't believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don't believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life.
O - I really don't understand with a human mind how any of us come to know and understand and accept Christ's sacrifice for us. Because it takes being a believer to really begin to get it. Here it plainly states that non believers call God a liar because they don't believe!
A - I do understand that Go uses his spirit to draw us to go out on faith! I need to pray for others in my life that need to follow the Holy Spirit's calling and step out on faith so they can have LIFE!
P - Lord thank you for your Son and your Spirit! I praise you for making this all work so that we can have eternal life. Please show me how to demonstrate that faith so that others will listen to the SPirit's call for them to have faith!
O - I really don't understand with a human mind how any of us come to know and understand and accept Christ's sacrifice for us. Because it takes being a believer to really begin to get it. Here it plainly states that non believers call God a liar because they don't believe!
A - I do understand that Go uses his spirit to draw us to go out on faith! I need to pray for others in my life that need to follow the Holy Spirit's calling and step out on faith so they can have LIFE!
P - Lord thank you for your Son and your Spirit! I praise you for making this all work so that we can have eternal life. Please show me how to demonstrate that faith so that others will listen to the SPirit's call for them to have faith!
I'm back and a little crazy!
Good morning! I totally bailed on the rest of last week! We left on Tuesday evening to go to my parents and once I'm there it's craziness! I really missed my time with you!
Speaking of being a "toot", Ginny! I had an episode last night. There's a sweet (slightly insane) lady in our church who has been a member for years but she comes for a while and then she's gone for long periods of time. However, when she does come she pretends it's OK to make big decisions about things without anyone else's opinion! Now that I'm actually typing this it's sounds really trivial but I promise at the moment of this instance it was serious:)
So, picture this...our sanctuary has pews of yellow wood, our pew cushions are nasty gold, the bottom of the walls are wood that are a yellow tint stain, and the top of the walls are stark white! Needless to say we need some updates. Our Christmas decorations have a lot of red in them (which is beautiful). Our 2 trees have all gold and white ornaments. Now to my point...this lady decides she wants to change out ALL of our red ribbons and candles for GOLD ones. Do you remember all the YELLOW I just described to you!!!! It would look awful! So, I'm the only one last night who would voice my opinion to her and then a couple others backed me up! She wouldn't let it go!!!! We had already bought that new meshy red ribbon to replace some of the old red velvet ribbon and she wants to exchange it ALL for GOLD!!! I know I must sound like a psycho and I realize I have issues I need to deal with but she would NOT listen!!!
All this to say I need to be putting into practice all that I have learned from I John with this lady because everything she does gets under my skin! I'm laughing right now but last night I was in a panic over Gold and Red ribbon:) Lord help me!
Ginny - praying for you and your attitude with your chick and please pray for mine because obviously God is going to keep putting me in situations with her until I can act right:) or should I say love right!
Speaking of being a "toot", Ginny! I had an episode last night. There's a sweet (slightly insane) lady in our church who has been a member for years but she comes for a while and then she's gone for long periods of time. However, when she does come she pretends it's OK to make big decisions about things without anyone else's opinion! Now that I'm actually typing this it's sounds really trivial but I promise at the moment of this instance it was serious:)
So, picture this...our sanctuary has pews of yellow wood, our pew cushions are nasty gold, the bottom of the walls are wood that are a yellow tint stain, and the top of the walls are stark white! Needless to say we need some updates. Our Christmas decorations have a lot of red in them (which is beautiful). Our 2 trees have all gold and white ornaments. Now to my point...this lady decides she wants to change out ALL of our red ribbons and candles for GOLD ones. Do you remember all the YELLOW I just described to you!!!! It would look awful! So, I'm the only one last night who would voice my opinion to her and then a couple others backed me up! She wouldn't let it go!!!! We had already bought that new meshy red ribbon to replace some of the old red velvet ribbon and she wants to exchange it ALL for GOLD!!! I know I must sound like a psycho and I realize I have issues I need to deal with but she would NOT listen!!!
All this to say I need to be putting into practice all that I have learned from I John with this lady because everything she does gets under my skin! I'm laughing right now but last night I was in a panic over Gold and Red ribbon:) Lord help me!
Ginny - praying for you and your attitude with your chick and please pray for mine because obviously God is going to keep putting me in situations with her until I can act right:) or should I say love right!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Ginny - reflection
1. One important lesson I have learned this week is what John has been telling us over and over again...LOVE. God has shed new light on this for me. #1 - my attitude must change if I am going to show love. I can not be moody. I have the power to chose to be moody or not, and I am tired of jumping the gamit from happy to irritated.
2. I feel that God wants me to learn that if portraying Him to others is my top priority then I must change and open my eyes to the many opportunites to love, serve, and encourage.
3. I am going to put my faith in action by loving Sarai more. I will change my attitude and not let her get to me and love her instead of being a toot about it.
2. I feel that God wants me to learn that if portraying Him to others is my top priority then I must change and open my eyes to the many opportunites to love, serve, and encourage.
3. I am going to put my faith in action by loving Sarai more. I will change my attitude and not let her get to me and love her instead of being a toot about it.
Ginny - 1 John 5:9-12
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
O - Believing Christ is the Son of God, and knowing where I will spend eternity matters more than anything else in this life.
A - If that is really what matters, then why do I get my panties in a wad about all the little petty things? My testimony for Christ is far more important than the small irritations I let get to me through out the day.
P - I pray specifically for a girl named Sarai in my Bible Study group. She irritates the heck out of me, and yes I can honestly say she has done things that completey rub me the wrong way and she shouldn't have done them, but I have got to let it go. I have harbored this dislike for her and have put barriers up and haven't gotten as much out of the Bible Study because I am so fed up with her. In the grand scheme of things all these irritations mean nothing compared to the testimony I am portraying, and it hasn't been pretty. I need to straighten up and make the best out of it.
S - If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
O - Believing Christ is the Son of God, and knowing where I will spend eternity matters more than anything else in this life.
A - If that is really what matters, then why do I get my panties in a wad about all the little petty things? My testimony for Christ is far more important than the small irritations I let get to me through out the day.
P - I pray specifically for a girl named Sarai in my Bible Study group. She irritates the heck out of me, and yes I can honestly say she has done things that completey rub me the wrong way and she shouldn't have done them, but I have got to let it go. I have harbored this dislike for her and have put barriers up and haven't gotten as much out of the Bible Study because I am so fed up with her. In the grand scheme of things all these irritations mean nothing compared to the testimony I am portraying, and it hasn't been pretty. I need to straighten up and make the best out of it.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 5:6-8
S - This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
O - Jesus fulfills. He fulfills the scripture and He fulfills my life. He has not left one stone unturned.
A - I don't have to wonder with my Lord. He has taken care of it all. He has thought of everything. No detail was left undone. He is constant. He is stable. He is right.
P - Lord thank You for Your Word. Thank you fulfilling all parts of scripture and for satifsfying all areas of my life.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!!! I am thankful for each one of y'all!
O - Jesus fulfills. He fulfills the scripture and He fulfills my life. He has not left one stone unturned.
A - I don't have to wonder with my Lord. He has taken care of it all. He has thought of everything. No detail was left undone. He is constant. He is stable. He is right.
P - Lord thank You for Your Word. Thank you fulfilling all parts of scripture and for satifsfying all areas of my life.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!!! I am thankful for each one of y'all!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Ginny - Please laugh with me!
O.K. girls I really needed y'all here yesterday. My bank building is huge and when you walk in you can go to the railing and see all the way down to the bottom floor and up to the 2nd floor. So it's an open center. In the middle of all that we have these circular stairs that make their way from the 2nd floor down to the bottom floor. Well, yesterday I am running to go catch the postman b/c I have to get back a letter I gave him and as soon as I start going down the stairs - boom! I crash. I do this knee-boarding stance where the bottom half of my legs is tucked underneath and I am litterally cloping my way down about 7 stairs. Ba-boom! Ba-boom! Ba-boom! Get the picture? I finally come to a stop at the middle landing. I pop up reassure everyone that I am fine, no worries, and run out the front door to catch the postman. I find my letter and make my way back in the bank where the sweet security guard is coming up to me making sure I can still bend and tells me he is still going to write a report. I make my way back up the stairs reassuring all that I am just fine and finally make it to my desk where I finally get to unzip my boots and assess damage. I have a good scrape and an awesome bruise. Glorious. Looking back on it now all I can do is laugh. I can only imagine what I looked like "sledding" down those stairs. Karlyn, all I can think about is your story about the escalator at the BeautiControl conference. If y'all had been here we would have all just sat on the steps and laughed till we peed in our pants. Let's just be gratefull I did not have a skirt on!!!
Ginny - 1 John 5:3-5
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
O - What renewed hope this verse gives! We can do it! They are not burdensome, we have overcome, we have victory. All good words for today!
A - I feel like this is a cheer. Keep going! This world has nothing on us! We can do this! Love & believe. We will win!
P - Lord thank you for a victorious life. Thank you for already winning the battle. I pray I live each day in this victory.
S - For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
O - What renewed hope this verse gives! We can do it! They are not burdensome, we have overcome, we have victory. All good words for today!
A - I feel like this is a cheer. Keep going! This world has nothing on us! We can do this! Love & believe. We will win!
P - Lord thank you for a victorious life. Thank you for already winning the battle. I pray I live each day in this victory.
I John 5:3-5: Karlyn
S - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
O- Old Testament law was burdensome. New Testament faith is freeing! Thanks goodness we live in the New Testament times! Faith overcomes the world - I take for granted how much our faith in Christ can accomplish. Victory is what the endqw` result is!
A - I need to live in victory in my faith. The end result of our faith in Christ is the world is overcome and we are with him forever!
P - Help me not to take my faith in you for granted or the power that comes in that faith. Thank you that we aren't burdened with Old Testament law but can live freely in Christ in forgiveness of our sins. Thank you for being so much wiser than us and knowing exactly what we need!
O- Old Testament law was burdensome. New Testament faith is freeing! Thanks goodness we live in the New Testament times! Faith overcomes the world - I take for granted how much our faith in Christ can accomplish. Victory is what the endqw` result is!
A - I need to live in victory in my faith. The end result of our faith in Christ is the world is overcome and we are with him forever!
P - Help me not to take my faith in you for granted or the power that comes in that faith. Thank you that we aren't burdened with Old Testament law but can live freely in Christ in forgiveness of our sins. Thank you for being so much wiser than us and knowing exactly what we need!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 5:1-2
Good Morning Girlz!!! And Happy Thanksgiving week to all of y'all too!
S - Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.
O - I love God therefore I am to love others. Let them know I care.
A - Girls, I just had the most encouraging thing happen to me. I am going to a Christmas party next Friday and I have been having some mixed emotions. I definitly want to go, and am planning on having a lot of fun, but I am still a little confused as to why I was invited & therefore I am dealing with a few nerves in regards to it all. Anyhow, one of the girls helping host just emailed asking if I was coming and said she hoped I was. Y'all don't know what that did for me. I am soaring! Just knowing for sure that someone really wants me to be there and is looking forward to me coming has completely changed my attitude. Even just now coming back from the restroom I felt like I was walking taller. I started thinking...if I could grasp God's love the way this girl's response made me feel....wow! I'd be walking on cloud 9 everyday. God wants me. He longs to fellowship with me. He loves me no matter what. He wants to spend time with me. He thinks I'm cool. Why am I not living each day with the reality of that kind of love? And better yet, why am I not having that love towards others? Why am I not loving others so that they know I think they are cool and I want to be around them and that I think they have value. Traci's comment pushed back the clouds in my life. I want to do the same for someone else. Buying burritos and letting people know they are wanted -- that's what it's all about :)
P - Lord forgive me for not extending love towards others. Forgive me for the opportunities I've missed. Thank you for how good Traci's comment has made me feel. You didn't have to have her do that. May I take the opportunity to make others feel special. Love You!
S - Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.
O - I love God therefore I am to love others. Let them know I care.
A - Girls, I just had the most encouraging thing happen to me. I am going to a Christmas party next Friday and I have been having some mixed emotions. I definitly want to go, and am planning on having a lot of fun, but I am still a little confused as to why I was invited & therefore I am dealing with a few nerves in regards to it all. Anyhow, one of the girls helping host just emailed asking if I was coming and said she hoped I was. Y'all don't know what that did for me. I am soaring! Just knowing for sure that someone really wants me to be there and is looking forward to me coming has completely changed my attitude. Even just now coming back from the restroom I felt like I was walking taller. I started thinking...if I could grasp God's love the way this girl's response made me feel....wow! I'd be walking on cloud 9 everyday. God wants me. He longs to fellowship with me. He loves me no matter what. He wants to spend time with me. He thinks I'm cool. Why am I not living each day with the reality of that kind of love? And better yet, why am I not having that love towards others? Why am I not loving others so that they know I think they are cool and I want to be around them and that I think they have value. Traci's comment pushed back the clouds in my life. I want to do the same for someone else. Buying burritos and letting people know they are wanted -- that's what it's all about :)
P - Lord forgive me for not extending love towards others. Forgive me for the opportunities I've missed. Thank you for how good Traci's comment has made me feel. You didn't have to have her do that. May I take the opportunity to make others feel special. Love You!
I John 5:1-2: Karlyn
Happy Thanksgiving Week and Good Monday Morning!
S - Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe his commandments.
O - I've always been a very trusting person and take for granted that many people in the world want answers and reasons why things are the way they are. John does a great job in this whole book explaining the whens and whys of being a child of God. Here he points out Belief in Christ = we are born of God, Loving the Father = loving other believers, loving God = loving believers and following his commands.
A - I'm doing better at loving others but I still need a lot of help in the area. I'm realizing the more I love God and the less I love the world the easier loving other people is because it will naturally flow from my love of Him.
P - Lord help me to love you more than anything else. More than sleep, food, things, and my family. Give me a genuine compassion and love for those around me.
S - Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe his commandments.
O - I've always been a very trusting person and take for granted that many people in the world want answers and reasons why things are the way they are. John does a great job in this whole book explaining the whens and whys of being a child of God. Here he points out Belief in Christ = we are born of God, Loving the Father = loving other believers, loving God = loving believers and following his commands.
A - I'm doing better at loving others but I still need a lot of help in the area. I'm realizing the more I love God and the less I love the world the easier loving other people is because it will naturally flow from my love of Him.
P - Lord help me to love you more than anything else. More than sleep, food, things, and my family. Give me a genuine compassion and love for those around me.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Reflection: Karlyn
Morgan is on her way home to Memphis. There were at least 4 more instances with this crazy person and she felt safer just coming home. Not sure what this person is doing but it's bad enough to freak Morgan out and that takes a lot since she grew up in Memphis:)
Ginny - can't wait to hear your story from last night! And yay for free burritos!
Lesson: I can't out love God and I can only love because of what he has done in me.
God wants me to: Obey him. When he gives me an idea or prompts me to do something out of love I can't question it I've got to do it!
Faith into action: Keep my heart open to the Holy Spirit's nudging even when I think it might be difficult or get in the way of my schedule. If I just trust God he will work out all the details!
Y'all have a great weekend and I can't wait to talk to ya next week!
Ginny - can't wait to hear your story from last night! And yay for free burritos!
Lesson: I can't out love God and I can only love because of what he has done in me.
God wants me to: Obey him. When he gives me an idea or prompts me to do something out of love I can't question it I've got to do it!
Faith into action: Keep my heart open to the Holy Spirit's nudging even when I think it might be difficult or get in the way of my schedule. If I just trust God he will work out all the details!
Y'all have a great weekend and I can't wait to talk to ya next week!
Ginny - reflection
Good Morning Girlz!!! Karlyn still praying for Morgan. Please let us know how it turns out. Bless her heart. I'd be pretty scared too. I know her situation is a lot larger scale than this, but I remember when I was living in my first apartment in Lubbock that I had a peeping Tom. My neighbor came over and told me he had just seen a guy looking in my back bedroom window. Well, I was scared and nervous. I slept on my couch. I wouldn't go back and sleep on my bed that night. I also called Todd in the middle of the night. He was a cop at the time and I wanted his advice. He gave me his cop perspective and then he said, "but Ginny as Christains we are not to fear. We choose to rely on God, and not to be afraid of man." That has stuck with me to this day. I must choose to not be afraid, because I am not to fear this world. If I let it, fear can get a hold of me and keep me up at night. I know God is with me. Morgan is in my thoughts and prayers. I pray they catch this guy who is doing this and that she once again feels safe. I will also pray for Joan & Keith that they will know what to say and do.
Now on a completely side note, I ended up calling the cops last night on my neighbors. After a 10 foot giant of a cop, fire truck called to put out a fire pit, and college kids hiding in their house it all ended up being pretty halarious. One of these days, at our next girls weekend, I'll share all the details. Thank you Lord for protection, for those men and women who serve to protect me, and for laughter in the midst of it all.
One important lesson I want to remember from this week is to love even when it's hard and I don't want to.
I feel God wants me to learn that I am missing out on opportunities to show love and make someone's day because I am so wrapped up in myself. Just this morning I was standing in line at the grocery store fixing to pay for my bfast burrito when the other cashier came up, grabbed my burrito, swiped it at her register, and then gave it back to me. When I looked up and my brain started working again I saw one my church members standing at the other register. He bought my burrito!!!!! It was only $1.72 but he totally made my day. I stopped everything, got out of line, and gave him the biggest hug. Girls, I want to do more things like that.
I am going to put my faith in action by buying more burritos for people :) How can I brighten someone's day? How can I do the unexpected for someone? What can I do for someone where they can't do anything back for me except hug me and say thank you? 1 John says it; my church member did it; now I will pass it on: L-O-V-E. All because HE loved me first!
Now on a completely side note, I ended up calling the cops last night on my neighbors. After a 10 foot giant of a cop, fire truck called to put out a fire pit, and college kids hiding in their house it all ended up being pretty halarious. One of these days, at our next girls weekend, I'll share all the details. Thank you Lord for protection, for those men and women who serve to protect me, and for laughter in the midst of it all.
One important lesson I want to remember from this week is to love even when it's hard and I don't want to.
I feel God wants me to learn that I am missing out on opportunities to show love and make someone's day because I am so wrapped up in myself. Just this morning I was standing in line at the grocery store fixing to pay for my bfast burrito when the other cashier came up, grabbed my burrito, swiped it at her register, and then gave it back to me. When I looked up and my brain started working again I saw one my church members standing at the other register. He bought my burrito!!!!! It was only $1.72 but he totally made my day. I stopped everything, got out of line, and gave him the biggest hug. Girls, I want to do more things like that.
I am going to put my faith in action by buying more burritos for people :) How can I brighten someone's day? How can I do the unexpected for someone? What can I do for someone where they can't do anything back for me except hug me and say thank you? 1 John says it; my church member did it; now I will pass it on: L-O-V-E. All because HE loved me first!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:17-21
Good Morning! Good Morning! Good Morning! A week from today is Thanksgiving! Unbelievable! Jenifer how fun that you and Dan are doing the Turkey Trot. I'm doing one here too. Never done one before. I'm thinking we should dress up like turkeys!!!!
S - 17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
O - Lots of good stuff in here! #1 - "confidence in the day of judgment" - our eternity is secure. #2 - "no fear" - we don't have to fear when we have Jesus. #3 - "He first loved us" - that's what they call the GOOD NEWS! #4 - "love his brother" - we are to love and serve while we are down here
A - O.K. so let me examine how these things are playing out in my daily life...#1 - Salvation is nailed down. I know where I am going when I die. Hallelujiah! All because of grace. #2 - no fear is a daily realization for me. No other area has the Lord done more work and pulled me through and released the chains than fear. It is a nasty thing, and I don't ever want to go back to the bondage I was in. The Lord helps me everyday to take risks and not worry about the unknown. Love is the opposite of fear and freedom is found in love. #3 - He loves me! That's pure joy! #4 - Loving my brother is where I can use more work. Love, love, love. And not only the stranger or acquaintence, but sometimes the ones I love the most are the ones I'm least loving towards. With the holidays coming up there will be lots of family time. I get frustrated and irritated too quickly with a housefull of people. I pray for patience & love when I am around the masses this next month.
P - Lord thank you for Your Word. Thank you for salvation. I also pray specifically for Karlyn this morning too. I pray for a clear answer to what road to take with BeautiControl. I ask that you speak to her heart and mind that she may know what to do. In these next few days, please place the right people and signs in her path that confirm to her what the decision will be.
S - 17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
O - Lots of good stuff in here! #1 - "confidence in the day of judgment" - our eternity is secure. #2 - "no fear" - we don't have to fear when we have Jesus. #3 - "He first loved us" - that's what they call the GOOD NEWS! #4 - "love his brother" - we are to love and serve while we are down here
A - O.K. so let me examine how these things are playing out in my daily life...#1 - Salvation is nailed down. I know where I am going when I die. Hallelujiah! All because of grace. #2 - no fear is a daily realization for me. No other area has the Lord done more work and pulled me through and released the chains than fear. It is a nasty thing, and I don't ever want to go back to the bondage I was in. The Lord helps me everyday to take risks and not worry about the unknown. Love is the opposite of fear and freedom is found in love. #3 - He loves me! That's pure joy! #4 - Loving my brother is where I can use more work. Love, love, love. And not only the stranger or acquaintence, but sometimes the ones I love the most are the ones I'm least loving towards. With the holidays coming up there will be lots of family time. I get frustrated and irritated too quickly with a housefull of people. I pray for patience & love when I am around the masses this next month.
P - Lord thank you for Your Word. Thank you for salvation. I also pray specifically for Karlyn this morning too. I pray for a clear answer to what road to take with BeautiControl. I ask that you speak to her heart and mind that she may know what to do. In these next few days, please place the right people and signs in her path that confirm to her what the decision will be.
Karlyn update
Hey everybody! Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week!! I'm very excited. I'm also thankful for this blog! It's been such an accountability for me and makes me feel more connected to y'all.
I shared with y'all a long time ago about struggles I'm having. Right now I have a BIG decision to make. And you're one of the firsts I've talked to about this. I've been a BeautiControl Director for 3 years. I only became one because I knew it was where God was leading me. Over the past year and a half I've really struggled with being capable of handling all that Directorship requires. I've also learned a lot about what God expects of me as a mom, wife, and leader in our church. So, it's becoming harder and harder for me to juggle everything and make sure nothing is being neglected.
I completely believe in this company and what they provide for women, but I'm feeling a stronger tie to my kids, Ryan, my church, and ministries I want to be involved in. So please pray for me that if I need to back down from Directorship and take a lesser role that I can do that with confidence that it's what God is moving me to and not what I'm moving to.
Also my mom is having a heart catherization on November 30th which I know no details about because she still hasn't told me about it!
We will keep praying for your aunt, Ginny! I know that's heavy on your mind. Amber praying for y'all and those babies! Jenifer praying for you and your relationships! Cindy praying for y'all and baby boy!
I shared with y'all a long time ago about struggles I'm having. Right now I have a BIG decision to make. And you're one of the firsts I've talked to about this. I've been a BeautiControl Director for 3 years. I only became one because I knew it was where God was leading me. Over the past year and a half I've really struggled with being capable of handling all that Directorship requires. I've also learned a lot about what God expects of me as a mom, wife, and leader in our church. So, it's becoming harder and harder for me to juggle everything and make sure nothing is being neglected.
I completely believe in this company and what they provide for women, but I'm feeling a stronger tie to my kids, Ryan, my church, and ministries I want to be involved in. So please pray for me that if I need to back down from Directorship and take a lesser role that I can do that with confidence that it's what God is moving me to and not what I'm moving to.
Also my mom is having a heart catherization on November 30th which I know no details about because she still hasn't told me about it!
We will keep praying for your aunt, Ginny! I know that's heavy on your mind. Amber praying for y'all and those babies! Jenifer praying for you and your relationships! Cindy praying for y'all and baby boy!
I John 4:17-21: Karlyn
S - By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgement: because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If someone says "I love God", and hates his brother, he is a liar: for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
O - very convicting passage from fear to loving others! When God is in us there is no room for fear only His love. The reason we can love our brothers and sisters who drive us crazy is because God loves us and we don't always make the best choices. So if God loves us we have to love our brothers and sisters!
A - I've never thought of myself as a fearful person until I read Angie Smith's new book on fear! VERY good and eye opening. I realized that there are some things I've fearfully held on to instead of letting God's love work through me in those situations. Our church is full of people who fear. It's very alarming because I've never really been around this many people who are so fearful of everything. In January our ladies group is going to read Angie's book and I'm praying that God works in all of us to get closer to throwing out fear and putting on love.
P - Lord I'm so greatful that in you there is no fear. And we can give you all our fears and you will replace it with peace. God reveal to me today where I'm holding onto fears so that I can get rid of it and serve you bettter.
O - very convicting passage from fear to loving others! When God is in us there is no room for fear only His love. The reason we can love our brothers and sisters who drive us crazy is because God loves us and we don't always make the best choices. So if God loves us we have to love our brothers and sisters!
A - I've never thought of myself as a fearful person until I read Angie Smith's new book on fear! VERY good and eye opening. I realized that there are some things I've fearfully held on to instead of letting God's love work through me in those situations. Our church is full of people who fear. It's very alarming because I've never really been around this many people who are so fearful of everything. In January our ladies group is going to read Angie's book and I'm praying that God works in all of us to get closer to throwing out fear and putting on love.
P - Lord I'm so greatful that in you there is no fear. And we can give you all our fears and you will replace it with peace. God reveal to me today where I'm holding onto fears so that I can get rid of it and serve you bettter.
I John 4:13-16: Karlyn
S - By this we know that we abide in him and He in us because he has given us of His Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love and the one who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him.
O - Does anyone feel like John is repeating himself!!! I guess they has just as hard of heads as we do today and needed to be told over and over. God can only abide in us when there is confession of sin. And then love will abide in us.
A - I'm so glad we are going through I John. I've had a lot of questions from Sawyer lately regarding salvation and it's good to be able to take him to the Bible and give him info instead of this is just coming from mom. I'm even more grateful that the Holy Spirit can take the words I use with him and help them make sense to a 4 year old!
P - Lord thank you that we don't go by the law anymore and I can base my eternity on Jesus and his forgiveness of my sins. Thank you that I only had to repent of them once and he took care of all of them. Help me to confess daily where I fall short so that your love can abide in me and others can see it! Give us clear words to share with Sawyer when he has questions.
O - Does anyone feel like John is repeating himself!!! I guess they has just as hard of heads as we do today and needed to be told over and over. God can only abide in us when there is confession of sin. And then love will abide in us.
A - I'm so glad we are going through I John. I've had a lot of questions from Sawyer lately regarding salvation and it's good to be able to take him to the Bible and give him info instead of this is just coming from mom. I'm even more grateful that the Holy Spirit can take the words I use with him and help them make sense to a 4 year old!
P - Lord thank you that we don't go by the law anymore and I can base my eternity on Jesus and his forgiveness of my sins. Thank you that I only had to repent of them once and he took care of all of them. Help me to confess daily where I fall short so that your love can abide in me and others can see it! Give us clear words to share with Sawyer when he has questions.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:13-16
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love and the one who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him.
O - "He has given us of His Spirit." I like that part. It tells me He will help me. He, living through me, will help me love.
A - Why is it love that defines our relationship with the Lord? Why can't it be the Lord got stressed or pouted or moody or selfish. I could certainly abide on those! I'd be the top student. No doubt I was a child of God if those were the defining characteristics! Sometimes I always feel two steps behind on this Christain walk thing. Always trying to speed up to stay in the race. That's why I like these verses. #1, as I've said before, abiding means being with. Daily fellowship. It's not doing, doing, doing. It's being, being, being. #2 - He helps me love. He lives in me, and His love will come out in me.
P - Lord I pray that I may show Your love to those around me. That through my love they see You.
*Quick update on my Aunt. They found some more cancer behind her ear. It is not as aggressive, but it is big cell cancer and therefore they can not treat it at the same time and in the same way as they are treating the current small cell cancer. They don't seem as alarmed by this new discovery, but at the same time it is a downer that there is more that showed up. Treatments are still going good and doing as they should, but looks like there will be something else to fight as soon as this is done. Thanks for the prayers!!!
S - By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love and the one who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him.
O - "He has given us of His Spirit." I like that part. It tells me He will help me. He, living through me, will help me love.
A - Why is it love that defines our relationship with the Lord? Why can't it be the Lord got stressed or pouted or moody or selfish. I could certainly abide on those! I'd be the top student. No doubt I was a child of God if those were the defining characteristics! Sometimes I always feel two steps behind on this Christain walk thing. Always trying to speed up to stay in the race. That's why I like these verses. #1, as I've said before, abiding means being with. Daily fellowship. It's not doing, doing, doing. It's being, being, being. #2 - He helps me love. He lives in me, and His love will come out in me.
P - Lord I pray that I may show Your love to those around me. That through my love they see You.
*Quick update on my Aunt. They found some more cancer behind her ear. It is not as aggressive, but it is big cell cancer and therefore they can not treat it at the same time and in the same way as they are treating the current small cell cancer. They don't seem as alarmed by this new discovery, but at the same time it is a downer that there is more that showed up. Treatments are still going good and doing as they should, but looks like there will be something else to fight as soon as this is done. Thanks for the prayers!!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:11-12
Good evening again!
S - Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.
O - The best way to show the world we know Jesus is to love.
A - So do you ever have those thoughts of "What difficult person is the Lord fixing to put in my path and I am going to have to love them? What is He preparing me for????" This Bible study has been so timely each day, I can't help but wonder what is fixing to happen. All this talk about love. Who am I forgetting to show love to? You've got to laugh, but it does put me on alert! Ha!
P - Lord I want to show Your love everyday. I want it to be my first, natural reaction. Please open my eyes to those around that need Your love.
Ginny - 1 John 4:7-10
Good Evening Girlz!!!
S - Beloved, let us love one another for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
O - We love because God loved us first. He is our example.
A - I love that line, "the love of God was manifested in us." Manifested seems like such a big, overflowing, full of good stuff word. Like it just fills up a room. I want to love others so that they see Jesus. I want them so overcome by His love that they accept Him and become one of His children.
P - Lord thank You for Your example of how we are to love. Thank You for showing us examples in Your Word of how to love even when it's tough. Thank You for loving me even when I am not lovable. I love you!
Ginny
Hi Gals!!!
Forgot my papers at home with all my thoughts written down, so I'll catch-up on posts tonight. Just wanted to say hi and thanks for thinking about me this past weekend. Race went well, but it was hard! I've never run with 40,000 other people and that adds a whole new dynamic to the whole running thing. Hope you all are doing well! Love you all!
Ginny
Forgot my papers at home with all my thoughts written down, so I'll catch-up on posts tonight. Just wanted to say hi and thanks for thinking about me this past weekend. Race went well, but it was hard! I've never run with 40,000 other people and that adds a whole new dynamic to the whole running thing. Hope you all are doing well! Love you all!
Ginny
I John 4:11-12: Karlyn
S - Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.
O - God is in us = we have his love = and it takes daily prep for it to be perfected and for us to become good at loving others.
A - I get very frustrated with my selfishness a lot. I want so badly to be really show unconditional heart felt Christ love to others and I get in the way of myself ALL the time. I've got to remember that I can't love well unless I'm loving and spending QUALITY time with Christ. He has to be the one abiding in me not Karlyn.
P - Lord there are so many people around me that need to see and experience your love. Help me to get out of the way and to let you truly abide in me so that I can share your love. Thank you for all the patience and second chances you give.
O - God is in us = we have his love = and it takes daily prep for it to be perfected and for us to become good at loving others.
A - I get very frustrated with my selfishness a lot. I want so badly to be really show unconditional heart felt Christ love to others and I get in the way of myself ALL the time. I've got to remember that I can't love well unless I'm loving and spending QUALITY time with Christ. He has to be the one abiding in me not Karlyn.
P - Lord there are so many people around me that need to see and experience your love. Help me to get out of the way and to let you truly abide in me so that I can share your love. Thank you for all the patience and second chances you give.
Monday, November 14, 2011
I John 4:7-10: Karlyn
Congrats Ginny on your 1/2 marathon #2! Huge accomplishment!
S - Beloved let us love one another for love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent his only begotten son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins.
O - It is impossible to love without Christ. Love started with Him and if we don't know him and the forgiveness of our sins through him we can never know real true love.
A - as a kid we learned a lot of "Bible verse songs" which now people call praise choruses!!! This passage was one of my favorite songs.
Because Christ gave himself for me I can love. My relationships should be filled with his love and I should share it and live it with everyone around me. It may be the only way for some people to see and experience Christ.
P - Lord sometimes it is really hard to love. Thank you for demonstrating and giving us an example of what love is and not the love this world offers. Show me how to get better at loving others daily.
S - Beloved let us love one another for love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent his only begotten son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins.
O - It is impossible to love without Christ. Love started with Him and if we don't know him and the forgiveness of our sins through him we can never know real true love.
A - as a kid we learned a lot of "Bible verse songs" which now people call praise choruses!!! This passage was one of my favorite songs.
Because Christ gave himself for me I can love. My relationships should be filled with his love and I should share it and live it with everyone around me. It may be the only way for some people to see and experience Christ.
P - Lord sometimes it is really hard to love. Thank you for demonstrating and giving us an example of what love is and not the love this world offers. Show me how to get better at loving others daily.
Friday, November 11, 2011
1 John 4 7-10
S-v.10 This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
O- Its about his Love for us not our love for him.
A- No matter what I do I can never love God as much as he loves me. That even before he knew me he loved me, sins and all. He is the true definition of pure and good. I like what my Bible had to say in the note, "He loves us but his love does not make him morally lax". This is a good reminder for me because sometimes I accept things about myself and people when I know God believes it wrong.
P- Thank you for loving me flaws and all Thank you for never giving up on me. Help to always strive for your will and to love you with all I have.
Side note- I've been kinda down. I feel like I'm always the bad parent, the one who does all the driving, cleaning, disciplining and Dan gets to have all the fun. For example he took the 2 older ones to waffle house for breakfast and I had to stay with levi since he was still sleeping. The boys give me trouble but as soon as they see Dan they are like different kids. Its very frustrating. Lately, I feel like a servant. I don't feel appreciated (I know that this is probably Satan trying to put his foot in the door). So pray for my attitude.
O- Its about his Love for us not our love for him.
A- No matter what I do I can never love God as much as he loves me. That even before he knew me he loved me, sins and all. He is the true definition of pure and good. I like what my Bible had to say in the note, "He loves us but his love does not make him morally lax". This is a good reminder for me because sometimes I accept things about myself and people when I know God believes it wrong.
P- Thank you for loving me flaws and all Thank you for never giving up on me. Help to always strive for your will and to love you with all I have.
Side note- I've been kinda down. I feel like I'm always the bad parent, the one who does all the driving, cleaning, disciplining and Dan gets to have all the fun. For example he took the 2 older ones to waffle house for breakfast and I had to stay with levi since he was still sleeping. The boys give me trouble but as soon as they see Dan they are like different kids. Its very frustrating. Lately, I feel like a servant. I don't feel appreciated (I know that this is probably Satan trying to put his foot in the door). So pray for my attitude.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:5-6
Good Morning Girlz!!!! Karlyn glad you're back. Boooo for crazy weeks! Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so today is my Friday. I leave tomorrow for San Antonio to run a race on Sunday. I love San Antonio! It will always be one of my favorite places.
S - They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
O - They (the world) aren't suppose to understand. He warns us right here in verse 6.
A - Lysa TerKeurst's blog is one of my favorites (after this one of course ;)) If y'all aren't following it, you need to. She is so good and the way she is able to put her thoughts on paper amazes me. She is funny, blunt, deep, sweet, and grounded in truth. On Wednesday she wrote something that really caught my attention. She said: "Other people aren’t always right. They are sometimes. But not all the time." Seeing that in print really took me back a bit. It seemed like a pretty forward comment, and then I realized...You know what? She's right. Other people aren't always right. They accept and do things that do not line up with the Word of God. And to take is a step forward...just like these verses say...they aren't going to get us either. We are suppose to be different. We are suppose to think of things differently. There are many times I wish this wasn't the case. I would love to jump on the bandwagon and not have to look like the fuddy duddy because I'm not doing something, but in my heart of hearts obedience to the Lord is more important to me than any acceptance or satisfaction from the World. Hard in the moment, but freedom in the long run.
P - Girls, thank y'all so much for praying for me this week. I mentioned an area of temptation I felt the Lord wanting me to nip in the bud, and Glory to God I have been 10 days free! It has been hard and moments I reasoned with myself real good about caving in, but I didn't and I am sooooooo glad I didn't. I want y'all to know I am praying for y'all too. Also an update on my Aunt...she went back to get results from the first round of chemo and it was all good! It did exactly what they were hoping it would, and even better in a few areas. So thank you, thank you, thank you for praying for her. They go back to Houston next week for round 2. And then lastly...my brother is blogging again and it will be hysterical! I highly recommend it if you just need a good read to brighten your day. The address is: http://www.seetimrun-runtimrun.blogspot.com/ And then I guess one other thing (don't worry I promise to stop after this one) found out this past weekend my parents are moving to New York City in February. Kind of crazy. It's with my Dad's job and they will be up there for 3 years. I'm good, but if y'all will please pray for my sister and Tim. Amy is going to miss them terribly. She lives 45 mintues from them now, and she is the one with grandkids. Tim on the other hand is a little less than thrilled they are moving up there. He just got there in August and is loving it. Having parents there isn't really exciting news. Alright well I'm done. Really done this time. Y'all have a great day! Love you all!!!
S - They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
O - They (the world) aren't suppose to understand. He warns us right here in verse 6.
A - Lysa TerKeurst's blog is one of my favorites (after this one of course ;)) If y'all aren't following it, you need to. She is so good and the way she is able to put her thoughts on paper amazes me. She is funny, blunt, deep, sweet, and grounded in truth. On Wednesday she wrote something that really caught my attention. She said: "Other people aren’t always right. They are sometimes. But not all the time." Seeing that in print really took me back a bit. It seemed like a pretty forward comment, and then I realized...You know what? She's right. Other people aren't always right. They accept and do things that do not line up with the Word of God. And to take is a step forward...just like these verses say...they aren't going to get us either. We are suppose to be different. We are suppose to think of things differently. There are many times I wish this wasn't the case. I would love to jump on the bandwagon and not have to look like the fuddy duddy because I'm not doing something, but in my heart of hearts obedience to the Lord is more important to me than any acceptance or satisfaction from the World. Hard in the moment, but freedom in the long run.
P - Girls, thank y'all so much for praying for me this week. I mentioned an area of temptation I felt the Lord wanting me to nip in the bud, and Glory to God I have been 10 days free! It has been hard and moments I reasoned with myself real good about caving in, but I didn't and I am sooooooo glad I didn't. I want y'all to know I am praying for y'all too. Also an update on my Aunt...she went back to get results from the first round of chemo and it was all good! It did exactly what they were hoping it would, and even better in a few areas. So thank you, thank you, thank you for praying for her. They go back to Houston next week for round 2. And then lastly...my brother is blogging again and it will be hysterical! I highly recommend it if you just need a good read to brighten your day. The address is: http://www.seetimrun-runtimrun.blogspot.com/ And then I guess one other thing (don't worry I promise to stop after this one) found out this past weekend my parents are moving to New York City in February. Kind of crazy. It's with my Dad's job and they will be up there for 3 years. I'm good, but if y'all will please pray for my sister and Tim. Amy is going to miss them terribly. She lives 45 mintues from them now, and she is the one with grandkids. Tim on the other hand is a little less than thrilled they are moving up there. He just got there in August and is loving it. Having parents there isn't really exciting news. Alright well I'm done. Really done this time. Y'all have a great day! Love you all!!!
I John 4:2-4: Karlyn
This week has been the craziest week of my year! Sorry I've been missing since Monday.
S - By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that dos not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
O- How do we judge if it's from God or not? Do they confess Jesus Christ came in the flesh and was from God! Seems so simple. There's quite a lot in our world that doesn't confess Jesus for who he really is. No wonder we are hated by the world.
A - When i come up against those things and people who don't confess Jesus I can remember that He is in me and he is greater!
P - Lord I'm so greatful that your strength, knowledge, power, everything is greater than anything else in this world and I can always depend on you! Help me to be discerning about who is of Christ and is not.
S - By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that dos not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
O- How do we judge if it's from God or not? Do they confess Jesus Christ came in the flesh and was from God! Seems so simple. There's quite a lot in our world that doesn't confess Jesus for who he really is. No wonder we are hated by the world.
A - When i come up against those things and people who don't confess Jesus I can remember that He is in me and he is greater!
P - Lord I'm so greatful that your strength, knowledge, power, everything is greater than anything else in this world and I can always depend on you! Help me to be discerning about who is of Christ and is not.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:4
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
O - What strength this verse gives. When we are on God's team, we win! We finish as victor.
A - How would my day be different if I lived with this attitude everyday? I would probably walk around with a smile on my face a lot more. The little things would be held in perspective. I wouldn't get so stressed. I would enjoy and be thankful more.
P - Lord help me live out an "overcome attitude." Thank You for being Greater.
S - You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
O - What strength this verse gives. When we are on God's team, we win! We finish as victor.
A - How would my day be different if I lived with this attitude everyday? I would probably walk around with a smile on my face a lot more. The little things would be held in perspective. I wouldn't get so stressed. I would enjoy and be thankful more.
P - Lord help me live out an "overcome attitude." Thank You for being Greater.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:2-3
Good Morning Girlz!!!
Karlyn thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! Monday was a good day. I can see the Lord teaching and changing me. I want it to continue! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers!
S - By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
O - Do not be deceived by lies. Know the truth and measure everything against that truth.
A - I don't want to jump on the bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it. I want to hold everything up to His Word, and see how it measures up.
P - Lord I pray for eyes to see truth and wisdom to discern the truth. Lord I ask for protection against the schemes of Satan. May I know the difference between light and dark, and be an example for You.
Karlyn thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! Monday was a good day. I can see the Lord teaching and changing me. I want it to continue! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers!
S - By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
O - Do not be deceived by lies. Know the truth and measure everything against that truth.
A - I don't want to jump on the bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it. I want to hold everything up to His Word, and see how it measures up.
P - Lord I pray for eyes to see truth and wisdom to discern the truth. Lord I ask for protection against the schemes of Satan. May I know the difference between light and dark, and be an example for You.
Monday, November 7, 2011
I John 4:1 - Karlyn
Good weekend but I'm exhausted! Praying for endurance and rest! Ginny I've thought about you a lot lately with what you shared about your attitude. Hope your Monday was good!
S - Beloved , do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
O - False prophets have no truth in them so when measured up to God's word it should be obvious it's not from God.
A - Continue to be careful with books I choose to read and "CHRISTIAN" teachers I choose to listen to. Is what they are teaching and writing measuring up to the truth in God's Word.
P - Lord thank you for the standard of the Bible. Thank you for giving us a measurement to test all other things against. God I pray me nor my kids ever have to give up the freedom to read your Word whenever we want to. Thank you for your protection and provision.
S - Beloved , do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
O - False prophets have no truth in them so when measured up to God's word it should be obvious it's not from God.
A - Continue to be careful with books I choose to read and "CHRISTIAN" teachers I choose to listen to. Is what they are teaching and writing measuring up to the truth in God's Word.
P - Lord thank you for the standard of the Bible. Thank you for giving us a measurement to test all other things against. God I pray me nor my kids ever have to give up the freedom to read your Word whenever we want to. Thank you for your protection and provision.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 4:1
Hi Girlz! Hope everyone had a good weekend.
S - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but tests the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
O - As Christians we are not to accept all that the world embraces as O.K.
A - Whether false teachers or other things of the darkness, the enemy can weezle into our lives without any resistance unless we realize that it is wrong and turn from it. We must tests these evil things. We must question them. We must demand righteousness even when the world is clueless to it being wrong.
A few weeks ago a friend of mine at work loaned me 4 books. They are Nora Roberts's bride series. They are so good. They are about 4 friends that own a wedding planning business. Each one has there area of expertiese: photographs, flowers, cakes, and coordinating/organizing. I have loved reading about these girls and their daily lives and how they are such good friends. These books also include some romance, and let's just face it what the world says is O.K. to do when you're interested in someone doesn't line up with God's rules. I'm a little more than 1/2 way through the 3rd book and it's just dawned on me how much these books affect my mood. So, I'm not going to finish the series and I'm giving the books back to my friend. It falls under just doing what's right. We have to fight not to get pulled into the darkness...no matter how innocent it looks.
P - Lord I want to purge myself of all that is not pure. I only want to put into my body, mind, heart, and soul what makes me better and not what brings me down. Thank You for revealing this step I needed to take. Thank You for the strength to make a change. Help me as I look at other areas that need to be cleaned out. Lord it's hard to live by Your rules sometimes. I ask for strength to obey Your Word even when everyone else does differently. Thank You for being my Father. Thank You for always staying with me.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Ginny - reflection
Good Morning Girlz!!! Karlyn, your weekend sounds fun! We are having our celebration dinner with my running club tonight. Tomorrow is our last Saturday run before the big race next weekend. I'm so excited! I haven't been to a dinner party in a long time. I've also decided to quit teaching Weight Watchers at the end of this month... which means I get to skip out on training tomorrow... which means after I run tomorrow morning I get to come home and do whatever I want the rest of the day. That hasn't happened in a long time. I'm going to watch football and work on craft projects all day long. Should be a nice Saturday!
The lesson I learned this week is a mixture of what the Lord is revealing to me through our 1 John study as well as my Beth Moore study, and that lesson is that I must trust Him to reveal to me what I need to know at that time and not any more than what I need.
What I want to learn is that when I am tempted to go find out more info on my own I slip back into the darkness. Keep it in the light!
I will put my faith into action by resisting temptation. I will trust the Lord that He knows what I need to know and that He will give me that info when I need it. Thank y'all for praying me through this week as I have struggled with the desire to know more than I need to. I want to stand strong and only deal with those things in the light. Love you all - have a wonderful weekend!!!
The lesson I learned this week is a mixture of what the Lord is revealing to me through our 1 John study as well as my Beth Moore study, and that lesson is that I must trust Him to reveal to me what I need to know at that time and not any more than what I need.
What I want to learn is that when I am tempted to go find out more info on my own I slip back into the darkness. Keep it in the light!
I will put my faith into action by resisting temptation. I will trust the Lord that He knows what I need to know and that He will give me that info when I need it. Thank y'all for praying me through this week as I have struggled with the desire to know more than I need to. I want to stand strong and only deal with those things in the light. Love you all - have a wonderful weekend!!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Reflection I John 3:11-24
Yes I would LOVE to come to Lubbock and to Shreveport and to Florida and to TN. I want to see all of you! Happy Friday Morning! How did we get so spread out?
Busy weekend ahead...BeautiControl brunch Saturday and going to a friend's baby dedication on Sunday.
Lesson: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE one another.
God Wants me to learn: I don't have to worry if I'm loving people the way the want to be loved he just wants me to love them with Christ's love by showing compassion
Faith into action: Live out COMPASSION every day with everyone by listening to the Spirits calling and don't ignore it or question it.
Busy weekend ahead...BeautiControl brunch Saturday and going to a friend's baby dedication on Sunday.
Lesson: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE one another.
God Wants me to learn: I don't have to worry if I'm loving people the way the want to be loved he just wants me to love them with Christ's love by showing compassion
Faith into action: Live out COMPASSION every day with everyone by listening to the Spirits calling and don't ignore it or question it.
Ginny - 1 John 3:21-24
Good Morning Girlz!!! Don't y'all want to come to Lubbock!?! We could all sit in my den and eat puppy chow. I have been so hungry for puppy chow! It would be so fun!
S - Beloved if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is the commandment that we believe in the name of the His Son Jesus Christ and love one another just as He commanded us. And the one who keeps his commandments abides in Him and He is in him. And we know by this He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
O - #1 - believe in Him #2 - love one another
A - How would my day be different if all I concerned myself with was these two commands? Believe & love. How often I focus on unneccesary issues & forget the most important stuff. Believe & love.
P - Lord I pray I portray You today. Lord I believe in You. Help me to love others as You would love them. I ask for patience and mercy in dealing with others.
S - Beloved if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is the commandment that we believe in the name of the His Son Jesus Christ and love one another just as He commanded us. And the one who keeps his commandments abides in Him and He is in him. And we know by this He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
O - #1 - believe in Him #2 - love one another
A - How would my day be different if all I concerned myself with was these two commands? Believe & love. How often I focus on unneccesary issues & forget the most important stuff. Believe & love.
P - Lord I pray I portray You today. Lord I believe in You. Help me to love others as You would love them. I ask for patience and mercy in dealing with others.
I John 3:21-24 - Karlyn
S - Dear friends if we don't feel guilty we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with him and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.
O - This reminds me a little of the Israelites. God gave them tons of very strict commandments to live by. His reasonings for them was to keep them safe, healthy, and to show them He was God. After the cross we believe in Christ, love one another, and obey God. We've got it so much better than them but yet I still choose to disobey and miss out on blessings.
A - I'm very thankful for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. I'm continuing to be more attentive to him and listen to "stay away from that or go do this". I want to be so close to God that when the SPirit calls me to do something I don't have to go through a long list of confession to get my heart ready to go serve.
P - Father thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Please help me to love others today the way you love us. Help me to keep close fellowship with you every minute of this day instead of just when I need something.
O - This reminds me a little of the Israelites. God gave them tons of very strict commandments to live by. His reasonings for them was to keep them safe, healthy, and to show them He was God. After the cross we believe in Christ, love one another, and obey God. We've got it so much better than them but yet I still choose to disobey and miss out on blessings.
A - I'm very thankful for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. I'm continuing to be more attentive to him and listen to "stay away from that or go do this". I want to be so close to God that when the SPirit calls me to do something I don't have to go through a long list of confession to get my heart ready to go serve.
P - Father thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Please help me to love others today the way you love us. Help me to keep close fellowship with you every minute of this day instead of just when I need something.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Ginny - 1 John 3:16-20
Good Morning! Good Morning! Good Morning!
S - We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethern. But whoever has the world's goods & beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We shall know by this that we are of the truth and shall assure our heart before Him, in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
O - Serving others and meeting needs is what we are to be about.
A - Nothing speaks God's love louder than our actions. As this holiday season approaches I want to find a area I can serve in and help those in need. Whether it be something through my church or something through the city, I want to give of myself and my time and my energy to bless others the way I have been blessed.
Also, I want to point out that I love that last line -- "God is greater than our heart and knows all things." Can I get an A-men?!? Thank goodness God is greater! Thank goodness He knows all things! Life can get jumbled up sometimes and I don't even know what I think and feel, but He is always constant. He is still on top of things. He knows. That brings me much comfort this morning.
P - Lord I pray for an opportunity to serve. A ministry I can get involved in where I can give of my time to help others. Lord, thank You for being all knowing. Forgive me for how I confuse things and make them so much more dramatic than they really are.
S - We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethern. But whoever has the world's goods & beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We shall know by this that we are of the truth and shall assure our heart before Him, in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
O - Serving others and meeting needs is what we are to be about.
A - Nothing speaks God's love louder than our actions. As this holiday season approaches I want to find a area I can serve in and help those in need. Whether it be something through my church or something through the city, I want to give of myself and my time and my energy to bless others the way I have been blessed.
Also, I want to point out that I love that last line -- "God is greater than our heart and knows all things." Can I get an A-men?!? Thank goodness God is greater! Thank goodness He knows all things! Life can get jumbled up sometimes and I don't even know what I think and feel, but He is always constant. He is still on top of things. He knows. That brings me much comfort this morning.
P - Lord I pray for an opportunity to serve. A ministry I can get involved in where I can give of my time to help others. Lord, thank You for being all knowing. Forgive me for how I confuse things and make them so much more dramatic than they really are.
I John 3:16-20 - Karlyn
S- We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God's love be in that person? Dear children let's not merely say that we love each other let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty God is greater than our feelings and he knows everything.
O - Actions speak louder than words. Compassion is an action not a passive thought towards someone. Our actions prove to the world and other believers that we are living in Christ. I also love the phrase God is greater than our feelings and knows everything.
A - Compassion is a trait I have been thinking about a lot since this summer when I really learned what compassion was. However, I haven't put my feelings into full action yet. I'm still praying that the Holy Spirit will open my eyes to all the small and big things he wants me to put into action.
Sometimes I let my feelings be greater than God in my mind. That has to stop because he knows everything!
P - Lord give me a compassionate heart. One that always thinks about others needs before my own. Help me to put that compassion into action to bring others to you.
O - Actions speak louder than words. Compassion is an action not a passive thought towards someone. Our actions prove to the world and other believers that we are living in Christ. I also love the phrase God is greater than our feelings and knows everything.
A - Compassion is a trait I have been thinking about a lot since this summer when I really learned what compassion was. However, I haven't put my feelings into full action yet. I'm still praying that the Holy Spirit will open my eyes to all the small and big things he wants me to put into action.
Sometimes I let my feelings be greater than God in my mind. That has to stop because he knows everything!
P - Lord give me a compassionate heart. One that always thinks about others needs before my own. Help me to put that compassion into action to bring others to you.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Jen 1 John 3:1-5
S-v.6 So if we continue to live in him, we won't sin either. But those who keep on sinning have never known Him or understood who he is.
O- This is convicting to me. If you first read this you come away thinking that none of us are truly living in Him. I know I sin every single day and its usually the same sin! I know I'm his child even though I commit sins. The difference between me and a nonbeliever is attitude, grace and mercy. As a Christian, I come to to God each day confess, ask for forgiveness, and help to break the sin I'm struggling with at that time. A nonbeliever does the opposite and keeps going about their life.
A- Everyday to ask God to show and bring to my attention the areas where I'm sinning. That I will truly be sorry and strive to break sin.
P- Lord, show me on a daily basis where I've sinned against you. Help me to be truly convicted of those sins. Help me to strive for pureness in my daily walk with you.
O- This is convicting to me. If you first read this you come away thinking that none of us are truly living in Him. I know I sin every single day and its usually the same sin! I know I'm his child even though I commit sins. The difference between me and a nonbeliever is attitude, grace and mercy. As a Christian, I come to to God each day confess, ask for forgiveness, and help to break the sin I'm struggling with at that time. A nonbeliever does the opposite and keeps going about their life.
A- Everyday to ask God to show and bring to my attention the areas where I'm sinning. That I will truly be sorry and strive to break sin.
P- Lord, show me on a daily basis where I've sinned against you. Help me to be truly convicted of those sins. Help me to strive for pureness in my daily walk with you.
ginny - 1 John 3:13-15
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - Do not be surprised brethren if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, becuase we love the brethern. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
O - Love, love, love. It's the most important thing.
A - When am I going to learn this lesson? I have got to start loving more.
P - Lord I'm so sorry for not being a good example of You. Help me as I try to love.
Also, thank you girls for praying for me yesterday. It was a good day. Love y'all!
S - Do not be surprised brethren if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, becuase we love the brethern. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
O - Love, love, love. It's the most important thing.
A - When am I going to learn this lesson? I have got to start loving more.
P - Lord I'm so sorry for not being a good example of You. Help me as I try to love.
Also, thank you girls for praying for me yesterday. It was a good day. Love y'all!
I John 3:13-15 - Karlyn
S - So don't be surprised dear brothers and sisters if the world hates you. If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life within them.
O - Murderers at heart - that is STRONG wording there. It makes me really think about how I feel towards other people that I have difficulty with. If I feel that I hate them God's love isn't working in me.
A - In my heart hate for other people needs to be gone and never allowed in. Instead those who I have difficulty with, I need to work harderer at building a relationship with them or praying for them and me!
P - Lord thank you for being such a loving God and showing us what it means to love with your love and live with your love in us. Please help me to stay away from hate and instead turn to your love when I can't love. Because my love is nothing without you.
O - Murderers at heart - that is STRONG wording there. It makes me really think about how I feel towards other people that I have difficulty with. If I feel that I hate them God's love isn't working in me.
A - In my heart hate for other people needs to be gone and never allowed in. Instead those who I have difficulty with, I need to work harderer at building a relationship with them or praying for them and me!
P - Lord thank you for being such a loving God and showing us what it means to love with your love and live with your love in us. Please help me to stay away from hate and instead turn to your love when I can't love. Because my love is nothing without you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)