This week has been everything but peaceful! Rachel's dad's trailer was destroyed in a tornado early Thursday morning. He was the only place hit in Sheridan. Amazingly, he was inside and survived with minor injuries. He has nothing left.
It's been a very busy week and I can't get last week's shooting out of my head. I'm so thankful for the peace in my heart and that I can call on the Holy Spirit for comfort and restoration.
I hope all of you have a restful fun Christmas. I love you all very much and I'm so thankful God gave you to me as friends, encouragers, mentors, and family.
S - Phillipians 4:4-7 Always be full of the joy in the Lord. I say it again Rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceed anything you can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 1:20-21 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Joseph son of David the angel said do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
O - Worry and fear can't accomplish anything Christ wants. His peace in us and shown through us can show the world how awesome he is!
A - If the world would read these verses in Phillipians and Matthew and take them to heart how different a world we would live in. His peace "exceeds anything we can understand" I pray this for the families in Connecticut and for everyone who is hurting for any reason. I'm ready for the Lord to come back but there are still so many who need him. Friends family neighbors strangers, I'm heavy hearted today, but I will Rejoice and find my joy in him.
P - Lord thank you for the Peace that Jesus brings. Show me today how to share that peace with those I'm with. Thank you for providing what we don't understand to get us through what we can't do on our own.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Ginny - Peace Day 5
Good Morning Girlz!!! I woke up early today. Pretty bad headache buts it's getting better. I even already painted my toes!
S - "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27
O - God doesn't do things as the world does things. The world tries to satisfy us, but God is two steps ahead of them. His ways are higher, and just as verse 27 says...not as the world. He is the ultimate fulfillment. He is here. Do not fear or be troubled. God is above it all and offers peace.
A - I think as I head into these next few and final days of Christmas that is what I want on the tip of my tongue. God is here. He has come and offers me hope, love, joy and peace. He is here. He is with me. He is in control. He reigns. Glory to God!
P - Lord thank You for Your ever prescence and all the gifts You give me. May I feel Your prescence these next few days. May You be near as I celebrate Christmas.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! I will be thinking and praying for each one of y'all. Mom & Dad are already at Amy's, Tim flies in today and I'll head over tomorrow. Sunday my parents, Tim and I are going to Houston for the day to see my Uncle Robert and cousins. This is the family that lost my Aunt back in June to cancer. It will be so good to see them. Tuesday I'll head back here, but my folks are coming with me for a few days and then flying back to NYC from here. It will be a good time being all together. I've enjoyed this study and look forward to the next one. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
S - "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27
O - God doesn't do things as the world does things. The world tries to satisfy us, but God is two steps ahead of them. His ways are higher, and just as verse 27 says...not as the world. He is the ultimate fulfillment. He is here. Do not fear or be troubled. God is above it all and offers peace.
A - I think as I head into these next few and final days of Christmas that is what I want on the tip of my tongue. God is here. He has come and offers me hope, love, joy and peace. He is here. He is with me. He is in control. He reigns. Glory to God!
P - Lord thank You for Your ever prescence and all the gifts You give me. May I feel Your prescence these next few days. May You be near as I celebrate Christmas.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! I will be thinking and praying for each one of y'all. Mom & Dad are already at Amy's, Tim flies in today and I'll head over tomorrow. Sunday my parents, Tim and I are going to Houston for the day to see my Uncle Robert and cousins. This is the family that lost my Aunt back in June to cancer. It will be so good to see them. Tuesday I'll head back here, but my folks are coming with me for a few days and then flying back to NYC from here. It will be a good time being all together. I've enjoyed this study and look forward to the next one. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Ginny - Peace Day 3
Hello Girlz!!!
S - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
O - Peace to me, is such a defining characteristic of those that walk close to the Lord. When I think of my role models in the Christian faith, they are all people that have peace. They understand the Lord's soverignty and they pray to Him instead of worrying about it.
A - Especially when there is so much to think about right now with work, and Christmas plans, it is easy to react with worry rather than prayer when problems arise. I need to pray a lot more about all the little things that come my way at work. Right now I am letting them ruffle my feathers. I want peace to rule, not my frustration.
P - Lord I pray specifically for crazy, hectic work days. Give me patience and love to help people. I pray that all those that I talk to on the phone and who come to my desk will see Your peace in my attitude and spirit.
S - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
O - Peace to me, is such a defining characteristic of those that walk close to the Lord. When I think of my role models in the Christian faith, they are all people that have peace. They understand the Lord's soverignty and they pray to Him instead of worrying about it.
A - Especially when there is so much to think about right now with work, and Christmas plans, it is easy to react with worry rather than prayer when problems arise. I need to pray a lot more about all the little things that come my way at work. Right now I am letting them ruffle my feathers. I want peace to rule, not my frustration.
P - Lord I pray specifically for crazy, hectic work days. Give me patience and love to help people. I pray that all those that I talk to on the phone and who come to my desk will see Your peace in my attitude and spirit.
Cindy: Peace Day 3
S - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7
O - Rejoice always. Paul says it twice to put more emphasis on it...Rejoice! God is near. The peace of God overcomes every thought...we should be consumed by peace not our worrisome thoughts and be focused on God.
A - I quote these verses all the time. I have our students quoting these verses whey they worry. But with Scripture it's not enough just to quote it, it's more than that - it is doing it. To know what the Bible says and then not do it is sin. We have comfort in knowing God's instructions and knowing that they are for our benefit, our best. So I must not worry but instead pray, let my need, my request be known to God and then have confidence in the Lord to do as He says...give me peace.
P - Thank you Lord for Your word, Your instruction that brings peace. Father help me to be consistent in doing what Your word says. Help me to rejoice in You at all times.
O - Rejoice always. Paul says it twice to put more emphasis on it...Rejoice! God is near. The peace of God overcomes every thought...we should be consumed by peace not our worrisome thoughts and be focused on God.
A - I quote these verses all the time. I have our students quoting these verses whey they worry. But with Scripture it's not enough just to quote it, it's more than that - it is doing it. To know what the Bible says and then not do it is sin. We have comfort in knowing God's instructions and knowing that they are for our benefit, our best. So I must not worry but instead pray, let my need, my request be known to God and then have confidence in the Lord to do as He says...give me peace.
P - Thank you Lord for Your word, Your instruction that brings peace. Father help me to be consistent in doing what Your word says. Help me to rejoice in You at all times.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Cindy: Peace Day 1 & 2
S - For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
Sing for joy, Daughter of Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. - Zephaniah 3:14-15
O - The names of Christ: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. These names tell of His character. In Zephaniah, the Lord is removing punishment, turning back your enemy...He is bringing peace. The verse says you don't need to fear harm...that's because He is the Prince of Peace
A - Peace is definitely needed this week. Saturday night a girl in our church was killed in a four wheeler accident. She was only 20yrs old and had been married only 6 mths. She and her husband were riding a four wheeler together when she was thrown and killed instantly. He was driving. With the tragedy in Sandy Hook on Friday and the accident that happened here on Saturday, people are in search and need of peace. We can and should rely on Christ to bring peace in times of trouble. The Lord is in control and His word says that we don't need to fear harm.
P - Pray for the Rhoden/Treece family during this difficult time. The viewing is tonight and the funeral tomorrow.
Sing for joy, Daughter of Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. - Zephaniah 3:14-15
O - The names of Christ: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. These names tell of His character. In Zephaniah, the Lord is removing punishment, turning back your enemy...He is bringing peace. The verse says you don't need to fear harm...that's because He is the Prince of Peace
A - Peace is definitely needed this week. Saturday night a girl in our church was killed in a four wheeler accident. She was only 20yrs old and had been married only 6 mths. She and her husband were riding a four wheeler together when she was thrown and killed instantly. He was driving. With the tragedy in Sandy Hook on Friday and the accident that happened here on Saturday, people are in search and need of peace. We can and should rely on Christ to bring peace in times of trouble. The Lord is in control and His word says that we don't need to fear harm.
P - Pray for the Rhoden/Treece family during this difficult time. The viewing is tonight and the funeral tomorrow.
Karlyn: Peace day 1 and 2
S: For a child will be born to us a son will be given to us and the government will rest on his shoulders and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6
Shout for Joy O daughter of Zion Shout in triumph O Israel! Rejoice and exalt with all your heart O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord has taken away his judgements against you. He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. You will fear disaster no more.
Zephaniah 3:14-15
O - "lasting peace doesn't depend on my circumstances" Everything rests on Christ's shoulders. He is the Prince of Peace in a dark world. We no longer have to fear disaster because we can have everlasting peace with him.
A - I have felt so much anxiety since the shootings last week, and I'm typically not anxious. I don't want to ever have to experience what that town is feeling. I'm praying so desperately that God will receive amazing glory for what comes after this tragedy and I'm praying hard for the souls left here to come to know Christ. I want that community to be able to read these verses above with confidence and feel Christ's peace.
P - Lord you knew this shooting would happen. You are still in control. God I pray for these families and community that they will come to know you more than ever and live their lives for you and not for children that are gone. Show them how to honor their lives by living for you. God protect our country from more of these tragedies and protect our families. Thank you for your peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Shout for Joy O daughter of Zion Shout in triumph O Israel! Rejoice and exalt with all your heart O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord has taken away his judgements against you. He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. You will fear disaster no more.
Zephaniah 3:14-15
O - "lasting peace doesn't depend on my circumstances" Everything rests on Christ's shoulders. He is the Prince of Peace in a dark world. We no longer have to fear disaster because we can have everlasting peace with him.
A - I have felt so much anxiety since the shootings last week, and I'm typically not anxious. I don't want to ever have to experience what that town is feeling. I'm praying so desperately that God will receive amazing glory for what comes after this tragedy and I'm praying hard for the souls left here to come to know Christ. I want that community to be able to read these verses above with confidence and feel Christ's peace.
P - Lord you knew this shooting would happen. You are still in control. God I pray for these families and community that they will come to know you more than ever and live their lives for you and not for children that are gone. Show them how to honor their lives by living for you. God protect our country from more of these tragedies and protect our families. Thank you for your peace.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Karlyn:Joy day 5
Happy Friday Morning! Staci leaves for a mission trip to the Yucatan today with her school. Christy is meeting them on Sunday. They will be there for a week. Please pray for the people they will be ministering to.
Thank y'all for praying for my foot. It is so much better and I know how to take care of it now. So I've got another issue:) Turning 35 really messed me up this year:) I think I now have carpul tunnel (sp) in my left hand. I've never had this much trouble in my life. Please pray that it's not that and that it will stop hurting.
Merry Christmas and have a great weekend! Ginny how was the peanut farm?
S - Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
O I haven't endured anything Jesus didn't go through. He knew there was great joy to experience after every trial and eternal Joy in heaven. This expectation of Joy kept him going through the hard experiences.
A - This Christmas I've tried to place the word JOY in every place I can to help me to remember what my attitude should be. I want to go through the hard times of life remembering Joy will carry me through and is the reward.
LOrd thank you for your JOY that is better than any happiness I could everr imaging. Thank you for giving us endurance through Christ and his Joy. Help me to share Joy today with those I'm around.
Thank y'all for praying for my foot. It is so much better and I know how to take care of it now. So I've got another issue:) Turning 35 really messed me up this year:) I think I now have carpul tunnel (sp) in my left hand. I've never had this much trouble in my life. Please pray that it's not that and that it will stop hurting.
Merry Christmas and have a great weekend! Ginny how was the peanut farm?
S - Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
O I haven't endured anything Jesus didn't go through. He knew there was great joy to experience after every trial and eternal Joy in heaven. This expectation of Joy kept him going through the hard experiences.
A - This Christmas I've tried to place the word JOY in every place I can to help me to remember what my attitude should be. I want to go through the hard times of life remembering Joy will carry me through and is the reward.
LOrd thank you for your JOY that is better than any happiness I could everr imaging. Thank you for giving us endurance through Christ and his Joy. Help me to share Joy today with those I'm around.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Karlyn: Joy day 2-4
Happy Thursday afternoon! Have fun Ginny! I'm singing at an insurance Christmas party tonight. It's always a little awkward but fun.
S - Nehemiah 8:10 And Nehemiah continued "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. THis is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.
Luke 2:10-14 but the angel reassured them. Don't be afraid he said I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem the city of David. And you will recognize him by this sign: YOu will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth lying in a manger.
O - God's Joy has had to be and will always be my only strength!
Right now I long for his presence, it's the only thing that gives me peace. I want Holly toknow this peace.
I can't imagine the excitement of those shepherds. I can't even imagine what they were thinking or feeling. How special for them not kings and government officials to be the ones to see this baby first!!!
A - I want his joy peace and excitement for Christmas to be seen and for people to want to know more about Christ and not Santa!
P- Lord you know all the things I've struggled with and have failed in this week. Please help me to press on with Joy and your peace and the longing for your presence face to face! Thank you for Jesus!
S - Nehemiah 8:10 And Nehemiah continued "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. THis is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.
Luke 2:10-14 but the angel reassured them. Don't be afraid he said I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem the city of David. And you will recognize him by this sign: YOu will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth lying in a manger.
O - God's Joy has had to be and will always be my only strength!
Right now I long for his presence, it's the only thing that gives me peace. I want Holly toknow this peace.
I can't imagine the excitement of those shepherds. I can't even imagine what they were thinking or feeling. How special for them not kings and government officials to be the ones to see this baby first!!!
A - I want his joy peace and excitement for Christmas to be seen and for people to want to know more about Christ and not Santa!
P- Lord you know all the things I've struggled with and have failed in this week. Please help me to press on with Joy and your peace and the longing for your presence face to face! Thank you for Jesus!
Ginny - Joy Day 4
Good Morning Girlz!!!
I am so excited! I am fixing to head out to one of our peanut house's Christmas Open House and I AM SO EXCITED!!! We have been working so hard I haven't even had time to look up and now I get to take like a 2 hour break and be with people I love! I am so excited! I've already decided I'm getting Starbucks before I head out of town! It's gonna be so fun!
S - But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
I am so excited! I am fixing to head out to one of our peanut house's Christmas Open House and I AM SO EXCITED!!! We have been working so hard I haven't even had time to look up and now I get to take like a 2 hour break and be with people I love! I am so excited! I've already decided I'm getting Starbucks before I head out of town! It's gonna be so fun!
S - But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:10-14
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:10-14
O - God knew. God knew how all of this would work. He had it planned out exactly how He wanted it. Nothing about it was strange to Him, it was exactly as it should be. My favorite Christmas song is, "Such a strange way to save the world." It talks of how Joseph was a normal guy. Mary...there was nothing special about her. He could have come in a grand entrance, but instead he came in a barn. Such a strange way indeed, but yet the most amazing birth there ever was or will be. God knew.
A - Yesterday we hired a new football coach. Kliff Kingsbury and I am sooooooooooooo excited along with the rest of the town. This place has gone crazy!!! People are literally partying in the street. Kliff was our quarterback in the early 2000's and people love him! Facebook was halarious last night with all the constant, endless updates of Welcome home Kliff! The King is coming back! The King is home! The King has come to reign. It was fun. This morning I got up and those messages were playing through my head as the radio DJ's were talking about it and I couldn't help but think...what if we got this excited about THE KING...the true King coming home? How many of these people are ready and thinking about inviting THE KING into their homes and lives this holiday season? Is He going to be there or are we just totally looking over the reason we have Christmas. How wonderful it would be if we got that excited? If we rang the victory bells. If we talked about it on the radio. If it was on the front page of the paper. If it was all the updates on fb. THAT King is worth it. THAT is the King I want to make sure is at my home and in my life and of those I love this Christmas.
P - Heavenly Father I pray that the joy and excitement about You shines forth from me this Christmas season, that all those I am around will see the love I have for You.
Joy Day 4
Praying for Holly and your whole family. Levi came home yesterday with the stomach bug. He's much better this morning but praying no one else catches. My stomach has been hurting all night but I think its all mental from having to clean up after him.:)
S- Luke 2:10-14 And the angel said to them, "Fear not for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. ANd this will be a sign for you: you find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying " Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased."
O- I can't imagine what it must of been like to be there that night. How dark and quiet it must have been out there. How surprised they must of been when they saw the brightness of the angels and heard the singing. How they didn't question but listened, heard and obeyed. God sent His Son for ALL people, not just a few.
A- I need to be shouting this joy to my neighbors, the people in the stores, and everyone I come into contact. The Shepherds can teach me an important lesson about obeying. So many times I question God and think my way is the right way.
P- Lord, help me share this great Joy to everyone around. Help me to be like the Shepherds and go as soon as you tell me too.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Ginny - Joy Day 3
Good evening girlz!!!
S - You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11
O - Why would we want to be any where else other than walking with our Savior!?! Look at all the benefits we get when we decide to yield to Him and obey...direction, joy, pleasures.
A - Lord why do I go seeking other things and people to fulfill me? You have it all just waiting to bless me with it. I could use a lot of direction right now. Some decisions for pretty major future plans are before me and it sure would be nice to be confident in the decision to make.
P - Lord please show me what path to take. Guide and direct me, please. Open my eyes to see what You would have me see and make a wise decision.
S - You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11
O - Why would we want to be any where else other than walking with our Savior!?! Look at all the benefits we get when we decide to yield to Him and obey...direction, joy, pleasures.
A - Lord why do I go seeking other things and people to fulfill me? You have it all just waiting to bless me with it. I could use a lot of direction right now. Some decisions for pretty major future plans are before me and it sure would be nice to be confident in the decision to make.
P - Lord please show me what path to take. Guide and direct me, please. Open my eyes to see what You would have me see and make a wise decision.
Karlyn: Keep praying
Hey everyone! Holly is 13 weeks pregnant. Long story short, she and the guy had been broken for over a month and had no contact with each other. Now he is trying to convince her they should move in together. There are so many levels of things to pray for I can't even begin. Most of all pray for her salvation and that she would continue to listen to our advice and trust it. God knew this was going to happen and he can pull her through she just has to accept him!
Love y'all! Oh and Jen, Knox and Levi must be having secret conversations! Right there with ya sista!
Love y'all! Oh and Jen, Knox and Levi must be having secret conversations! Right there with ya sista!
Cindy: Joy Day 3
S - You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. - Psalm 16:11
O - With God is the path of life and in His presence is abundant joy
A - Praise God that He knows the path of life and is revealing it to me. This is especially comforting in times of uncertainty! Also that in Him is not only joy but abundant joy - overflowing joy, more joy than I could ask for - joy, Joy, JOY
P - Thank you Lord for being in control, for revealing Your path to me. Help me today to not only recognize that in Your presence is abundant joy but to live it!
O - With God is the path of life and in His presence is abundant joy
A - Praise God that He knows the path of life and is revealing it to me. This is especially comforting in times of uncertainty! Also that in Him is not only joy but abundant joy - overflowing joy, more joy than I could ask for - joy, Joy, JOY
P - Thank you Lord for being in control, for revealing Your path to me. Help me today to not only recognize that in Your presence is abundant joy but to live it!
Cindy: Joy Day 2
S - Then he said to them, "Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your stronghold." - Nehemiah 8:10
O - The people of Israel had been without the Word of God during the exile. They are finally returning and hearing the words of the law, which causes all the people to weep when they hear the Word (v9). In verse 10, Ezra and Nehemiah are saying to rejoice/ celebrate, give to those who have nothing prepared. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
A - oh that I would have the same reaction to the Word of God...that I would long for the Word and I would weep when I'm without it...to be moved by the reading of God's Word, to rejoice and celebrate because of God's Word and to know that the joy of the Lord is my strength!
P - Lord, thank you for joy. Thank you for being my strength. Lord I pray that I will be able to share with others what you have done this Christmas season so that they too can rejoice and celebrate in you!
O - The people of Israel had been without the Word of God during the exile. They are finally returning and hearing the words of the law, which causes all the people to weep when they hear the Word (v9). In verse 10, Ezra and Nehemiah are saying to rejoice/ celebrate, give to those who have nothing prepared. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
A - oh that I would have the same reaction to the Word of God...that I would long for the Word and I would weep when I'm without it...to be moved by the reading of God's Word, to rejoice and celebrate because of God's Word and to know that the joy of the Lord is my strength!
P - Lord, thank you for joy. Thank you for being my strength. Lord I pray that I will be able to share with others what you have done this Christmas season so that they too can rejoice and celebrate in you!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Ginny - Joy Day 2
Good evening girlz!!!
S- Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
O - "Do not be grieved" Do not get bogged down in this world. There is JOY! Joy that brings strength to make it through.
A - I can not make it without the Lord. It is His strength and His power and His wisdom that gets me through each day. What joy is found in our Savior! Even when times are rough, even when I am exhausted, even when money is tight, even when I'm being a brat, even when things don't make sense; there is still strength found in the joy of the Lord. Praise His name!
P - Lord thank You for taking care of me so much more than I deserve. Thank You for being my strength and my joy.
S- Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
O - "Do not be grieved" Do not get bogged down in this world. There is JOY! Joy that brings strength to make it through.
A - I can not make it without the Lord. It is His strength and His power and His wisdom that gets me through each day. What joy is found in our Savior! Even when times are rough, even when I am exhausted, even when money is tight, even when I'm being a brat, even when things don't make sense; there is still strength found in the joy of the Lord. Praise His name!
P - Lord thank You for taking care of me so much more than I deserve. Thank You for being my strength and my joy.
Ginny - Joy Day 1
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
O - "...joy may be made complete." Those words really stuck out to me today. There is so much in these verses, but for some reason "joy may be made complete" really hit home. Doesn't that sound so nice? For something to be complete. Sealed. Done. Lacking nothing. I like that. I want that.
A - Work these past couple of weeks has been anything but complete. It has been a constant list of loose ends and waiting on people to get me this, so I can do this, and get it to so & so. Very few files have been closed up and marked done. I looooong for my stack to dwindle, but right now that's just not possible. Today's verse reminds me that I do have something...a wonderful something...that is wrapped up and taken care of. No loose ends. The joy I find in the Lord is complete. It lacks nothing. It quenches. It satisfies. It surpasses all the temporal stuff down here. It is perfect.
P - Heavenly Father thank You for the gift of Joy and the strength I find in it. I pray as days come and whirl by and nothing seems to get done that I would remember Your joy is always with me.
S - These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
God Is Light
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1 4:7O - "...joy may be made complete." Those words really stuck out to me today. There is so much in these verses, but for some reason "joy may be made complete" really hit home. Doesn't that sound so nice? For something to be complete. Sealed. Done. Lacking nothing. I like that. I want that.
A - Work these past couple of weeks has been anything but complete. It has been a constant list of loose ends and waiting on people to get me this, so I can do this, and get it to so & so. Very few files have been closed up and marked done. I looooong for my stack to dwindle, but right now that's just not possible. Today's verse reminds me that I do have something...a wonderful something...that is wrapped up and taken care of. No loose ends. The joy I find in the Lord is complete. It lacks nothing. It quenches. It satisfies. It surpasses all the temporal stuff down here. It is perfect.
P - Heavenly Father thank You for the gift of Joy and the strength I find in it. I pray as days come and whirl by and nothing seems to get done that I would remember Your joy is always with me.
Joy Day 2
Pray for me and Levi. He's at that very hard age of 2. He is so strong willed. The last week or so he's started throwing fits. He cries so hard he makes himself sick. Last week I cleaned up throw up 4x at nap because he was mad. Fun times!!!
S- Nehemiah 8:10- Then He said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat adn drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And not be grieved, for the joy is our strength."
O- We are to give freely and often. By doing this we will be filled with joy.
A- As a family we have really been working on giving and doing it with joy, especially Grant. We live in a society that has so much. We expect something for every good grade, race, sports, job etc... Dan and I were convicted that we were just as guilty. So we have been trying to be intentional about giving. We have found that its so much fun to see the faces of those we help. We have also started doing random acts of kindness with the boys and it's so much fun to see how excited they get. We want the boys to see us putting our faith in action instead of just talking about it. This Christmas season I've also been thinking about alot of the tradtions and how we celebrate. This year God has showed me that I need to put more focus on Him and not all the traditions.
P- Lord, help to always have joy in every sitaution. That is so hard for me to do especially with a 2 yr old running around. Help me see and reach out to those in need.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Karlyn: Joy Day 1
Happy Monday Morning! JOY!
I need your super prayer warrior prayers for my niece Holly. Can't give you details now but please pray for her salvation and her mental stability. Thank you!
S - I John 1:4-7 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus his son, cleanses us from all sin.
O - As a believer I share joy because of Christ's light in me. I have fellowship with him and there is no spiritual darkness! I'm so thankful for fellowship with him! Only when I'm in true fellowship with him can I be the light to others I need to be.
A - I've thought a lot lately about how others make it without Christ. I know that I would be so desperate without him in my life. I cannot imagine a day without his presence. My goal this Christmas is for Sawyer to see how important it is for others to see and know Christ's light and JOY. Praying hard for his salvation!
P - Lord thank you that your light gets rid of darkness and the blood of Jesus cleansed me from sin! Help me eyes to be open today for those who need your light and Joy in their life. Continue to draw Sawyer's heart to yours!
I need your super prayer warrior prayers for my niece Holly. Can't give you details now but please pray for her salvation and her mental stability. Thank you!
S - I John 1:4-7 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus his son, cleanses us from all sin.
O - As a believer I share joy because of Christ's light in me. I have fellowship with him and there is no spiritual darkness! I'm so thankful for fellowship with him! Only when I'm in true fellowship with him can I be the light to others I need to be.
A - I've thought a lot lately about how others make it without Christ. I know that I would be so desperate without him in my life. I cannot imagine a day without his presence. My goal this Christmas is for Sawyer to see how important it is for others to see and know Christ's light and JOY. Praying hard for his salvation!
P - Lord thank you that your light gets rid of darkness and the blood of Jesus cleansed me from sin! Help me eyes to be open today for those who need your light and Joy in their life. Continue to draw Sawyer's heart to yours!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Ginny - Love Day 5
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light."
O - Walk + Light = victory. Walk + darkness = defeat.
A - Walking in the Light to me means measuring everything by God's Word. Holding up every decision, every thought, every action to His Word and seeing how it lines up. Those things that pull us down and cause us to slip into a pit are not the path of Light. Sometimes avoiding those pits is hard for me because I don't take the time to stop and pray and seek the Lord. Add a busy schedule to that and it seems those pits become more of the normal. Even in the midst of crazy work days, to-do lists, and jampacked schedules I want to seek Him and put Him first. Nothing else matters compared to the miracle of Christmas.
P - Lord I pray for all the things that take my attention away from spending time with You and seeking You and having the strength and energy and wisdom to chose the path of Light. Please keep my mind clear and alert to the most important things this Christmas season.
Christmas musical this morning! It's gonna be a wonderful day in His house! Love you all!!!
S - So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light."
O - Walk + Light = victory. Walk + darkness = defeat.
A - Walking in the Light to me means measuring everything by God's Word. Holding up every decision, every thought, every action to His Word and seeing how it lines up. Those things that pull us down and cause us to slip into a pit are not the path of Light. Sometimes avoiding those pits is hard for me because I don't take the time to stop and pray and seek the Lord. Add a busy schedule to that and it seems those pits become more of the normal. Even in the midst of crazy work days, to-do lists, and jampacked schedules I want to seek Him and put Him first. Nothing else matters compared to the miracle of Christmas.
P - Lord I pray for all the things that take my attention away from spending time with You and seeking You and having the strength and energy and wisdom to chose the path of Light. Please keep my mind clear and alert to the most important things this Christmas season.
Christmas musical this morning! It's gonna be a wonderful day in His house! Love you all!!!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Karlyn: Love days 3-5
S - Psalm 119:105-106 Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light to guide my path. I've promised it once and I'll promise it again, I will obey your righteous regulations.
Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
John 12:35-36 Jesus replied, "My life will shine for you a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.
O - I've had several opportunities this week to actively share love and light. I'm grateful that I can know from God's Word what path to take, his love calms my fears when opportunities come up to share, and that through that his light can shine through darkness!
A - I'm going to continue to pray for opportunities with these same people during Christmas. They are very intrigued about why are family celebrates Christmas the way we do. I'm praying for God's direction on how to continue the conversations!
P - Lord thank you for being our light. Thank you for giving opportunities to share your love. Thank you for Christmas!
Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
John 12:35-36 Jesus replied, "My life will shine for you a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.
O - I've had several opportunities this week to actively share love and light. I'm grateful that I can know from God's Word what path to take, his love calms my fears when opportunities come up to share, and that through that his light can shine through darkness!
A - I'm going to continue to pray for opportunities with these same people during Christmas. They are very intrigued about why are family celebrates Christmas the way we do. I'm praying for God's direction on how to continue the conversations!
P - Lord thank you for being our light. Thank you for giving opportunities to share your love. Thank you for Christmas!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Cindy: Love Day 4
S - Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy. - Zephaniah 3:17
O - The Lord is with us. Because of His love, He shows grace and He forgives. He delights in us. God is powerful and strong - a mighty warrior but at the same time gentle and rejoices over salvation.
A - As a Christian we get the benefits of God in this verse: God as a warrior is fighting our battles, He is with us, He rejoices over us, He gives grace, peace, forgiveness - salvation, He delights in us, He sings over us.
P - Thank you Lord for your love, grace, peace and forgiveness. Remind me today that it is You who gives peace...Peace that I so desperately need today.
O - The Lord is with us. Because of His love, He shows grace and He forgives. He delights in us. God is powerful and strong - a mighty warrior but at the same time gentle and rejoices over salvation.
A - As a Christian we get the benefits of God in this verse: God as a warrior is fighting our battles, He is with us, He rejoices over us, He gives grace, peace, forgiveness - salvation, He delights in us, He sings over us.
P - Thank you Lord for your love, grace, peace and forgiveness. Remind me today that it is You who gives peace...Peace that I so desperately need today.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Ginny - Love Day 3
Good evening girls!!! Hello!!!!! Sorry I've missed a couple of days! It has been crazy busy at work! Early mornings, working late, blah, blah, blah. Just a lot going on right now and it's not even ag season yet! I have 12 loans on my desk right now, and a typical busy day would be about 4, so we're triple busy right now. Busy, busy, busy. Crazy, crazy, crazy. Losing my mind, mind, mind. I love it though!!!
S - Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
O - God's Word is there to give guidance and direct our steps.
A - A little while back (actually during one of our other OBU Girlz studies) the Lord really taught me a lot about light and how being in the light is so much safer than living life in the dark. His Word is light to me. It helps me make decisions that are wise and in line with what He wants for me. His Word shows me where the pitfalls are so that I can avoid them.
P - Lord thank You for Your Word that brings light to the steps I take.
S - Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
O - God's Word is there to give guidance and direct our steps.
A - A little while back (actually during one of our other OBU Girlz studies) the Lord really taught me a lot about light and how being in the light is so much safer than living life in the dark. His Word is light to me. It helps me make decisions that are wise and in line with what He wants for me. His Word shows me where the pitfalls are so that I can avoid them.
P - Lord thank You for Your Word that brings light to the steps I take.
Cindy: Love Day 3
S - Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. I have solemnly sworn to keep Your righteous judgments. - Psalm 119:105-106
O/A - God's word has answers for the here and now. It is the lamp in the midst of the darkness that allows me to see my feet. Romans 10:15 - How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! The good news of Christ's love and salvation - God's Word. God's word is also a light on my path - my tomorrow, my future, where I'm going. As I'm going God's word is my light, my guide. I am so thankful that I don't have to figure out my path on my own but instead have God who not only knows all but who cares about every detail, and that it is He who determines my steps.
P - Thank you Lord for your holy word that guides my days and my tomorrows. Help me be disciplined to memorize your word so that I can recall it on my path but also to keep the commands you've given.
O/A - God's word has answers for the here and now. It is the lamp in the midst of the darkness that allows me to see my feet. Romans 10:15 - How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! The good news of Christ's love and salvation - God's Word. God's word is also a light on my path - my tomorrow, my future, where I'm going. As I'm going God's word is my light, my guide. I am so thankful that I don't have to figure out my path on my own but instead have God who not only knows all but who cares about every detail, and that it is He who determines my steps.
P - Thank you Lord for your holy word that guides my days and my tomorrows. Help me be disciplined to memorize your word so that I can recall it on my path but also to keep the commands you've given.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Cindy: Love Day 2
S - One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked HIm, "Which command is the most important of all?" "This is the most important," Jesus answered: Listen, Israel! Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
O - Jesus quoted Deut. 6:4-5...a passage the Jews knew very well. The command is to love God with all your heart (affections), soul (spirit), mind ( intellect) and strength (will).
A - Every part of me should be expressing the love of God. If I'm focusing on loving God in every part of my life, the outcome will be better. Obedience rather than self-centered disobedience.
P - Father help me to be obedient to your command - to love you above all things and to love you with all of me.
O - Jesus quoted Deut. 6:4-5...a passage the Jews knew very well. The command is to love God with all your heart (affections), soul (spirit), mind ( intellect) and strength (will).
A - Every part of me should be expressing the love of God. If I'm focusing on loving God in every part of my life, the outcome will be better. Obedience rather than self-centered disobedience.
P - Father help me to be obedient to your command - to love you above all things and to love you with all of me.
Cindy: Love Day 1
S - Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4: 7&8
O - God is love. Love is from God. The one who doesn't love doesn't know God. As Christians we should be showing love to others and not be suprised when a non-Christian doesn't. It is because of God's love that we can love.
A - I need to be more loving even when things of this world makes me upset and frustrated. I need to look beyond circumstances and to love others...even those that are hard to love, even when I know it's not going to be appreciated, even when I know it's not going to be reciprocated. It doesn't matter. As a Christian I am to love one another because God is love.
P - Father help me to love others as you love them. Help me to love others through your strength, not my own. Help me to know you more by loving others.
O - God is love. Love is from God. The one who doesn't love doesn't know God. As Christians we should be showing love to others and not be suprised when a non-Christian doesn't. It is because of God's love that we can love.
A - I need to be more loving even when things of this world makes me upset and frustrated. I need to look beyond circumstances and to love others...even those that are hard to love, even when I know it's not going to be appreciated, even when I know it's not going to be reciprocated. It doesn't matter. As a Christian I am to love one another because God is love.
P - Father help me to love others as you love them. Help me to love others through your strength, not my own. Help me to know you more by loving others.
Karlyn: Love day 2
Good Tuesday Morning! Now poor Staci Linn has the demon virus! This thing is awful. Praying for all of you and the people on your hearts!
S - Mark 12:28-30 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, " Of all the commandments , which is the most important?" Jesus replied, "the most important commandment is this: Listen O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
O - For the first time I've realized Jesus started this with "The Lord our God is the one and only Lord" If I don't believe and live out that he is the ONLY Lord of my life I can't love him with my heart, soul, and strength. Nothing else can be in his place. Not family, not hobbies, not good deeds. He has to be Lord for me to love like he intended me to.
A - I need to focus today on making sure he is the only Lord in my life. I've got a lot of clutter to move out so that my heart soul and strength is focused on loving him.
P - God forgive me for putting other things in my life as Lord. Help me to make you the only Lord in my life so that I can love you and love others.
S - Mark 12:28-30 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, " Of all the commandments , which is the most important?" Jesus replied, "the most important commandment is this: Listen O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
O - For the first time I've realized Jesus started this with "The Lord our God is the one and only Lord" If I don't believe and live out that he is the ONLY Lord of my life I can't love him with my heart, soul, and strength. Nothing else can be in his place. Not family, not hobbies, not good deeds. He has to be Lord for me to love like he intended me to.
A - I need to focus today on making sure he is the only Lord in my life. I've got a lot of clutter to move out so that my heart soul and strength is focused on loving him.
P - God forgive me for putting other things in my life as Lord. Help me to make you the only Lord in my life so that I can love you and love others.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Ginny - Love Day 1
Good Afternoon 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.
O - The number one way we can be Jesus here on Earth is to love others.
A - Today has caused me to really think about those people in my life right now that could use some love.
P - Lord I pray for Kim, Tifanee, Amy and Uncle Robert. Lord I pray that Your arms are wrapped around each one of them this season. That they may feel Your love.
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.
O - The number one way we can be Jesus here on Earth is to love others.
A - Today has caused me to really think about those people in my life right now that could use some love.
- One of the girls I work with is really searching for love & acceptance. She is making some hasty decisions to fill a void I know only Jesus can fill.
- Another of the girls I work with just lost her mother-in-law very unexpectedly this morning. They are going to need a lot of love & comfort.
- Todd's sister, Amy Williams, has been on my heart and mind recently. I know life isn't exactly what she would like it to be. She needs a fresh dose of hope.
- My Uncle has really been on my mind too. This will be the first Christmas without my Aunt. I need to take the time to make sure he knows he is loved this Christmas seaon.
P - Lord I pray for Kim, Tifanee, Amy and Uncle Robert. Lord I pray that Your arms are wrapped around each one of them this season. That they may feel Your love.
Love Day 1
S- 1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who doesn't love does not know God because God is love.
O- God loves everyone. This is sometimes hard for me. There are people in my life who make it very hard to love them. I know they probably think the same about me on certain days. ;) However, God still loves them so I need to do the same.
A- I've gotten better at this this year. Ever since my Sunday school class took a mission trip to New Orleans, I have been very intentional about finding people to serve and love. I have found that this is the best way to show God's love and tell them about the greatest gift they could have. Here in my city there are tons of homeless people and we have been really reaching out to them. There are 2 ladies that have come into my life Pam and Carolyn. No, I don't agree with the choices they have made in life, some of the things they are currently doing and partaking in but am called to love them. They know why and how I feel. I still need to reach out and show them God's love by doing what He would do. I guess the struggle I have is loving people and at the same time not condoning what they are doing. Does that make since? For example, Carolyn is a gambling addict. Sometimes its hard for me to help her when I know she has taken her goverment check, gone to the boats, and asks for help.
P- Lord, I pray that I will see people like you do. That I will love them like you would. Help me not to judge, have faith, and step out. Especially help me to show love when it comes to my family. Honestly, this is sometimes the hardest with certain family members. Thank you for loving me as am.
Karlyn: Love day1
OH my goodness I'm so glad this weekend is over. Thea and Knox were sick all weekend. Thea threw up all the way to my parents on Friday, on Saturday as soon as the race was over my parents brought them to Memphis and Knox got sick everywhere! Then we were up all Saturday night with Thea! Crazy! So finally I think everyone is well and I think I've recovered from the race. Now my mom has it:( CRAZY! On the up side 2/3 carseats are clean now:)
S - I John 4:7-8 Beloved let us love one another for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
O - This is one of my favorite verse songs from my childhood! We still sing it. It's a good reminder that the only reason I can love is because of God's love in me and when I'm not showing love I'm not showing Christ in me.
A - It's hardest for me to show love when I'm tired or when I'm overwhelmed and feeling pitiful because I'm not getting any help. So this week I'm keeping this verse front and center. Showing love shows the love of Christ to others! There's plenty of people around me who need love and especially Christ's love!
Have a great Monday!
S - I John 4:7-8 Beloved let us love one another for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
O - This is one of my favorite verse songs from my childhood! We still sing it. It's a good reminder that the only reason I can love is because of God's love in me and when I'm not showing love I'm not showing Christ in me.
A - It's hardest for me to show love when I'm tired or when I'm overwhelmed and feeling pitiful because I'm not getting any help. So this week I'm keeping this verse front and center. Showing love shows the love of Christ to others! There's plenty of people around me who need love and especially Christ's love!
Have a great Monday!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Ginny - Day 5 Hope
Karlyn!!! I am praying, praying, praying, praying for your race!!! I am SO excited for you!!! You're gonna do awesome!!! So excited! So excited! So excited! I am praying for every mile!!!
Jenifer I have heard such good things about that study. So glad to know you like it too! I will definitely be praying for your anxiety about the "what ifs." I will pray that Satan flees and that the peace of Christ rules your heart and mind.
Cindy and Amber praying for you girls too! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!
S - Romans 15:12-13
Again Isaiah says,
“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him shall the Gentiles hope.”
Jenifer I have heard such good things about that study. So glad to know you like it too! I will definitely be praying for your anxiety about the "what ifs." I will pray that Satan flees and that the peace of Christ rules your heart and mind.
Cindy and Amber praying for you girls too! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!
S - Romans 15:12-13
Again Isaiah says,
“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him shall the Gentiles hope.”
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
O - God is full of hope and as His children we get to abound in that hope.
A - Why is it that I never tire of hearing about the hope we have in Christ? Maybe because everything else will fail. At one point or another it will end, mess up, fade, disappoint, or just not last, but I can put my hope in Jesus Christ everyday and He will never fail me. I am so thankful for the fulfillment that is found in our Savior.
P - Lord thank You for meeting my every need, even those I don't even know about yet. Thank You for the never ending hope we can find in You.
Hope Day 4
Hey ladies. I just finished the other Bible Study I was doing and will now join ya'll. If ya'll haven't ever done One in A Million, I highly recommend it. Its probably ranks in my top 5 for studies I've done. The videos are a must to this study.
Hope ya'll are well. I'm recovering from a massive migraine. Today I feel weak and have a dull headache. Also ya'll please life up me up. I've been dealing with major anixety lately. Its starting to keep from doing things because I keep thinking of the what ifs. I know Satan uses my fear against me and it always happens when am getting closer to God and putting myself out there. I don't want fear to hold me back from living in complete freedom, enjoying my family, and doing the things He's called me to do.
Karlyn- good luck on your race tomorrow. Praying no one else gets sick. Grant's teacher has been out all week due to the bug.
S- Romans 15:12-13 And again in Isaiah says, The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope. May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
O- He is the one who wants and will fill us up. Not anything that I try to do or say can make me have peace or Joy. It comes from Him.
A- I need to believe this more in my heart and not just my head. I need to put into action. I'm such a worrier and control freak ;)
P- Lord, thank you having control of my life and giving me Hope. It's only because of you that am able to get through each day.
Karlyn: Hope day 5
Well what a Friday it's already been. Thea got sick with the stomach bug last night, Knox has it this morning, and tomorrow is my 1/2 marathon!!!! Please pray no one else gets sick! I really want to be able to race tomorrow. The stomach bug really likes me. Have a great weekend everyone!!!!
S - Romans 15:12-13 And in another place Isaiah said, " The heir to David's throne will come and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him." I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
O - This is such a powerful verse "Source of hope" "Fill you completely" "overflow with confident hope" "power of the Holy Spirit". With these words why would or should I ever fret or worry. Such a powerful God I serve. I can't provide any of these things for myself on my own power.
A - I need to fully live out this verse so that people know I have no power in my life and God truly is my only hope, confident hope.
P - Lord thank you that you fulfill your promises and thank you that I don't have to rely on my abilities to get through this life. There's no way I could. I praise you for the confident hope I have in you and that I can overflow hope through the Holy Spirit's power!!!!
S - Romans 15:12-13 And in another place Isaiah said, " The heir to David's throne will come and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him." I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
O - This is such a powerful verse "Source of hope" "Fill you completely" "overflow with confident hope" "power of the Holy Spirit". With these words why would or should I ever fret or worry. Such a powerful God I serve. I can't provide any of these things for myself on my own power.
A - I need to fully live out this verse so that people know I have no power in my life and God truly is my only hope, confident hope.
P - Lord thank you that you fulfill your promises and thank you that I don't have to rely on my abilities to get through this life. There's no way I could. I praise you for the confident hope I have in you and that I can overflow hope through the Holy Spirit's power!!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Cindy: Hope Day 4
S - The sun will no longer be the light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. - Isaiah 60:19-20
O - The Lord will be my everlasting light. The days of sorrow will be over.
A - The light of the Lord never fades, never goes dim, it doesn't set and go away. The light of the Lord is always there, always shining brightly. When the Lord returns and He is the ONLY light there won't be any more sorrow. The Lord is constant. I can always put my faith, my trust, my hope in Him.
P - Lord thank you for being my light, my guide, my hope. Help me to always be drawn to Your light and not be distracted by the things around me.
O - The Lord will be my everlasting light. The days of sorrow will be over.
A - The light of the Lord never fades, never goes dim, it doesn't set and go away. The light of the Lord is always there, always shining brightly. When the Lord returns and He is the ONLY light there won't be any more sorrow. The Lord is constant. I can always put my faith, my trust, my hope in Him.
P - Lord thank you for being my light, my guide, my hope. Help me to always be drawn to Your light and not be distracted by the things around me.
Karlyn: Hope day 4
Good Thursday Morning!
S - Isaiah 60:19-20 No longer will you need the sun to shine by day nor the moon to give it's light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.
O - It's hard to imagine living in a world where the sun and the moon aren't needed for light. It's also hard to imagine life without mourning of some type. I can't imagine it but I'm very much so looking forward to an eternity like this.
A - I need to be intentional about sharing God's light with those I know aren't believers. There are so many. More than ever my heart, words and actions have got to reflect his light and hope that so many live without!
P - Again Lord I'm so thankful that I live in the hope of your return. Please kepp me aware of those around me that I need to be ministering to and sharing hope with.
S - Isaiah 60:19-20 No longer will you need the sun to shine by day nor the moon to give it's light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.
O - It's hard to imagine living in a world where the sun and the moon aren't needed for light. It's also hard to imagine life without mourning of some type. I can't imagine it but I'm very much so looking forward to an eternity like this.
A - I need to be intentional about sharing God's light with those I know aren't believers. There are so many. More than ever my heart, words and actions have got to reflect his light and hope that so many live without!
P - Again Lord I'm so thankful that I live in the hope of your return. Please kepp me aware of those around me that I need to be ministering to and sharing hope with.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Karlyn: Hope day 2-3
Chapel went great thanks for praying. It was a lot of fun! I really love Sawyer's school.
Anyone doing exciting fun things this next month? We really need to get serious about seeing each other!!! Let's make a plan!
S - John 1:9-12 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God
Jeremiah 33:14-15 The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them. "In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
O - John: We are given the right to be God's children - I don't want to take this for granted. This also reminds me that even when he was here people rejected him so that means that people will reject me to. Sometimes I just want to be liked by everyone.
Jeremiah: Our God is just and righteous and he will continue to take care of Israel, Judah, and us as believers. I'm so grateful for this protection especially in the days we live in.
P - God I praise you for the hope you sent us in Jesus. THank you that we can remember this at Christmas and all year! Please help me to radiate Jesus to give others HOPE!
Anyone doing exciting fun things this next month? We really need to get serious about seeing each other!!! Let's make a plan!
S - John 1:9-12 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God
Jeremiah 33:14-15 The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them. "In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
O - John: We are given the right to be God's children - I don't want to take this for granted. This also reminds me that even when he was here people rejected him so that means that people will reject me to. Sometimes I just want to be liked by everyone.
Jeremiah: Our God is just and righteous and he will continue to take care of Israel, Judah, and us as believers. I'm so grateful for this protection especially in the days we live in.
P - God I praise you for the hope you sent us in Jesus. THank you that we can remember this at Christmas and all year! Please help me to radiate Jesus to give others HOPE!
Ginny - Day 3 Hope
Karlyn! How did chapel go? I was praying, praying this morning! Hope it went really well!
S - Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. Jeremiah 33:14-15
O - God can handle it.
A - When I first went and looked up the scripture today I accidently went to Jeremiah 13 instead of 33. this is what it says...
I will dash them against each other, both the fathers and the sons together,” declares the Lord. “I will not show pity nor be sorry nor have compassion so as not to destroy them.” Listen and give heed, do not be haughty, for the Lord has spoken. Jeremiah 13:14-15
After reading it, I thought to myself how I needed to hear that verse because it talked about begin haughty and I'm having some struggles with some co-workers here at the bank. But I also thought how it really didn't have much to do with Advent. That's when I realized I was in the wrong chapter. So I go to chapter 33 and it was just as needed. There are some ladies that I work with that are very sweet, but they are busy bodies and they like to get together and talk and talk and talk. I don't join in the talking because I don't want to and I've got work to do, but it has seperated us to the point that they aren't filling me in on things that I need to know. If we need to bring food for work one day, etc...I'm left out of the loop. I know I need to still exude love and be happy around them and I want to, but it would also be nice to be able to just cut them off and go about my own business and not include them in on things...the haughty approach...the taking things into my own hands approach. Jeremiah 33 tells us God will execute justice. I know in this context he meant a lot more than office drama, but I still claim HE will take care of this situation.
P - Lord I pray that I would humble myself and serve these women with love. Let them see Your love and mercy in me.
S - Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. Jeremiah 33:14-15
O - God can handle it.
A - When I first went and looked up the scripture today I accidently went to Jeremiah 13 instead of 33. this is what it says...
I will dash them against each other, both the fathers and the sons together,” declares the Lord. “I will not show pity nor be sorry nor have compassion so as not to destroy them.” Listen and give heed, do not be haughty, for the Lord has spoken. Jeremiah 13:14-15
After reading it, I thought to myself how I needed to hear that verse because it talked about begin haughty and I'm having some struggles with some co-workers here at the bank. But I also thought how it really didn't have much to do with Advent. That's when I realized I was in the wrong chapter. So I go to chapter 33 and it was just as needed. There are some ladies that I work with that are very sweet, but they are busy bodies and they like to get together and talk and talk and talk. I don't join in the talking because I don't want to and I've got work to do, but it has seperated us to the point that they aren't filling me in on things that I need to know. If we need to bring food for work one day, etc...I'm left out of the loop. I know I need to still exude love and be happy around them and I want to, but it would also be nice to be able to just cut them off and go about my own business and not include them in on things...the haughty approach...the taking things into my own hands approach. Jeremiah 33 tells us God will execute justice. I know in this context he meant a lot more than office drama, but I still claim HE will take care of this situation.
P - Lord I pray that I would humble myself and serve these women with love. Let them see Your love and mercy in me.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Ginny - Hope Day 2
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 1:9-12
O - The world needs the true Light.
A - "the true Light." That really stuck out to me. The TRUE Light. Oh how I want to follow the TRUE Light and not get wrapped up in all the false stuff. This Christmas season I don't want to be drawn away from the TRUE Light because of my shopping list, or parties, or travel plans, or food to fix, or gifts to make. This world can crowd in and before I know it the TRUE Light is covered up.
P - Lord may all the lists and things to do take back burner to worshipping You this Christmas season.
S - There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 1:9-12
O - The world needs the true Light.
A - "the true Light." That really stuck out to me. The TRUE Light. Oh how I want to follow the TRUE Light and not get wrapped up in all the false stuff. This Christmas season I don't want to be drawn away from the TRUE Light because of my shopping list, or parties, or travel plans, or food to fix, or gifts to make. This world can crowd in and before I know it the TRUE Light is covered up.
P - Lord may all the lists and things to do take back burner to worshipping You this Christmas season.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ginny - Day 1 Hope
Praying for chapel Karlyn!
S - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. John 1:1-4
O - We serve a living God! Our God is alive and His Word is alive. There is nothing about His being and His power that is dead. That brings HOPE! We can put our trust in a living God.
A - The Christmas story always brings me to awe. It really happened! A normal girl, who was nothing special - just average, was chosen to be his mom. He was born. He really came. There is so much hope found in the birth of Christ. I can chase after temporal things of this world, trying to satisfy a want, but all that chasing is useless compared to the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
P - Lord, I pray for this study. I pray that it would be a tool to keep us focussed on the true meaning of Christmas. I pray that this Christmas our hearts experience Your hope in a new and fresh way.
S - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. John 1:1-4
O - We serve a living God! Our God is alive and His Word is alive. There is nothing about His being and His power that is dead. That brings HOPE! We can put our trust in a living God.
A - The Christmas story always brings me to awe. It really happened! A normal girl, who was nothing special - just average, was chosen to be his mom. He was born. He really came. There is so much hope found in the birth of Christ. I can chase after temporal things of this world, trying to satisfy a want, but all that chasing is useless compared to the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
P - Lord, I pray for this study. I pray that it would be a tool to keep us focussed on the true meaning of Christmas. I pray that this Christmas our hearts experience Your hope in a new and fresh way.
Karlyn: Day 1 Hope
Happy Advent!!! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I'm really excited about this study! Pray for me on Wednesday. I'm speaking in chapel at Sawyer's school.
S - John 1:1-4 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought life to everyone.
O - "the Word gave life to everything that was created and his life brought life to everyone" I can't even imagine what the scene of creation looked like. God creating through Jesus and Jesus giving life to all creation.
A - I hate to admit this but there are so many times that I forget that I was created by an all powerful God full of hope for my future. Today I will remember who created me and the hope I have to share with others.
P - God I praise you for your creation. Jesus I praise you for life. Thank you for the hope salvation brings and the hope for eternity with you!
S - John 1:1-4 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought life to everyone.
O - "the Word gave life to everything that was created and his life brought life to everyone" I can't even imagine what the scene of creation looked like. God creating through Jesus and Jesus giving life to all creation.
A - I hate to admit this but there are so many times that I forget that I was created by an all powerful God full of hope for my future. Today I will remember who created me and the hope I have to share with others.
P - God I praise you for your creation. Jesus I praise you for life. Thank you for the hope salvation brings and the hope for eternity with you!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Advent anyone???
I can't believe I'm saying this but Advent is just around the corner!!!! I would love for us to find a devotional or study that follows advent this year? Do you know of any we can do?
Hope things were good with Jon this weekend. The cabin was great. We were there just one night but it was so nice to be away with nothing to do but be together and play outside!
Hope things were good with Jon this weekend. The cabin was great. We were there just one night but it was so nice to be away with nothing to do but be together and play outside!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Ginny - TWM Day 30
Good Morning Girlz!!! I can not believe another 30 days has passed. This study flew by! I'm already excited for what we come up with for the next study.
Karlyn, y'all have so much fun at the cabin! I will pray it is a restful getaway that does everyone a lot of good. Y'all can remember me this weekend too. Jon is coming back down. He has an interview in Dalhart (about 80 miles northwest of Amarillo) and then will come on down to Lubbock for the weekend. I'm excited! After his last visit, I was very unsettled in my heart what to do or what to think. I asked y'all and a few other friends to pray. I sought some advice from a good friend that was in a similar situation before, and constantly stayed in His Word and prayed and listened for His voice. The Lord calmed my spirit and I decided to give it some more time. So, he's coming and I am super excited! It's gonna be a great, fun weekend! I'll be sure and give updates on Monday. Love y'all tons! Have a great weekend!!!
S - Titus 2:1-5
O - God has given us set instructions for being a True Woman. I need to read them constantly and live them out that the world may see Him in me.
A - What I have learned through all this is that it's a heart issue. Whether we are talking about the way we interact with our husbands/boyfriend, or the way we take care of our house, or the way we spend our time, or how well we minister to needs of those less fortunate, or how we dress, or how we act...it all is rooted in my heart. Is my heart doing all these things because Jesus first loved me and I want to bring Him glory and love His creation, or am I doing it out of obligation or praise for myself or sheer pride?
Another point Nancy made today that has come up before in some examples of her's is that instead of complaining we should pray. I need to say this to myself everyday. Instead of grimping or having a pity party or just plain worrying about something; I should stop and pray. Just like the lady and the Mexican food. Instead of whining to her husband that she didn't like Mexican food and she wasn't going to make it because she didn't like it, she asked the Lord to change her heart. She started making Mexican food once a week out of love for her husband, and eventually found herself liking it herself.
Something else that has been reconfirmed to me is that these principles of being a True Women definitely need to be taught and we need to be teaching them too. As Nancy says, everyone has someone younger than them that they can influence. The chain of teaching from one generation to the next is needed.
P - Lord thank You for this study and for Nancy's insight. I pray that the truths and principles we learned over these past 30 days would take root in our hearts. I pray for Karlyn, Cindy, Jenifer, Amber, and myself that we would be True Women, and influence those around us to be True Woman. That out of our love and obedience to Your Kingship, we would follow Your Word and make it priority in our homes. Bless each one of these girls and thank You so much for them.
Karlyn, y'all have so much fun at the cabin! I will pray it is a restful getaway that does everyone a lot of good. Y'all can remember me this weekend too. Jon is coming back down. He has an interview in Dalhart (about 80 miles northwest of Amarillo) and then will come on down to Lubbock for the weekend. I'm excited! After his last visit, I was very unsettled in my heart what to do or what to think. I asked y'all and a few other friends to pray. I sought some advice from a good friend that was in a similar situation before, and constantly stayed in His Word and prayed and listened for His voice. The Lord calmed my spirit and I decided to give it some more time. So, he's coming and I am super excited! It's gonna be a great, fun weekend! I'll be sure and give updates on Monday. Love y'all tons! Have a great weekend!!!
S - Titus 2:1-5
O - God has given us set instructions for being a True Woman. I need to read them constantly and live them out that the world may see Him in me.
A - What I have learned through all this is that it's a heart issue. Whether we are talking about the way we interact with our husbands/boyfriend, or the way we take care of our house, or the way we spend our time, or how well we minister to needs of those less fortunate, or how we dress, or how we act...it all is rooted in my heart. Is my heart doing all these things because Jesus first loved me and I want to bring Him glory and love His creation, or am I doing it out of obligation or praise for myself or sheer pride?
Another point Nancy made today that has come up before in some examples of her's is that instead of complaining we should pray. I need to say this to myself everyday. Instead of grimping or having a pity party or just plain worrying about something; I should stop and pray. Just like the lady and the Mexican food. Instead of whining to her husband that she didn't like Mexican food and she wasn't going to make it because she didn't like it, she asked the Lord to change her heart. She started making Mexican food once a week out of love for her husband, and eventually found herself liking it herself.
Something else that has been reconfirmed to me is that these principles of being a True Women definitely need to be taught and we need to be teaching them too. As Nancy says, everyone has someone younger than them that they can influence. The chain of teaching from one generation to the next is needed.
P - Lord thank You for this study and for Nancy's insight. I pray that the truths and principles we learned over these past 30 days would take root in our hearts. I pray for Karlyn, Cindy, Jenifer, Amber, and myself that we would be True Women, and influence those around us to be True Woman. That out of our love and obedience to Your Kingship, we would follow Your Word and make it priority in our homes. Bless each one of these girls and thank You so much for them.
Karlyn: TWM Day 30
Good Friday Morning! I did not want to hear this message this morning but it was exactly what my heart needed.
Going to Dan's cabin this weekend. Harvest is FINALLY over and Ryan, the kids, and I are getting away for 1 day. It's been a LONG time coming.
S - Titus 2:4-5 Older women are “to train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled [to think with a sound mind], [to be] pure [to have pure hearts], [to be] working at home, [and then to be] kind" (verses 4-5). Some of your translations say, “To be good.”
Acts 9:36 “She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
Luke 6
I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (verse 36)
O - the points that stuck out to me...
This word is active goodness. You have a good or kind heart but you don’t just keep it in your heart. You do something about it. It comes out.
Goodness is kindness in action, words, and deeds.”
Going to Dan's cabin this weekend. Harvest is FINALLY over and Ryan, the kids, and I are getting away for 1 day. It's been a LONG time coming.
S - Titus 2:4-5 Older women are “to train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled [to think with a sound mind], [to be] pure [to have pure hearts], [to be] working at home, [and then to be] kind" (verses 4-5). Some of your translations say, “To be good.”
Acts 9:36 “She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
Luke 6
I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (verse 36)
O - the points that stuck out to me...
This word is active goodness. You have a good or kind heart but you don’t just keep it in your heart. You do something about it. It comes out.
Goodness is kindness in action, words, and deeds.”
But I find so many women serving the Lord without heart, serving their families without joy.
We can start to get resentful. We can start to have self-pity. We can start to compare ourselves to somebody else’s life or wish for somebody else’s life and just be knocking out the tasks without the heart. But the Scripture here is talking about a motivation for serving, a motivation for homemaking that is goodness and kindness in action.
is a call to be selfless women, not selfish, not self-centered, but Christ-centered and other-centered. This is a word—this kindness, this goodness—that speaks of abundance. It speaks of the joy and the heart with which we fulfill our calling as women.
disciple of Christ and that she was full of good works and acts of charity.
It’s the call to proactively look for opportunities to be a blessing to others, to show the kindness of God to others, to take initiative.
When we as God’s children are kind to those who don’t deserve it, we show people what God is like.
A - I need to be in prayer today for making these changes in my heart.
P - Lord I'm not being very kind today and I need lots of grace and mercy to get this sin out of my heart. Help me to serve others joyfully with active kindness because of your active kindness in my life!
A - I need to be in prayer today for making these changes in my heart.
P - Lord I'm not being very kind today and I need lots of grace and mercy to get this sin out of my heart. Help me to serve others joyfully with active kindness because of your active kindness in my life!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Karlyn: Day 29 makeup day TWM
Good Evening Girls! FOr some reason I don't have day 29 so I'm gonna day a makeup day that I missed!
S - Titus 2:4 So that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children
O - encourage them to love - sometimes love doesn't just overflow naturally.
A - I know how much it encourages me when someone tells me they love me so I know that it's important to my kids, the kids I work with that don't have good families, and to my extended family of kids.
P - Father help me to love my kids with your love and give me the energy to enjoy their life instead of fretting over the things that need to be done!
S - Titus 2:4 So that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children
O - encourage them to love - sometimes love doesn't just overflow naturally.
A - I know how much it encourages me when someone tells me they love me so I know that it's important to my kids, the kids I work with that don't have good families, and to my extended family of kids.
P - Father help me to love my kids with your love and give me the energy to enjoy their life instead of fretting over the things that need to be done!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Karlyn: TWM day 28
We've been in revival since Saturday night and it's been crazy busy! Tonight was the last night. Good services with a OBU alumni Eric Ramsey. He's older than us. He has an awesome missions ministry.
S - Titus 2:3 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women…”
O - These points relate to my struggles...
A woman who is not sophron may be impetuous or impulsive
You see it; you have to have it. You act now; you regret it later.
great intentions, but she’s slow on follow-through.
overly concerned about what other people think,
procrastinate,
A woman who is not sophron will tend to be easily distracted, flitting from one thing to another. An inability to focus or concentrate or finish a task is an evidence of not being sophron.
A - these are how I can overcome the struggles
exercises restraint and self-government in every area of her life—her thoughts. She brings every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
A woman who is sophron exercises restraint in her eating. She’s temperate. She’s moderate. She eats to live versus living to eat. She’s temperate in her spending. She doesn’t spend money she doesn’t have. When she does spend money, she thinks in terms of eternal values.
Her confidence is in the Lord.
She’s mentally disciplined. She’s able to resist temptation. She’s able to delay gratification.
Spirit of God controls her flesh
P - Lord I want you to control my flesh and this week my flesh has been in control and out of control. God please take over and help me to be disciplined and put my confidence in you not myself.
S - Titus 2:3 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women…”
O - These points relate to my struggles...
A woman who is not sophron may be impetuous or impulsive
You see it; you have to have it. You act now; you regret it later.
great intentions, but she’s slow on follow-through.
overly concerned about what other people think,
procrastinate,
A woman who is not sophron will tend to be easily distracted, flitting from one thing to another. An inability to focus or concentrate or finish a task is an evidence of not being sophron.
A - these are how I can overcome the struggles
exercises restraint and self-government in every area of her life—her thoughts. She brings every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
A woman who is sophron exercises restraint in her eating. She’s temperate. She’s moderate. She eats to live versus living to eat. She’s temperate in her spending. She doesn’t spend money she doesn’t have. When she does spend money, she thinks in terms of eternal values.
Her confidence is in the Lord.
She’s mentally disciplined. She’s able to resist temptation. She’s able to delay gratification.
Spirit of God controls her flesh
P - Lord I want you to control my flesh and this week my flesh has been in control and out of control. God please take over and help me to be disciplined and put my confidence in you not myself.
Ginny - TWM Day 28
S - Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women…” Titus 2:3
O - train = sophron = sound thinking
A - Ooh, I did not like today. It stepped on my toes! There are MANY more qualities in the non-sophron category I relate to than are in the sophron category. Yuck!
P - Heavenly Father, thank You for these words from Nancy. I pray that I will begin to show more sound thinking and leave the ways of non-sophron behind.
O - train = sophron = sound thinking
A - Ooh, I did not like today. It stepped on my toes! There are MANY more qualities in the non-sophron category I relate to than are in the sophron category. Yuck!
P - Heavenly Father, thank You for these words from Nancy. I pray that I will begin to show more sound thinking and leave the ways of non-sophron behind.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Ginny - TWM Day 26
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - Titus 2
O - It's not my job to shape those I have relationships with, it is my job to love them.
A - One point that stuck out to me was that we just can't think encouraging words or what we like about someone, we need to tell them. Sometimes it is hard for me to get those words to come out of my mouth. I need to be better at voicing what I like and the things I am thankful for in the other person.
P - Lord thank You for loving me. Help me as I verbally love & encourage others.
S - Titus 2
O - It's not my job to shape those I have relationships with, it is my job to love them.
A - One point that stuck out to me was that we just can't think encouraging words or what we like about someone, we need to tell them. Sometimes it is hard for me to get those words to come out of my mouth. I need to be better at voicing what I like and the things I am thankful for in the other person.
P - Lord thank You for loving me. Help me as I verbally love & encourage others.
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