There is no way to fully convey the joy in my heart right now. The overwhelming feeling of love that is most definitely undeserved; especially when you add on the amazing blessings God bestows upon me each and everyday - even though I fail constantly.
As I said in a poem/song I wrote (that is probably not posted due to my insecurities & fears), God's grace absolutely and entirely astounds me. For Him to choose to have someone like me - to desire to have me - just blows my mind. I don't believe that we acknowledge this enough in our lives --- I know I don't. But talking and really thinking about it tonight pretty much blew my mind. To have the knowledge of who I was and see how He has moved in my life and changed me; to know the gospel and to know God and His perfectness and then reflect on the imperfectness of myself then and now - it is incomprehensible that He would choose a sinner like me. That He would grant to me salvation because He loves me; because He wants it. To think about the severity of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"- that God would give up His only Son - have Him tortured and crucified on the cross - have Him endure and suffer the wrath of God so that we may be shown grace to glorify Him. I don't know about you, but I know I don't always remember to acknowledge this. I don't always remember that everything I am today has been given to me because of God's grace and has been made possible because of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ long before I was born. As Christians we are nothing without Christ. We owe everything to God who planned everything from the beginning. We deserve death and yet He graciously gives us eternal life - and what do we do with that? Unfortunately, we don't always acknowledge Him in everything, although we should. We let the impact of His grace escape our minds while we indulge ourselves with things that are unimportant. God should be the center of everything. He comes first, because without Him we would be dead.
Eph 2 talks about being made alive in Christ... "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
It is all through God's grace, His ordination, His perfect plan that those of us who have received the gift of salvation have been saved. (That may have been slightly redundant.)
It's important to keep this in mind, keep it always in our heart and not lose sight of it. He has given me the greatest gift of all, it is my job now to ensure that I am constantly doing all things for His glory; that i never lose sight of this truth although the world will do it's best to try and knock me down. I cannot fully comprehend the enormity of His grace, the amount of love it entails is mind blowing. There is absolutely nothing on this earth that can compare to it. I’m not perfect, and there will be times when I completely fail at this; more times than I’d like to admit- BUT I know that Christ is with me, I know the Spirit will guide me; and when I get stubborn and start thinking that I can do this on my own – He’ll give me a reminder.
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
It's the least we can do.
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A Godly Woman
I would really like to write more. Not on any one thing in particular, but just simply write more. I remember when I would write constantly, whether it be a poem, a story, or rambles - but I don't do that any more and there's really no reason for it. With this desire, I encountered writer's block [[naturally]], so I went exploring through my computer to see things that I have written in the past [[but not necessarily published]] since nothing exciting is really happening in our lives here. I came across a document about being a godly woman, so I decided I would share it.
As a young Christian woman, I am encouraged to be a [more] godly woman as I continue my walk with Christ through this life. And while the phrase, command, and/or encouragement to "be a godly woman" is in itself a wonderful thing, it is also very vague. So I took some time with the help of the Bible & the Holy Spirit to make a little reminder sheet as to what a godly woman is.
Let's start with reading Provers 31:10-30
"10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
This section of Scripture gives women a very straight forward model of a godly woman, though it's rare that this is easy to do. I find it to be an encouragement most days and proof that I just don't measure up on others [[Thank the Lord for His abundant mercy and grace and is everlasting, unconditional love]]! Using this as a starting point, I went through and found other references [[I did NOT pick out all of the references - I tend to get overwhelmed easily when researching things or moving forward with a project in general]] and came up with the following:
Have a great week!
S
As a young Christian woman, I am encouraged to be a [more] godly woman as I continue my walk with Christ through this life. And while the phrase, command, and/or encouragement to "be a godly woman" is in itself a wonderful thing, it is also very vague. So I took some time with the help of the Bible & the Holy Spirit to make a little reminder sheet as to what a godly woman is.
Let's start with reading Provers 31:10-30
"10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
This section of Scripture gives women a very straight forward model of a godly woman, though it's rare that this is easy to do. I find it to be an encouragement most days and proof that I just don't measure up on others [[Thank the Lord for His abundant mercy and grace and is everlasting, unconditional love]]! Using this as a starting point, I went through and found other references [[I did NOT pick out all of the references - I tend to get overwhelmed easily when researching things or moving forward with a project in general]] and came up with the following:
A Godly Woman…
- Seeks to be holy in conduct - she fears the Lord - she seeks His will over above all else-1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -Leviticus 19:2 "...be holy for I, the Lord your God, am holy."
- Seeks to be modest in dress
-God emphasizes beauty of character
-1 Timothy 2:9-10
"9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." - Seeks to be gentle and quiet
-2 Timothy 2:24
"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful"
-1 Peter 3:4
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." - Seeks to care for her home
-Titus 2:4-5
"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
-she has a home that is open and hospitable and is given to ministry to the sick, the needy and less fortunate. - Seeks to be a person who can be trusted
-Proverbs 31:11-12
"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." - Seeks to serve others
-has learned and knows the love of Christ for others
-Proverbs 31:20
"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."
- Seeks to be prudent in financial matters
-She is a saver, not a spender
-She can see beyond today on her own
-Proverbs 31:16
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." - Seeks to be a hard worker
-There is no laziness or lack of motivation in her
-She recognizes the value God has placed on hard work
-Proverbs 31:17
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." - Seeks to internalize Biblical wisdom
-Proverbs 31:26
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
-The Word is in her heart and in her life, so it comes out of her mouth. When it does, it is dressed in the Spirit, gentle and kind. - Seeks to do what is right and have a good reputation
-Proverbs 31:23
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land."
-1 Timothy 3:7
"He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."
- She is a blessing to all
-Proverbs 31:28
"28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
Have a great week!
S
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sickness & Sin
You know what I hate about sickness? The fact that something has infltrated my healthy body and has made the entire thing unhealthy - and I could have avoided it had I been willing to listen to the signs I saw on Sunday. But that's a lot like sin, isn't it? It can be avoided if only wer are willing.
God created us in His perfect image and He created a world that was "good" (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." So here we have a "good world" and man that is created in God's perfect image, which is "very good".
And then along comes sin, the diliberate disobedience to the known will of God (thefreedictionary.com). In Genesis 2:16-17 is reads, "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of he knowledge of good and evil you sall not eat, for in the day tha you eat of it you shall surely die." God's will for Adam was to not eat of that particular tree - enter sin. The serpent came on the scene and tempted Eve by making her doubt God's will, though He had been very clear. It could have been avoided, had she taken the proper steps, had she stuck to her guns. Eve's initial response the serpent was "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the gruit of the tree that is he midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die'" (Genesis 3:2-3). Her initial response suggests that she was willing to be obedient, but the serpent keeps on her and quickly tempts her to disobey God's will. It started out as the smallest hint of doubt and deception and it has infiltrated EVERY aspect of our lives ever sinc. This sickness started out as the smallest hint that something wasn't right, when my voice started going after 1 worship set, and I chose to wave it off like no big deal, similar to Eve wavig off the LORD's warning.
Life would be so much easier if we would just heed the warnings at the beginning and obey God, but it's not always that easy.
God created us in His perfect image and He created a world that was "good" (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." So here we have a "good world" and man that is created in God's perfect image, which is "very good".
And then along comes sin, the diliberate disobedience to the known will of God (thefreedictionary.com). In Genesis 2:16-17 is reads, "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of he knowledge of good and evil you sall not eat, for in the day tha you eat of it you shall surely die." God's will for Adam was to not eat of that particular tree - enter sin. The serpent came on the scene and tempted Eve by making her doubt God's will, though He had been very clear. It could have been avoided, had she taken the proper steps, had she stuck to her guns. Eve's initial response the serpent was "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the gruit of the tree that is he midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die'" (Genesis 3:2-3). Her initial response suggests that she was willing to be obedient, but the serpent keeps on her and quickly tempts her to disobey God's will. It started out as the smallest hint of doubt and deception and it has infiltrated EVERY aspect of our lives ever sinc. This sickness started out as the smallest hint that something wasn't right, when my voice started going after 1 worship set, and I chose to wave it off like no big deal, similar to Eve wavig off the LORD's warning.
Life would be so much easier if we would just heed the warnings at the beginning and obey God, but it's not always that easy.
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