One morning, as I was reading my Bible, God gave me a set of verses, and thoughts that I wrote down, and decided to share them here, in case they might help someone else, as they did me :)
"I said in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure'; but surely this also was vanity. I said of laughter - 'Madness!'; and of mirth, 'What does it accomplish?'
I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives." Ecclesiastes 2: 1-3
When we give in to pleasure for ourselves, it displeases God, for it is vanity. By my acts of self-pleasure (day-dreaming, along with other things...) I was only causing grief to my Lord. That has been what has been causing me illness; my indulging in pleasure.
"I'm sorry Lord. I don't want to gain the whole world, if it means losing my soul."
When our pleasure is in God, everything else will come together and also bring us joy. But when worldly pleasures come first, we will not have our greatest pleasure in the Lord. Even though it is difficult we - I - must act out this, so I may come back to God. As I said to ---- this morning, uphill is always harder.
It is easier to go downhill to our earthly pleasures, than it is to go back uphill to where our greater pleasure is.
But I will make it back uphill to renew my greatest pleasure, where my joy truly lives; with my Savior.
'For what is life if not for Me?' (that coming from God)
"So Lord, I give up my entire being to You, and will strive to climb that hill back to You. I'm sorry for going downhill so fast. My life is Yours. Into Your hands I commit my spirit." Amen.
Sister Sites~#4
A place to dwell on all things lovely, pure, and true, as Philippians 4:8 instructs us to do.
A place to cultivate deeper intimacy with Christ.
A place to discover the beauty, grace, and joy to be had each day.
A place to connect with like-minded set-apart girls.
A place to encourage and be encouraged by your set-apart sister in the Lord.
A place to share all that makes your life lovely.
A place to share how the Lord captivated your heart.
A place that challenges you to cherish each of life's sacred moments.
A place to discuss and reflect upon all that makes up the set-apart life.
A place to find resources that will encourage you on your journey.
Take a visit... http://www.dwellonlovely.com/
A Letter from our Lord
My dear child,
This is your Father, the King. Though I may seem far away from you at times, know that you are never alone, and I am always waiting patiently for you to come back to Me. Yes, it is you, not I, who has chosen the separation that often comes between us. I await you with open arms, greatly desiring to have you back in my embrace and care, once again. Day after day, I wait for you, watching you, to see if maybe you will chose Me today, instead of the other things that repeatedly ensnare you, and capture your attention, if only for a moment. I am not angry with you, My beloved. I am saddened, as any parent would be. I still will wait patiently for you. But please, My child, spare Me the grief and come back to Me. I love you more than you can comprehend. Come back.
I am always here.
Love,
your Father.
This is your Father, the King. Though I may seem far away from you at times, know that you are never alone, and I am always waiting patiently for you to come back to Me. Yes, it is you, not I, who has chosen the separation that often comes between us. I await you with open arms, greatly desiring to have you back in my embrace and care, once again. Day after day, I wait for you, watching you, to see if maybe you will chose Me today, instead of the other things that repeatedly ensnare you, and capture your attention, if only for a moment. I am not angry with you, My beloved. I am saddened, as any parent would be. I still will wait patiently for you. But please, My child, spare Me the grief and come back to Me. I love you more than you can comprehend. Come back.
I am always here.
Love,
your Father.
Watch & Pray
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mark 13:31-37
Are we watching? Are we ready for the Bridegroom when He comes?
Let us not sleep, but watch and pray for His coming!
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mark 13:31-37
Are we watching? Are we ready for the Bridegroom when He comes?
Let us not sleep, but watch and pray for His coming!
Marriage
There is a wedding in my family that is taking place the same day this will post. And with this beloved union, it causes me to think about our union with Christ.
He is our Groom. We are His bride. We've all heard that before, of course, but I wanted to go a little deeper on it. Especially now with the experience of wedding preparation.
When you plan a wedding, you take extra intricate care, with each little detail, making sure that the brides day will be splendid and perfect. Memorable. You start the preparations the minute that the couple are engaged, and have their wedding day picked out.
Now let's switch it around to our marriage to Christ. When we accepted Christ, we accepted Him as our Groom. And therefore, as with earthly weddings, we should be preparing for our heavenly wedding, when we will be united with Christ again. That will be our wedding day.
We should be preparing our lives, taking extra intricate care with each little detail, to make sure our lives line up with how our Groom wants us to live. And only then, will He accept us as His bride.
We think that our heavenly marriage to Christ, is just a cute, fanciful, romantic idea; not truly real. If we did think it was truly real, would be living our lives the same way? No! We'd be devoting all our time to Him, Who called us to Him. Getting to know Him more, so we can please Him more. Spending more time in His Word, because that is His story. If an earthly groom had a book all about him, the bride would be pouring over it, wouldn't she?
You must think the same way of our marriage to Christ, as you would an earthly marriage to a man. Christ is the ultimate Groom. We need to strive to be the ultimate bride for Him.
When He comes for us, will He find we did the preparations right, and made sure everything would be perfect for that Day? Or will He come and see us wasting our time on other unimportant things?
Will you be His ultimate bride?
He is our Groom. We are His bride. We've all heard that before, of course, but I wanted to go a little deeper on it. Especially now with the experience of wedding preparation.
When you plan a wedding, you take extra intricate care, with each little detail, making sure that the brides day will be splendid and perfect. Memorable. You start the preparations the minute that the couple are engaged, and have their wedding day picked out.
Now let's switch it around to our marriage to Christ. When we accepted Christ, we accepted Him as our Groom. And therefore, as with earthly weddings, we should be preparing for our heavenly wedding, when we will be united with Christ again. That will be our wedding day.
We should be preparing our lives, taking extra intricate care with each little detail, to make sure our lives line up with how our Groom wants us to live. And only then, will He accept us as His bride.
We think that our heavenly marriage to Christ, is just a cute, fanciful, romantic idea; not truly real. If we did think it was truly real, would be living our lives the same way? No! We'd be devoting all our time to Him, Who called us to Him. Getting to know Him more, so we can please Him more. Spending more time in His Word, because that is His story. If an earthly groom had a book all about him, the bride would be pouring over it, wouldn't she?
You must think the same way of our marriage to Christ, as you would an earthly marriage to a man. Christ is the ultimate Groom. We need to strive to be the ultimate bride for Him.
When He comes for us, will He find we did the preparations right, and made sure everything would be perfect for that Day? Or will He come and see us wasting our time on other unimportant things?
Will you be His ultimate bride?
From waiting to warring.
We, as young ladies, are usually expected to 'wait'. Wait for our future husband. Wait to be a housewife. Ect. ect. We can get very caught up in that life style. But God has been revealing to me, that the period of waiting is over. We need to prepare.
The Lord needs strong warriors for Him, and who better than us, young ladies, with hardly anything better to do?! We have this time, in our life, that is a long stretch of years, in between two stages; Child hood, and marriage hood. Most call it, the teenage years. I want to change that to, the defining years. What you do with these years of your life really do matter!
Most of you have noticed how bad the world is turning out, haven't you? It's because...well, where is God in the peoples lives?? They don't let Him in. They shut Him out.
As I was praying this morning, and getting almost frustrated, with what He wants me to do now that I have established that I am in a learning season, and He showed me, that what a great opportunity I have with this site alone! I know God wants me to be reaching as many people as I can for Him. And this site can be one of those tools. So, there may be more changes in the future.
We need to put aside our sewing and reach for our swords, so-to-speak. This is a battle. A real spiritual battle. And God needs us young ladies on His side, fighting with His strength.
We need to arm ourselves. Ephesians 6: 10 - 20 explains it perfectly. Go read it. We are in an age, where bluntness is needed to win others to Christ. No more stepping on tip-toes, worrying whose feet you'll hurt. God expect each and every one of us to be strong warriors for Him, to realize the seriousness of this life, and the next life.
I think that the time of waiting has come to an end, and the time of warring has just begun. Who knows when the end of the world will be. It's not ours to decide or know, but we should be prepared, and not be blindsided.
Think of your life seriously. Consider where you want to end up. Consider whose side you want to fight on. There are two. No in between.
The Lord needs strong warriors for Him, and who better than us, young ladies, with hardly anything better to do?! We have this time, in our life, that is a long stretch of years, in between two stages; Child hood, and marriage hood. Most call it, the teenage years. I want to change that to, the defining years. What you do with these years of your life really do matter!
Most of you have noticed how bad the world is turning out, haven't you? It's because...well, where is God in the peoples lives?? They don't let Him in. They shut Him out.
As I was praying this morning, and getting almost frustrated, with what He wants me to do now that I have established that I am in a learning season, and He showed me, that what a great opportunity I have with this site alone! I know God wants me to be reaching as many people as I can for Him. And this site can be one of those tools. So, there may be more changes in the future.
We need to put aside our sewing and reach for our swords, so-to-speak. This is a battle. A real spiritual battle. And God needs us young ladies on His side, fighting with His strength.
We need to arm ourselves. Ephesians 6: 10 - 20 explains it perfectly. Go read it. We are in an age, where bluntness is needed to win others to Christ. No more stepping on tip-toes, worrying whose feet you'll hurt. God expect each and every one of us to be strong warriors for Him, to realize the seriousness of this life, and the next life.
I think that the time of waiting has come to an end, and the time of warring has just begun. Who knows when the end of the world will be. It's not ours to decide or know, but we should be prepared, and not be blindsided.
Think of your life seriously. Consider where you want to end up. Consider whose side you want to fight on. There are two. No in between.
Tomorrow
How many times have we told ourselves, and God, that "We're just too busy to spend time reading the Bible today. I'll do it tomorrow."
But what is there isn't a tomorrow? What if there isn't another chance to read your Bible, and spend one on one time with our Saviour?
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." That's in Proverbs chapter 15 verse one I think.
We do not know what a day may bring forth. We do not know for certain that there will even be another tomorrow!
Why are we wasting today, worrying about earthly objects, when we should be preparing for our lives as Christian Soldiers?
The truth is, we don't know when Jesus Christ is coming, but the Bible even says that we must be watchful, lest we get left behind. He could come today, He could come tomorrow, or maybe He won't come in our life time. Either way, we must be prepared. This is a serious matter, and how we live our life today, will show us how we will live after our bodies fail us.
Think about it; what are you going to do today?
But what is there isn't a tomorrow? What if there isn't another chance to read your Bible, and spend one on one time with our Saviour?
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." That's in Proverbs chapter 15 verse one I think.
We do not know what a day may bring forth. We do not know for certain that there will even be another tomorrow!
Why are we wasting today, worrying about earthly objects, when we should be preparing for our lives as Christian Soldiers?
The truth is, we don't know when Jesus Christ is coming, but the Bible even says that we must be watchful, lest we get left behind. He could come today, He could come tomorrow, or maybe He won't come in our life time. Either way, we must be prepared. This is a serious matter, and how we live our life today, will show us how we will live after our bodies fail us.
Think about it; what are you going to do today?
The Seasons of Our Life
*Re-posting as Blogger deleted this*
Where I live, in beautiful North Idaho, spring has finally arrived!
I'm so thankful that God created seasons not only in nature, but in our lives.
There are so many seasons in our lives, and, although they aren't always pleasant, we can learn and grow from each one. God uses the trials and troubles in our lives to shape and mold us into the image of Christ...if we let Him. That's hard sometimes. Some seasons are hard, very hard, and it would be so easy just to give up and say, "this is too hard, Lord!" But if we trust God, and ask Him to strengthen us, He will give us the strength to press on towards the prize.
It's not just about getting through the day - it's going through our day with joy and peace, for God's glory and honor, by His strength.
When I start to feel overwhelmed, and as if I'm at the end of my strength both physically and mentally, these verses help. They remind me to ask God for the strength and the grace to go on, to get the job done.
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. Psalm 18:32
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
So, if you're feeling tired and discouraged, don't give up. Ask God to strengthen you. He will give you the strength to to go on.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Ecclesiastes 3:1-7
Have a lovely day, ladies!
A verse and some thoughts
James 2:9
"But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors."
You commit sin. That shook my heart. How many times have I shown partiality? To people, to animals, to things, to things to do with my spare time. Too many times I have done this. My sin is large in number. But my number of sins is wiped away, by asking these 3 words, "Please forgive me."
Whom am I asking to forgive me? The Lord of course. For He is the only One who can forgive my sins completely. He already has.
But this verse is quite clear, I think. God gives us rules to live by, to make our lives a joyous one, and most important, a glorious life when our bodies die. This verse only shows one of these such rules. It did shake me.
I'm obviously not pointing figures, or judging, because it's first of all not my place, and second of all, I am just as guilty of it. But please, take some time to search your heard, and think on this verse.
"But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors."
You commit sin. That shook my heart. How many times have I shown partiality? To people, to animals, to things, to things to do with my spare time. Too many times I have done this. My sin is large in number. But my number of sins is wiped away, by asking these 3 words, "Please forgive me."
Whom am I asking to forgive me? The Lord of course. For He is the only One who can forgive my sins completely. He already has.
But this verse is quite clear, I think. God gives us rules to live by, to make our lives a joyous one, and most important, a glorious life when our bodies die. This verse only shows one of these such rules. It did shake me.
I'm obviously not pointing figures, or judging, because it's first of all not my place, and second of all, I am just as guilty of it. But please, take some time to search your heard, and think on this verse.
Happy Mother's Day!!
"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." -- Proverbs 31:28
Have a beautiful Mother's day, and may you always remember what a blessing Moms are!
:)
Have a beautiful Mother's day, and may you always remember what a blessing Moms are!
:)
Not known for us.
"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal to Him." -- Luke 10: 22
When Jesus Christ was on earth, He was not known to be the Son of God. There are many verses and passages that straight that He didn't want others to know just exactly who He is. By that He shows us how to be humble. He, Jesus Christ, Lord of lords, wasn't always recognized for what He did, and assuredly He did miraculous things! Then, by His example we should also be humbled, and give up our present life-style to follow in His footsteps; to give up who we are on our own.
When Jesus Christ was on earth, He was not known to be the Son of God. There are many verses and passages that straight that He didn't want others to know just exactly who He is. By that He shows us how to be humble. He, Jesus Christ, Lord of lords, wasn't always recognized for what He did, and assuredly He did miraculous things! Then, by His example we should also be humbled, and give up our present life-style to follow in His footsteps; to give up who we are on our own.
The Lord is our Strength
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Psalm 18:29-34
Two things in these verses jumped out at me...
- God is our strength,
- and He will give us the strength we need for every situation in life.
I have a problem with controlling my tongue - it's not an uncommon problem.
Proverbs is full of verses about bridling our tongues, so it seems to be something that a lot of people struggle with, even in Biblical times.
However, I often get so discouraged when I say something I shouldn't, or say it in a sarcastic or rude way. I absolutely despise my tongue at times, but it seems like I keep doing the same thing over and over again.
What encouraged me today was that if God can give me the strength to leap over a wall, or bend a bow of steel, then He can give me the strength to control and conquer my tongue.
I mean, I'm not much of a jumper - I can't even jump the pasture fence or get on my horse bareback without several tries. I'm fairly strong, being a farmgirl, but I know that I can't bend a bow of steel!
Yet, God says that He will give us the strength we need, even to do those seemingly impossible tasks.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
All we need to do, is ask.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
Movie Review --- "The Perfect Stranger"
"The Perfect Stranger"
My Mum viewed this on a Christian channel, and told us we just had to watch it; it was so amazing. She rented it from the library so we could see it, and goodness. Last night I watched it with my parents. It is such a...great movie. So much is involved, that I'm not sure if I was able to take it all in. It challenged me.
The girl, Nikki, asks all the questions a christian, and non-christian alike would ask, and they are answered so extremely well.
I really recommend this movie, and ask that you would think about checking it out. It is well-worth your time.
The man told the lawyer he was Jesus Christ. The lawyer decided to call his bluff.
Nikki Cominsky is a successful attorney - troubled by the fact that her life isn't perfect. One day, a mysterious invitation shows up on her desk that reads, "You are invited to Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth." Thinking it's a prank, she shows up - only to find herself in the middle of a whirlwind evening of debate and revelation - with the most unforgettable man she would ever meet.My Mum viewed this on a Christian channel, and told us we just had to watch it; it was so amazing. She rented it from the library so we could see it, and goodness. Last night I watched it with my parents. It is such a...great movie. So much is involved, that I'm not sure if I was able to take it all in. It challenged me.
The girl, Nikki, asks all the questions a christian, and non-christian alike would ask, and they are answered so extremely well.
I really recommend this movie, and ask that you would think about checking it out. It is well-worth your time.