Life Through Jesus

Submission Part #2

2005-08-31T20:37:00.000-05:00

Finally after only a 6 week break between these two parts, have I had the time for this. So, I apologize for the delay.
In Part #1 we briefly discussed the basics in what submission means. I want to cover two things in this part.

A. Give simple examples of submission in marriage as well as in courting.
and
B. Give biblical examples of the attributes a godly, submissive wife has.

I find that even typing this out helps me tremendously as being a reminder of my duties as a young Christian woman. Even though I am a single mother, I find that this area doesn't apply to just the women who are married, engaged or courting. The practicalities of this are endless. I will only give a handful of examples simply because there just isn't enough room or time to give them all.

Example #1 Be an encouragement. This is crucial! When he's down, support him. Reassure him. Let him know you are there for him and will be there as his support. Be grateful for the little things as well as the big things he does and make sure he knows you appreciate him. Say things that build him up. Encourage him to use his spiritual gifts in ministry. {1Thessalonians 5:11-12 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. 1Timothy 4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude}

Example #2 When you are with others, always talk about him in a positive light. Whatever gripes you have about him, should be handled with caution. You are a representative of him. Not only is it making him out to look bad in the eyes of others, but it shows your bad attitude towards his shortcomings. Biting our tongues in this 95% of the time is wise. Be warm and gracious to his friends and family. Make your commitment to him obvious. Do not argue with him in front of others. Wait until a time where you two are alone to discuss things. {Proverbs 31:12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.}

Example #3 Being attentive to your spouse's goals and needs are very important. Ask him once or twice a week what his plans are for the coming week. If he has a bunch of tasks, errands and the such needing to be done, make the time to help him take care of them as much as possible. Men generally deal with more stress at the workplace than women, which makes your role essential. Especially if you stay at home! The less stress he has to deal with aside from his job, the happier he will be at home. {Proverbs 31:13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. Proverbs 31:15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.}

Example #4 PRAY!PRAY!PRAY! You cannot pray enough either for him, with him or in reguards to your role. This also is key. Cease from praying and you will see the damage it will do around you. Your relationship with God is MOST important and must always come first! Your husband comes second, children third and finally family and friends. Your children should see that your relationship with your husband comes before them. If there is division between the husband and wife (this could be an argument, differences applied in child rearing etc etc), there's a good chance your children will suffer the most. {Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus}

We won't always do these things perfectly, but we can certainly try! In Proverbs 31, it lays out what God says the excellent wife to be. She is trusted, fears the Lord, careful, praised, not afraid, wise, generous, good to her husband, of exceptional worth, blessed by her children, worker with hands, respectful and kind.

Proverbs 31:10-31 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.

Submission- Part #1

2005-07-17T22:24:00.000-05:00

This topic is not always a popular one. Why? Probably because submission is an "old fashioned" term and even Christian women in modern day America don't care much for it and don't spend the time in biblical study to know that is a clear command from God.

First let's look at what the dictionary says about submission...........
sub·mit (sb-mt)v. sub·mit·ted, sub·mit·ting, sub·mits v. tr.
1. To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another.
2. To subject to a condition or process.
3. To commit (something) to the consideration or judgment of another. See Synonyms at propose.
4. To offer as a proposition or contention: I submit that the terms are entirely unreasonable.

The first definition states "To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another". This is an excellent definition! Women are the weaker vessels and are therefore held under less authority than the men.

1Titus 2:11-13 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.

Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you."

1Peter 3:5-7 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
The Greek word for "submissive" here is...
ὑποτάσσω
to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

This does not mean he can boss you around and make you his slave. This does not mean he can beat on you and force you to do things that are against the Word of God. This does not mean you have no say-so in anything. It does however mean that he has the ultimate authority over the decisions of the home, of the children and of you. You have every right to express your opinions and concerns with him, but he is held responsible for your well being as well as your children's. God will hold him accountable for the way he has conducted his responsibility as head of household. There's no need to fear being taken advantage of.
What does it mean to submit? Well, back to the definition....."To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another". This can mean so many things, but basically this can pour into your conversations with him, your conversations with your friends and family (when talking about him), in the decisions he makes, in physical things (ex. him driving the car, requesting seats in a restaurant or his opinion on what you should wear, etc.) and his position to have spiritual leadership. Your attitude towards these things is critical. God layed these out for a purpose. As a man, your husband has got to feel his authority in the home. It's his God given role and so many women can't let go of control and rob their marriage of the biggest blessing God has given! When we fulfill our duties as we are commanded to, your husband can fulfill his. It is NOT conditional either. Your submissiveness is based solely on what God has commanded you to do, not on your husband's part in the process. If he not fulfilling his duties, than that is something that needs to be discussed with your elder or pastor. It is not your responsibility to put him in his place.
This doesn't simply mean to "yes dear" him to death like a robot. It HAS to be in your heart. It's all about your attitude and how you look at it. If you struggle with this, I strongly suggest praying for God to give you a heart for submission in all things. If your submission to God is there, most likely your submission to your husband should be as well. You may fail, and we all do, but let this be your passion. Strive to LOVE your submission to your husband. It's a choice. God is glorfied through this! You will see the joy this brings to your marriage in ways you never thought. I do believe this type of attitude should start well before marriage. It should be practiced while courting as well (to a certain degree, I will elaborate more on this in part #2).
In part #2, I will discuss HOW to submit. I will give practical examples and bibical references. If you would like to read about this topic in deapth I highly recommend Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl or The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace ( I would take this book with a grain of salt as some of the things she says can be a bit harsh. Use your discretion... all in all your bible should be the biggest source of information).

Dressing Modestly

2005-06-19T23:23:00.000-05:00

This topic has come to my attention a lot recently and I find it very encouraging that I have been able to give my opinion on it. A good dozen or so men and women have asked me what I thought about this in the last 2 weeks. So I felt it only right to blog about it!
Well, I must say in regards to the modest apparel..... I am 26 and most young women these days (even many young Christian women), do not dress modestly. I do and I take it serious. I don't feel is it right to dress immodestly in public or inside the church. Of course what you wear inside your own home is your own business. If you are single or married this makes no difference. If you're single, you want to present the proper attitude and self-respect in order to attract the proper life mate and if you're married you certainly shouldn't be showing anything inappropriate so as to attract much attention from other men. I go by a number of set guidelines for this (for myself). Immodest dressing would simply be....
#1 Showing cleavage. That is definitely out. There's no reason at all why this would be appropriate. A low cut shirt is fine as long as it doesn't reveal anything.
#2 Showing the midsection. This has become way too common and it's very sad. The bottom of a shirt/blouse/sweater should easily meet the top of the pants/skirt/jeans. Many jeans these days are low rise, and that's fine as long as the shirt is long enough to make up for the lost space.
#3 Super tight jeans. Fitting is one thing, but jeans that are so tight that you have a high chance of splitting them if you sat down is just no good.
#4 Short shorts or skirts. Shorts should be no less than about 3-4" lower than the bottom of your rear. Anything shorter is ridiculous. Skirts should be knee length or longer.
Now again, this is MY criteria for dressing modestly. I don't see anything wrong with wearing clothes that are fitting (by fitting I mean the right size) and show your figure as long as you're covered up. That is fine, but as Christian women we need to be a bit more conservative in how we dress because the truth is, if we're dressing any other way, we need to ask ourselves why. There's no other reason than to look good in the eyes of others and more times than not that would be directed towards the men. God does not care for those things. When it comes to worship dressing modestly is quite biblical. And like I said before and I'll say it again..... to dress any other way is not ok, whether it be in public or inside the church.

(This is later added) I had a request for some biblical verses, so here ya go.....

1Titus 2:9-10 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.

1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

My Testimony

2005-05-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, lately I have been asked about my conversion and figured I'd post it here and have a place to send people instead of repeating myself. *smiles*. So.....

My parents divorced when I was 5 and shortly thereafter, my mother became an alcoholic. Her second marriage was shortly after and ended only a year later. The relationship to follow didn't result in marriage, but lasted 11 years. Most of those years she did cocaine on top of her alchoholism. We lived very poorly and abused the welfare system. Because my mother was rarely sober, I was forced to raise my brother and sister. My step-father (through the commonwealth marriage) molested me for two years. This led to me having a nervous breakdown at the ripe-old age of 12. I was removed from the home and my dad was given temporary custody. We appeared in court 2 months later and my mother decided to just sign my brother and I over to my dad.
So from the age of 12 to the age of 18 I lived with my father. He was saved when I was 14, though he never did make me attend church with him, but every now and again would try to talk to me about Christ. My teenage years were very rebellious. I smoked pot, drank, partied frequently and hung out with the wrong crowd.
When I was 19, I moved from New Jersey to Texas. My little sister Elizabeth still lived with my mother and I wanted to be there for her. In June 1999, I began to date my now ex-husband Dorian. Soon after, I ended up pregnant with my daughter Anastasia. She was 6mos old when I was born-again.
It was the end of January in 2001. For some reason, I was drawn to find a bible my father had given me many years back, I tore up my closet looking for it. I finally found it and call my dad. This is how the convo went...

Stacey- "Hey dad. Do you remember that bible you gave me when i was 15?"
Dad-" Ummmm ya?"
Stacey-"Well I FOUND IT!"
Dad-"Well uhhh, that's great Stace.... why were you looking for it?"
Stacey-"I dunno. Just want to read it."
Dad-" That's great! It's really important that you find a good church....blah blah blah

The blah blah is what I was hearing since I was too busy opening that bible and reading it, so wasn't really hearing him. I opened it up to John 1 and began to cry. My poor dad was too excited and trying to guide me. After that, I was on fire for the Lord. I can't tell you why or how I came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, other than it was a work of the Holy Spirit!
That was 4 1/2 years ago, and my walk with the Lord has been nothing less than miraculous. The person I have become is complete opposite of who I used to be. His mercy, love, grace and forgiveness deserve all the glory! I live daily to glorify and praise His holy name!

What a weekend!!

2005-04-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a very blessed weekend indeed. Friday, my brother, my dad, the kids and I drove up to Oklahoma City. For a couple reasons really, but for one main reason.... to see Dr. James White (Calvinist) debate Dr. Bob Wilkin (Dispensationalist) on Regeneration. Let me first say that I have never been to a debate before, but have heard about a dozen of White's debates. I have enjoyed each one of them. This debate though, was much different than any other that I've ever heard. White was awesome. His presentation, his discipline to stay on the agenda and his references to other apologists, scriptural texts and Wilkin's books, was right on target. White at many points was preaching and it was so very edifying. We need more apologists out there who aren't afraid to stand up for the truth of the gospel with no compromising. I tip my hat to Dr.White.

Psalm 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

Psalm 119:2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Now, Wilkin on the other hand, was the worst opponent I've ever heard. Most of the presentation he did not stick to the agenda, over and over again misused scripture and seemed to be nothing more than a bashing of character to his opposition (which btw, he TOTALLY misrepresented what White believed in the first place..... it helps to read the man's books). Nevermind Wilkin's theology, if you could even call it that. His idea that there need not be any good works/fruit or repentence on one's part in order to have "faith", has enlightened me to how much bologna "theology" is out there and how grateful I am to know and believe the truth of the gospel in reguards to regeneration, repentence and good works of the Holy Spirit. He also believes that as long as you say you believe in Jesus, you're saved. Whether it be once in your life, or throughout your life, it didn't matter. I don't know what else to say but..... WOW. I pray for Wilkin. He needs all of our prayers.

Proverbs 12:17 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.

Proverbs 21:28 A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

Mark 6:12 They went out and preached that men should repent.

Luke 13:3 "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Before the debate, I had met with some friends from #prosapologian chat (White's channel) for dinner; Howard and his wife Stephanie. What a great couple they are. It was such a pleasure and I hope to see them again soon. Saturday, we met them at the Oklahoma City Memorial. It was something you just can't really put into words. To see all those empty chairs along the grass where the building used to be, is sad, eerie and yet makes you thank God for His protection over you and your family. It's been 10 years since that bombing and I just hope that the family's of those that died that day, are healed of the pain and that their their hope is set on Christ alone.

Sunday, we went to this PCA church on the north side of OK City. When I first became a Christian in 2001, I started to attend a PCA church in Richardson, Texas. There were two pastors there. One was an older man and the other a much younger man in his early 30's. The younger man's name is Mark Balthrop (Mark used to be baptist and so his preaching still has that flare). What a godly man he is. His preaching always brought me such conviction and joy at the same time. I looked forward to the Sundays that he preached. Right after we moved to Arlington and had to switch churches, he and his wife were called to a church in Macon, Georgia. They spent some time there and eventually ended up in OK City. Of course, throughout the last 3 years, we kept track of him as the Lord had blessed others with his preaching. I was a bit enthused when I found out he was much closer to us again. So.... when I heard White was holding a debate in OK City, I knew that was my chance to visit Pastor Mark that Sunday. It was FANTASTIC to hear it again!! I only wish he lived closer.

God's provision in the hardest of times

2005-04-19T23:28:00.000-05:00

Now, normally I don't blog about my personal life, mostly because I like to blog about stuff that is edifying and encouraging. Not that my life isn't either of those, but I find expressing what's on my heart to be more uplifting. So..... what I have decided to blog about tonight was the provisions of God and how He has provided for my every need in hard times.
I can't tell you what the body of believers have meant to me during the past 4 months. All too often we fellowship and enjoy it, but take it for granted, until one day (or many many days) we need those we fellowship with for support, love and encouragement. It's then that you see the Lord's work in His people. You see the love that God has for His precious chosen ones. Daily sanctification becomes clear. I've realized how important it is and how it is used for His purposes and will. Everyday I am blown away by His continual providing despite my disobedience. Praise the Lord for His TRUE unconditional love!

Psa 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psa 34:3-6 O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 8:3-5 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!

Luke 12:24 "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!

2Corinthians 8:3-5 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

2005-04-05T17:26:00.000-05:00

ENielsen introduces a short modern parable..

"A rich man sold all that he owned, and gave the proceeds to the poor. Everyone spoke well of the man, and his good and praiseworthy deeds. Many considered him to be like a father to them. But the man ended his life by jumping off of a cliff, and encouraged others to follow him over the edge. Many, who respected him, jumped off the cliff and perished in agony. A certain writer saw thousands of people jumping off the cliff, and he wrote books and articles telling them to stop, lest they die in agony. When people heard what the writer had to say, they criticized him and said that he was not being respectful of the rich man who gave his money to the poor."

Nuff said :)

The Ten Commandments of Love

2005-04-03T21:28:00.000-05:00

I was searching through my bible study notes that I have accumulated over some time now and I came across this and I was thinking about how awesome God is and His love for me. I figured as usual I will post some scripture for each of these commandments.

1. No gods before Him- Love is loyal.
Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.

2. No idols- Love it faithful.
Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

1Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. Don't misuse His name- Love is reverent.
1 Corinthians 14:25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

4. Keep the Sabbath- Love is intimate.
Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

Romans 15:13 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.

2 Timothy 1:14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

5. Honor your father and mother- Love is respectful.
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Revelation 4:11 "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."

6. Don't murder- Love is harmless.
Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

1 Peter 3:4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God

7. Don't commit adultery- Love is pure.
1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

2 Corinthians 6:6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,

8.Don't steal- Love is unselfish.
Psalm 70:4 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified."

Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.

9. Don't lie- Love is truthful.
1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart

2 John 1:3 Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

10. Don't covet- Love is content.
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.

1 Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Forgiveness & Mercy

2005-03-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

The passed couple months I have felt the Holy Spirit just working faithfully in me. My need for God has been at it's highest and I can honestly say that it has also made me a whole lot more aware of my sin. Doesn't it always work that way? I can't tell you how many times I've prayed for forgiveness and for granted repentence. Each time, I read the Word and what it says about the mercy of God, it has gotten me to a point of praise and thankfulness! My gratitude for what He has done, my desire to please Him, the overwhelming grief for my sin all show me a true work of God! How else can I respond? Only in praise! To God be the glory!!

Psalm 51
For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise.
For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.
Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, In burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar.

Blessed Weekend

2005-03-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

I know I know! I haven't posted any entries on my blog for bout a week now. I was actually out of state from Wednesday early morning to Sunday late evening. It was such an awesome trip!! I am definately doing it again ;) . The long drive gave me a lot of time to pray (of course with my eyes open *lol*), to listen to some really good James White debates and to listen to some worship music. There was one debate that I was really blessed by. It was The Great Debate 2001:Purgatory: Biblical or Mythical? between Dr. James White vs Fr. Peter Stravinskas. It was long, but worth every minute! I listened to The Calvinism Debate between James White vs Pastor James Barker. Also very good.
What has really encouraged me lately, is a really good friend and dear sister of mine has interviewed me about my blog. *S* HERE is the link for that! Thanks a ton Carla, I love you!

2Corintians 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

John 10:3 "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

1John 4:9-10 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Pro 16:20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Worthy Of All my Praise

2005-02-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

So, I had a good weekend. Friday was hard though. My daughter took a train ride with her father to Philadelphia and she won't be back til next Monday. I will miss her! It's just Noah and I and I'm considering a road trip *S*. Went to my mom's on Saturday. Spent the day there and went shopping. Picked dad up on my way back home. My dad comes to stay with us for a couple of days about once a month. The kids really like that.
Church was great as usual and they played my favorite song "Before The Throne of God Above" It was awesome! In the afternoon, I took a nap then did a LOT of thinking as I painted 2 rooms in my house. Most of you know one of my favorite CD's is Selah. They are such an inspiration and their songs have been a great cushion for me in these hard times. This one song though really speaks volumes to me. I know that even in the midst of all of my trials, God blesses me the most! I feel the most connected, the most in dire need of His grace and provisions. If you click HERE you can listen to this song. Below I put the words to the song and some verses that I feel mix right in it. I hope you are blessed by it as I am.

All My Praise

by Selah

album: Hiding Place (2004)

I will follow You through green pastures
And sing hallelujah to Your Name
I will follow You through dark disaster
And sing hallelujah through the pain

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

You are seated on your throne in heaven
And You see all of us down here
And You have promised You will not abandon
So I shall not fear

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

You made every star
And You taught it how to shine
You knew my name before there was time
And all this was just part of Your glorious design
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

Psalm 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High

Psalm 9:2 I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High

Psalm 30:12 That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

My rock and my stronghold

2005-02-23T00:57:00.000-05:00

I love the Lord with all my heart and if there is anything to be said is that He has always provided all my needs. Now my wants.... well He knows what's best for me! It's amazing how faithful He is to me despite my unfaithfulness. I have such a strong desire to want to glorify Him, to want to know Him, to want to read about Him. My walk has been so awesome and I know it's just the beginning. Though I struggle daily, He is always with me. I can get on my knees anytime and talk to Him (and I do that a lot). Through these trials, He is my rock, He is my stronghold, He is the shepherd that leads me! How grateful I am. I have this quote that someone gave to me and I figured it fit me so much and deserves to be blogged.

"As all the rivers run into the sea, so all the streams of the church's suffering run into Christ. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth. And if the Christian's heart be full of woes, it empties itself into the breast of Jesus."- Charles H. Spurgeon

Here are some verses that make me fall to my knees and worship the one true and living God!

Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psa 28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

Psa 31:1-5 For the choir director. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me. You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.

Psa 59:17 O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.

Isa 58:11 "And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Exo 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.

Psa 28:6-7 Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Lean not on your own understanding

2005-02-16T17:27:00.000-05:00

Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

These are some of my favorite verses. I have this index card I wrote it on and have it on my dashboard in my car. I can't be reminded enough, yet every single day I fail to do just that. This January I signed up for Evangelism Explosion. Ever since November, God has just really weighed it on my heart for evangelism. Our church offers this program every 6 months, and in December they started the enrollment. It's funny, because when I first saw it in the bulletin, I had a feeling about doing it. I was blessed by the opportunity to share the gospel with my mother around the same time. On 3 seperate occassions by 3 seperate people (aside from my mom), I was asked about Christ, only 1 was a new believer and it just spoke volumes to me.

Christmas eve, I got en email telling me that a next door neighbor I used to have passed away. She was only 34, she has a 6 year old son whom was very close to my daughter. I talked to her in October when she first called me to tell me she was in the hospital and had found out she had Leukemia. It happened so fast. She was out of the hospital for about 3 weeks and ended up back in with Pneumonia. Soon after that, she passed away. When I first got her call, my immediate thought was to go visit her and share the gospel with her, which I failed to do. After I received the e-mail reguarding her death, I was filled with so much guilt, so much shame. I failed to obey what God commanded me to do and it just felt HORRIBLE! I prayed so much that night and it really pushed my urge to want to get into EE.

So, now I'm in week 5 of EE and God has been so gracious to me in surrounding me with prayer partners who love me dearly, with believers who are also into evangelism and with believers who support what I do. I am very blessed! I do want to thank those I just mentioned (you know who you are). I have no idea how God will use me, but I sure hope He uses me well in being a messanger to the lost.

2Th 3:1 and be glorified, just as it did also with you;Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;
Joh 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Terrible 2's!!!

2005-02-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

Noah's 2nd Birthday

Division

2005-02-06T02:24:00.000-05:00

I was having a good day today. My brother took me out to eat, paid for me to get pampered, was a good day. I came online and soon the happiness was short lived. I wonder many times why I go in chat. I have a good handful of people I consider my friends though, so I stick it out and weed out the bad ones. Today, I must say, was a day that effected me more than I thought would. I was 2 seconds from deleting the entire chat program off my pc for good! I am tired of the division between baptists and presbyterians. I am a member of a PCA church, but believe in credobaptism. So I guess you would say I have a middle-of-the-road view. Now, maybe I misunderstood, but what I gathered to being said, was "I wouldn't fellowship with a presbyterian at the church". The topic revolved around fellowshipping and the Lord's Supper, or so I gathered. Now, tho I have baptist beliefs I still consider myself to be presbyterian simply because that's where I attend. I was VERY hurt by this comment, and probably not so much of the comment alone, but because of who said it. I would never ever break fellowship with the presbyterians because we have some doctrinal disagreements. I'd like to know who believes 100% of another believer?! Is the disagreement essential? Does it mean because we follow such and such we are closer to God or more right than those who don't? I think there is a fine line there and I can bet when we get to heaven, God will not find this in the least bit amusing and tell us "Your'e ALL wrong!". Who would be surprised then? I think this also ties in with pride. We always have to be right and sacrifice fellowship over it. Who is more worthy? Why?

Luke 9:46-50 An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."

John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

1Co 10:17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit

1Co 12:20-26 But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

I am not going to belittle a church that has a "closed communion", that is, only the member's of the church can partake, but I must say I do not agree with it. I have every right as any other believer in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to partake in the Lord's Supper!! NOT every member of a church who partakes in the Lord's Supper will be a believer either, so what are we shielding from? We cannot possibly prevent an unbeliever from participating in this ordinance, as much as we try. Yes there is division, yes there are differences in doctrine, but at what cost?

To Lift Each Other Up

2005-02-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

I have this buddy of mine, who I have becomes friends with and enjoy his conversations very much. The past 2-3mos has been trying for him. I hope I have been as much of an encouragement as he has for me. Here are some verses that I pray would be helpful in his time of need and hurt. You know who you are and you're in my prayers dear brother.

Psalm 25
A Psalm of David. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.
Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.
All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land.
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
My eyes are continually toward the LORD, For He will pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses.
Look upon my affliction and my trouble, And forgive all my sins.
Look upon my enemies, for they are many, And they hate me with violent hatred.
Guard my soul and deliver me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.
Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.

Ocean Full of Blessing

2005-01-31T14:40:00.000-05:00

I sat in church yesturday and I can't even begin to tell you how my joy for the Lord has grown! I had nursery duty last week and was DYING to be in worship. It was a LONG hour and half! Throughtout the week, I find myself in anticipation for Sunday. It is an awesome feeling to have. I've felt my worship to mean so much to me. Every Sunday we do the Lord's Supper, and let me just say PRAISE THE LORD! That constant reminder of what Christ has done for me feeds my soul. I become overwhelmed with love and gratitude and my eyes fill with tears. It is the most intense part of my worship and I can't help but bow my head in prayer during the whole thing. It's a wonderful time to glorify God. I posted a hymn below that we sang yesturday and hope that it feeds your soul too :-).

Soli Deo Gloria

O The Deep,Deep Love of Jesus

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

The Silent Majority

2005-01-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

I got this e-mail today and I must say I can totally agree. I will post it below. This past year has really made me worry about this country and how much longer God will bless us. All too often, people try to take God out of the very principles this country was founded on. It's sad. Taking God out of the Pledge Of Allegiance, "In God We Trust" on our currency and the sickening rise of abortion & stem cell research. All I can say is...... may God help us!

I think Mr. Harvey is right on target here:
What amazes me is that this country was founded by people getting away from religious persecution, so they could FREELY worship or not worship the way they wanted! I guess History does repeat itself, but with all land masses occupied where do we go from here? Space? I guess this makes me one of the silent majority, but it is time we get back to the basics. If you don't want to pray, then don't, but do not tell me that I can't! Paul Harvey is a well-known radio broadcaster whose segment, "TheRest of the Story" is popular in North America. Paul Harvey says: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution. Life, liberty, or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. "But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches out numberall others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect,somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. "But what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of earplugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard know that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, You don't have to pray, you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right..But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN! God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him. God bless America. Despite all her faults, she is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up...... In God WE Trust.

A Hymn of Comfort

2005-01-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

Well, this morning I was driving in the car. All by myself. Anytime you're by youself, you always have time to reflect, time to talk to the Lord. I take that time to put in some worship music. I have this one song, that for the past couple weeks has just been a HUGE comfort to me. It's off the Selah CD ( a good one I might add, has a bunch of old hymns). I must have played it over 6x in a one way drive and each time it brought me such joy and praise. I hope you find a great comfort in this hymn as well.

Before The Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

WOW! Praise the Lord!

I can't believe I actually got one of these!

2005-01-23T19:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, honestly I never EVER thought I would get me one of these. I rant enough as it is! Great now all the crap I say I can post online *giggles*. I don't have a whole lot to say right now, but I'm sure that'll change as i get used to posting. It was a bit cold out today (for Texas anyway). Those back home (New Jersey, yes i agree I made a great move HA) would say I lost my mind to think that 45* is cold. Seven years in a much warmer climate can change one's opinion of what cold really is. Anywho, I have to go for now, I have a church function I am very much looking forward to attending. *S* Have a blessed Lord's day!