I am taking a short detour here to fill in a few things about how I was able to come home.
I felt the call to home school when Abby was still an infant and so I mentioned it to my husband several times over the next few months. He told me that we would never be able to afford for me to come home, that I would always have to work full time. Of course, this added to the anxiety that I was already feeling. I began to pray in earnest that G-d would either change my desire or my husband's heart. He gave me a greater desire to home school and be with my child.
When Abby was about three years old, I felt it was time to have a serious talk with my husband about home schooling. It was a Sunday afternoon when I told him I needed to talk to him. I was ready for a fight. I had all my arguments ready so that I could convince him that home schooling was what G-d wanted for our family.
I sat down and said, "Scott, I really feel that G-d wants us to home school Abby." He said, "OK, let's go look at the budget and see how we are going to work it out."
I didn't have to argue. I didn't have to convince him. G-d had changed Scott's heart on the matter. We spent all that afternoon coming up with a plan to pay off all of our debt, except the house. We worked for the next two years to accomplish it.
Scott still was not convinced that we could make it on his salary (we cut our income in half when I quit working all together). I found a part time job in the afternoons and evenings but I was still working between 25 to 30 hours a week outside the home plus drive time. I schooled Abby in the mornings, which was okay because it was kindergarten. The next year, when Abby was in first grade, I took care of two children in my home. This did not work well for us because my husband works nights about half the time and sleeps during the days. However, during this time, as my income slowly decreased, G-d convinced my husband that we could make it on his salary. Since then I teach Spanish to home schooling families and that helps to pay for books, supplies and field trips.
In January of this year, we took another leap of faith when we moved from Columbia to Rock Hill, SC. My husband is a police officer and works a great deal of overtime to keep me at home. We had been praying for a way for him to be home more and a better work environment for him. G-d has blessed us greatly with a position with the Police Dept here. Scott is surrounded by believers and is home with us more. Rock Hill also has a very strong home schooling community and we have been privileged to meet many wonderful families this year.
Abby is now in forth grade. I love being with her everyday. I am finally following G-d's will for my life by being available to my family when they need me. There is nothing else competing for my time and so I am able to put all my effort in to taking care of them.
To be continued...
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Our Journey - Part 1
Nine and a half years ago, we were blessed with the most beautiful little girl, and thus began our journey into parenthood. Six weeks later, I was told by my doctors that I should not have any more children due to health reasons. I had a tubal ligation and put an end to my child bearing years.
For the next eight years, I went through multiple periods of depression, frustration and anger because I could no longer have children. My dream had been to have a house full of children. What made things worse was that I had to work full time and felt like I was missing my only opportunity to raise a child. I was missing out on all of those precious first moments that I so wanted to be a part of. I was blessed to have my mother and mother-in-law to keep my daughter while I was working but I was jealous of them because they were able to be a part of her life everyday while I only had a about two hours each evening in which to cook dinner, get her bathed and spend time with her before she fell asleep.
What I came to realize during this time, was that when my doctors spoke, I reacted, but not in the way I should have. I did not take the time to think and pray about this decision. I just did it. A part of me knew that I would not go through with it if I stopped to think about it. The sad thing is, that is exactly what I should have done. I should have taken the time to ask G-d what he wanted me to do. If I had, I never would have gone through with the procedure.
I spent eight years of my life angry, frustrated and depressed because I was not living in obedience to G-d's will for my life. I will not say those years were wasted because I had my beautiful little Abby and four years ago, I was able to come home to be with her. However, because of my disobedience, I felt no real peace or joy.
Then my husband and I made a decision that would change everything.
For the next eight years, I went through multiple periods of depression, frustration and anger because I could no longer have children. My dream had been to have a house full of children. What made things worse was that I had to work full time and felt like I was missing my only opportunity to raise a child. I was missing out on all of those precious first moments that I so wanted to be a part of. I was blessed to have my mother and mother-in-law to keep my daughter while I was working but I was jealous of them because they were able to be a part of her life everyday while I only had a about two hours each evening in which to cook dinner, get her bathed and spend time with her before she fell asleep.
What I came to realize during this time, was that when my doctors spoke, I reacted, but not in the way I should have. I did not take the time to think and pray about this decision. I just did it. A part of me knew that I would not go through with it if I stopped to think about it. The sad thing is, that is exactly what I should have done. I should have taken the time to ask G-d what he wanted me to do. If I had, I never would have gone through with the procedure.
I spent eight years of my life angry, frustrated and depressed because I was not living in obedience to G-d's will for my life. I will not say those years were wasted because I had my beautiful little Abby and four years ago, I was able to come home to be with her. However, because of my disobedience, I felt no real peace or joy.
Then my husband and I made a decision that would change everything.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Spiritual Freedom
"Spiritual freedom is the root of political freedom. … As the union between spiritual freedom and political liberty seems nearly inseparable, it is our duty to defend both"
Thomas Paine (1775)
In His Service,
Angela
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Sabbath
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Ex 20:8-11 (NKJV)
According to the Bible, keeping the Sabbath is a very serious command. It was important enough that God made it one of the Ten Commandments.
2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.Gen 2:2-3 (NKJV)
God set the example for us by resting after working for six days. He did this because he knew that it was good for man to rest.
27 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
Mark 2:26-27 (NKJV)
If we follow God's command of the Bible, then we observe the Sabbath on the 7th day of the week which is Saturday. During this time, we do not do any work but instead spend our time resting and perhaps studying God's word.
So this is my question for you. Do you observe the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday and why? What do you do to observe the Sabbath. Do you literally rest from all work?
Angela
Monday, June 22, 2009
A Virtuous Woman - Part 2
We have looked at what a virtuous woman is, now let us look at the second part of verse 10.
For her worth is far above rubies.
Prov 31:10 (NKJV)
Rubies are a rare jewel. Because of this, they are more valuable than diamonds of the same weight. God's beautiful and virtuous woman is as rare and precious as a ruby.
An excellent[1] wife is the crown of her husband,
Prov 12:4 (NKJV)
"Gods' beautiful Proverbs 31 woman was the sparkling jewel in her husband's life! She brought the love, the color, the joy, the life, and the energy to the home." (Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George
How encouraging. We have the chance, the responsibility to keep our homes full of joy, love, peace, energy, and fun. How can anyone find this a dull task. As God's beautiful women, we have the opportunity to shape our children, to be creative, to make our homes welcoming to our husbands so that they want to spend their time at home. We can make the difference in how happy our homes are but how do we fulfill such a seemingly overwhelming task?
First of all, we need to learn practical skills. We need to be able to keep house, including cooking and cleaning. What man wants to come home to a dirty house with nothing to eat. These are skills we need to pass down to our daughters. That is not to say boys should not learn these skills as well. Everyone should be able to take care of themselves but we are talking about God's virtuous woman here.
Second, we should have a basic understanding of finances. We must know how to pay bills, balance a checkbook, reconcile bank statements, and a basic knowledge of saving and investing. We also need to have control over our spending and become good stewards of our resources. In other words, we need to use our money wisely. Learn new ways to save money. Our husbands will appreciate us all the more for it.
We also need to manage our time well. As women, our tasks never seem to end. Do we spend half our day at the computer or watching television or are we using the time God has given us for his purposes? Are we taking care of our home and families first? We must prioritize by planning and scheduling and that includes planning for good rest. Making sure we are organized will assist in managing our time better.
As the woman of your home, you will set the general mood of your home. If you are happy one moment and angry the next, your husband and children will live in a state of confusion. Work on mastering your moods. The Bible has much to say about an angry and contentious woman.
For her worth is far above rubies.
Prov 31:10 (NKJV)
Rubies are a rare jewel. Because of this, they are more valuable than diamonds of the same weight. God's beautiful and virtuous woman is as rare and precious as a ruby.
An excellent[1] wife is the crown of her husband,
Prov 12:4 (NKJV)
"Gods' beautiful Proverbs 31 woman was the sparkling jewel in her husband's life! She brought the love, the color, the joy, the life, and the energy to the home." (Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George
How encouraging. We have the chance, the responsibility to keep our homes full of joy, love, peace, energy, and fun. How can anyone find this a dull task. As God's beautiful women, we have the opportunity to shape our children, to be creative, to make our homes welcoming to our husbands so that they want to spend their time at home. We can make the difference in how happy our homes are but how do we fulfill such a seemingly overwhelming task?
First of all, we need to learn practical skills. We need to be able to keep house, including cooking and cleaning. What man wants to come home to a dirty house with nothing to eat. These are skills we need to pass down to our daughters. That is not to say boys should not learn these skills as well. Everyone should be able to take care of themselves but we are talking about God's virtuous woman here.
Second, we should have a basic understanding of finances. We must know how to pay bills, balance a checkbook, reconcile bank statements, and a basic knowledge of saving and investing. We also need to have control over our spending and become good stewards of our resources. In other words, we need to use our money wisely. Learn new ways to save money. Our husbands will appreciate us all the more for it.
We also need to manage our time well. As women, our tasks never seem to end. Do we spend half our day at the computer or watching television or are we using the time God has given us for his purposes? Are we taking care of our home and families first? We must prioritize by planning and scheduling and that includes planning for good rest. Making sure we are organized will assist in managing our time better.
As the woman of your home, you will set the general mood of your home. If you are happy one moment and angry the next, your husband and children will live in a state of confusion. Work on mastering your moods. The Bible has much to say about an angry and contentious woman.
Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.
Prov 21:19 (NKJV)
A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;
Prov 27:15 (NKJV)
It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
Prov 25:24 (NKJV)
How do we master our emotions? First we can ask for God's help to endure through the tough times. In our imperfection, we tend to want to give up when times get tough. In our sinful nature, we can become angry, sad, or even aggressive when we don't get our own way. We must pray, asking God to help us to persevere and keep control of our tempers and our tongues. Let not your tongue speak evil.
Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalms 34:13 (NKJV)
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.
Psalms 120:2 (NKJV)
My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long;
Psalms 71:24 (NKJV)
My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.
Psalms 119:172 (NKJV)
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Eph 4:29 (NKJV)
Women like to talk. We like to be heard. However, we need to talk less, think before we speak and say only things that are sweet, pleasant, kind and wise.
God's beautiful woman is like David. She is a woman after God's own heart. This is the woman I want to be and will be because...
"all things are possible to him who believes."
Mark 9:23 (NKJV)
In His Service,
Angela
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Steps to Socialism
As I sit here and listen, yet again, to President Obama's views on abortion, I see a greater agenda. He says that he is pro-choice because women struggle with the issue of abortion every day and they are better equipped to make this decision than the legislators. He also states that he wants to reduce the need to have an abortion by providing women with the resources needed to take care of these children.
Does anyone else hear BIG GOVERNMENT or SOCIALISM in these statements? This is just another well thought out way of increasing people's reliance on the government.
We, as the church, must step up and help these women. It is our responsibility to take care of the needy, not the government's. By allowing the government to take on this role of benevolent caregiver, we are allowing them to usurp our role.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.
Luke 14:13-14 (NIV)
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.
Deut 15:7-8 (NIV)
It is time for the church as a whole, to act on the word of God.
In His Service,
Angela
Does anyone else hear BIG GOVERNMENT or SOCIALISM in these statements? This is just another well thought out way of increasing people's reliance on the government.
We, as the church, must step up and help these women. It is our responsibility to take care of the needy, not the government's. By allowing the government to take on this role of benevolent caregiver, we are allowing them to usurp our role.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.
Luke 14:13-14 (NIV)
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.
Deut 15:7-8 (NIV)
It is time for the church as a whole, to act on the word of God.
In His Service,
Angela
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thrifty Thursday
Kelly over at Generation Cedar has begun a Thrifty Thursday theme so here is my contribution.
Behemoth.com offers a free audio download every day of the week. They have everything from historical pieces to the Jonathan Park and Elsie Dinsmore series. Sign up to download daily freebies.
In His Service,
Angela
Behemoth.com offers a free audio download every day of the week. They have everything from historical pieces to the Jonathan Park and Elsie Dinsmore series. Sign up to download daily freebies.
In His Service,
Angela
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Courtship vs Dating
I recently had a new reader ask me about courtship and how it works. So here is my attempt to explain not only how it works, but why use this model instead of dating.
Everyone has standards or morals that guide their lives. Some people base these standards on society's ideas of what is acceptable. Some have standards based on thier individual religion. As believers in Christ, we are held to a higher standard than the world or other religions. We are to be in complete obedience to Christ.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
As young adults, we become extremely conscious of those around us. We look for ways to attract the opposite sex. We begin seeking someone to have a relationship with and the world tells us that this is good. They say it is even better to not have a relationship with just one person, but many people. They say things like, "you don't want to 'tie yourself down' while you are young", "you are too young to make a commitment to anyone" or "how will you know if he/she is the 'right one' for you if you haven't dated alot of different people".
Then there is the pressure to have sexual intercourse when dating. Males and females both not only receive pressure from those they are "dating", but also from friends. In many circles, you are not considered popular unless you are sexually active. Peer pressure is overwhelming at times. Many girls and boys both become slaves to the approval of their friends and so give in to peer pressure.
Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Romans 6:16 (NIV)
Dating is about sex. It may lead to marriage, eventually, but the object of dating is some kind of sexual stimulation or satisfaction.
"You shall not commit adultery. Deut 5:18 (NIV) Adultery is sex outside of marriage. You do not have to be married for this sin to apply.
Dating is not biblical. No where in the bible do you see any dating couples.
This is where biblical courtship comes in. The object of biblical courtship is getting to know someone, in the presence of parents or guardians in order to find a spouse, all in the will of God. In other words, individuals pray, asking God to send them the person he has set apart for them to marry.
God tells children to
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Ex 20:12 (NIV)
What better way to honor your parents by having them preside over a courtship. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of fathers "giving" their daughters in marriage. This implies that the father is giving permission for their daughters to marry.
____________________________________________________
Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.
Ex 2:21 (NIV)
And Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage
Josh 15:16 (NIV)
He gave his daughters away in marriage
Judges 12:9 (NIV)
Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage
1 Sam 18:27 (NIV)
____________________________________________________
Courtship works differently for different families. Here is the basics as I understand it. Since it is the man who is to leave the father and mother and the daughter who is given away, courtship will normally take place in the girls house. That is not to say, the girl cannot go to meet the boy's parents.
1. Begin praying for your children's future spouses. Do not wait until the age of courtship to do so.
2. Teach your children about God's plan for their lives. Explain that God already has the perfect person for your child and He knows who it is. Because God already has this all planned out, there is no need for dating different people. Encourage your children as soon as they are old enough to understand, to begin praying for their future spouse.
3. When a potential candidate comes forth, the parents should take the time to explain to him about courtship and why you choose this over dating. Many parents interview the candidate to find out about their relationship with Christ, their intentions and just more general information about the boy. Father's will usually take this responsibility.
4. If the boy receives the parents blessing, the courtship will begin. The couple will get to know each other in the presence of the family or a trusted chaperone. This does not mean that an adult has to be in the room at all times but the couple should remain in family rooms where anyone could come in at any time. The couple does not go anywhere in a car unless accompanied by a chaperone.(Double dates do not count as chaperoned although a responsible older married couple may chaperone).
5. If and when the couple feels led to marry, the boy will ask the father's blessing. A parent's counsel can be invaluable when guidance is given after much prayer and consideration.
Each family should prayerfully ask God's guidance in setting guidelines for the courting relationships of their daughters.
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
Psalms 119:1-4 (NIV)
In His Service,
Angela
Everyone has standards or morals that guide their lives. Some people base these standards on society's ideas of what is acceptable. Some have standards based on thier individual religion. As believers in Christ, we are held to a higher standard than the world or other religions. We are to be in complete obedience to Christ.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
As young adults, we become extremely conscious of those around us. We look for ways to attract the opposite sex. We begin seeking someone to have a relationship with and the world tells us that this is good. They say it is even better to not have a relationship with just one person, but many people. They say things like, "you don't want to 'tie yourself down' while you are young", "you are too young to make a commitment to anyone" or "how will you know if he/she is the 'right one' for you if you haven't dated alot of different people".
Then there is the pressure to have sexual intercourse when dating. Males and females both not only receive pressure from those they are "dating", but also from friends. In many circles, you are not considered popular unless you are sexually active. Peer pressure is overwhelming at times. Many girls and boys both become slaves to the approval of their friends and so give in to peer pressure.
Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Romans 6:16 (NIV)
Dating is about sex. It may lead to marriage, eventually, but the object of dating is some kind of sexual stimulation or satisfaction.
"You shall not commit adultery. Deut 5:18 (NIV) Adultery is sex outside of marriage. You do not have to be married for this sin to apply.
Dating is not biblical. No where in the bible do you see any dating couples.
This is where biblical courtship comes in. The object of biblical courtship is getting to know someone, in the presence of parents or guardians in order to find a spouse, all in the will of God. In other words, individuals pray, asking God to send them the person he has set apart for them to marry.
God tells children to
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Ex 20:12 (NIV)
What better way to honor your parents by having them preside over a courtship. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of fathers "giving" their daughters in marriage. This implies that the father is giving permission for their daughters to marry.
____________________________________________________
Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.
Ex 2:21 (NIV)
And Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage
Josh 15:16 (NIV)
He gave his daughters away in marriage
Judges 12:9 (NIV)
Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage
1 Sam 18:27 (NIV)
____________________________________________________
Courtship works differently for different families. Here is the basics as I understand it. Since it is the man who is to leave the father and mother and the daughter who is given away, courtship will normally take place in the girls house. That is not to say, the girl cannot go to meet the boy's parents.
1. Begin praying for your children's future spouses. Do not wait until the age of courtship to do so.
2. Teach your children about God's plan for their lives. Explain that God already has the perfect person for your child and He knows who it is. Because God already has this all planned out, there is no need for dating different people. Encourage your children as soon as they are old enough to understand, to begin praying for their future spouse.
3. When a potential candidate comes forth, the parents should take the time to explain to him about courtship and why you choose this over dating. Many parents interview the candidate to find out about their relationship with Christ, their intentions and just more general information about the boy. Father's will usually take this responsibility.
4. If the boy receives the parents blessing, the courtship will begin. The couple will get to know each other in the presence of the family or a trusted chaperone. This does not mean that an adult has to be in the room at all times but the couple should remain in family rooms where anyone could come in at any time. The couple does not go anywhere in a car unless accompanied by a chaperone.(Double dates do not count as chaperoned although a responsible older married couple may chaperone).
5. If and when the couple feels led to marry, the boy will ask the father's blessing. A parent's counsel can be invaluable when guidance is given after much prayer and consideration.
Each family should prayerfully ask God's guidance in setting guidelines for the courting relationships of their daughters.
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
Psalms 119:1-4 (NIV)
In His Service,
Angela
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Conviction
I have been struggling lately. God has truly been convicting me of some things in my life. I have been praying and asking God what He wants for me in this upcoming year and He has given me a verse that I will be making my life-verse for this year.
It is better to trust in the Lord, than to have confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8
This is something I have been struggling with for a long time. Sometimes it is easy to have faith but I see more and more that there are so many areas of my life that I have not turned over to the Lord. Some of these things are deeply personal so I will not write about them unless God leads me to do so.
My greatest desire is to trust in Him for everything. And so I am standing on this promise from God:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jer 29:11 (NIV)
In His Service,
Angela
It is better to trust in the Lord, than to have confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8
This is something I have been struggling with for a long time. Sometimes it is easy to have faith but I see more and more that there are so many areas of my life that I have not turned over to the Lord. Some of these things are deeply personal so I will not write about them unless God leads me to do so.
My greatest desire is to trust in Him for everything. And so I am standing on this promise from God:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jer 29:11 (NIV)
In His Service,
Angela
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Grandpa, are you a christian?
This is the true story of Susan, Bob and their granddaughter, Annie(names have been changed). Susan and Bob have been married for more than 30 years. Recently, Annie asked Grandpa Bob if he had ever asked Jesus into his heart. Grandpa responded, "Yes, when I was about your age". Annie says, "That's great grandpa, but Grandma said she didn't think you ever had".
Wow! That says alot.
First of all, Bob and Susan have been married 30+ years and they have never talked about their salvation and beliefs?
Second, what does this say about Bob? What kind of life is he living that no one, not his wife, children or grandchild knows if he is a Christian?
Only God knows the state of Bob's heart and no one else can judge his sincerity. However, the Bible does say that our lives should reflect what is in our hearts.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 (NIV)
How often do those who claim to know Christ do these very same things. When we live like the rest of the world, no one will associate us with the Most High. And if they do, then the impression they will have of Christians will not be favorable.
We must be different than the world if we are to make an impact on the world for Christ.
In His Service,
Angela
Wow! That says alot.
First of all, Bob and Susan have been married 30+ years and they have never talked about their salvation and beliefs?
Second, what does this say about Bob? What kind of life is he living that no one, not his wife, children or grandchild knows if he is a Christian?
Only God knows the state of Bob's heart and no one else can judge his sincerity. However, the Bible does say that our lives should reflect what is in our hearts.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 (NIV)
How often do those who claim to know Christ do these very same things. When we live like the rest of the world, no one will associate us with the Most High. And if they do, then the impression they will have of Christians will not be favorable.
We must be different than the world if we are to make an impact on the world for Christ.
In His Service,
Angela
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Believe Well
"Know you, what I love most about the story of David and Goliath? David's victory, came not because he fought well, but because he believed well."
One Night With the King
Every once in a while you find a line in a movie that is truly inspiring.
How many of our daily battles are won because we believe well? I can tell you, God has blessed me in spite of my lack of faith at times.
36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
1 Sam 17:36-37 (NIV)
Wow! Look at the amazing faith David had in God. He is called a man after God's own heart. Was it because of his faith? I believe so. He made plain the reason for his strong belief.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
Psalms 145:13 (NIV)
God is faithful to all His promises. And there are so many. The most precious, of course, is His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He promised to send from the beginning when the first sin was committed.
Jesus demonstrates many times over that when we "believe well", God will heal, cast out demons, and calm storms, among other miracles.
21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matt 21:21-22 (NIV)
Why then, is it so hard to believe? Why do we have such a lack of faith at times? Do we allow the world to crowd in, doubt to worm it's way into our minds, or sometimes just not ask God for help?
1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
Psalms 24:1 (NIV)
God created the world so he gets to be master of it. Things will happen according to his plan but oh, what joy we must give Him when we show unwavering faith like David's.God wants to bless us when we are living in submission to His will.
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God.
James 4:7 (NIV)
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Psalms 25:10 (NIV)
I am amazed at how many ways God shows His love for me and my family.
I hope to be counted among those who believe well.
In His Service,
Angela
One Night With the King
Every once in a while you find a line in a movie that is truly inspiring.
How many of our daily battles are won because we believe well? I can tell you, God has blessed me in spite of my lack of faith at times.
36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
1 Sam 17:36-37 (NIV)
Wow! Look at the amazing faith David had in God. He is called a man after God's own heart. Was it because of his faith? I believe so. He made plain the reason for his strong belief.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
Psalms 145:13 (NIV)
God is faithful to all His promises. And there are so many. The most precious, of course, is His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He promised to send from the beginning when the first sin was committed.
Jesus demonstrates many times over that when we "believe well", God will heal, cast out demons, and calm storms, among other miracles.
21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matt 21:21-22 (NIV)
Why then, is it so hard to believe? Why do we have such a lack of faith at times? Do we allow the world to crowd in, doubt to worm it's way into our minds, or sometimes just not ask God for help?
1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
Psalms 24:1 (NIV)
God created the world so he gets to be master of it. Things will happen according to his plan but oh, what joy we must give Him when we show unwavering faith like David's.God wants to bless us when we are living in submission to His will.
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God.
James 4:7 (NIV)
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Psalms 25:10 (NIV)
I am amazed at how many ways God shows His love for me and my family.
I hope to be counted among those who believe well.
In His Service,
Angela
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Word Studies
Words are powerful and so they have consequences. Words have the power to uplift or tear down. They can bring sadness or joy, love or hate.
I love the Webster 1828 Dictionary. I bought mine last year and I believe it to be one of the best investments I have made for my daughter's education.
One of the things I use this dictionary for is word studies with my daughter. I choose a word such as Honor and look it up. I write down the definition. If there are any words in the definition that we need to look up, we do so and write them down as well. Next, I look up Bible verses pertaining to the word and write them down. Lastly, we discuss how all of this applies to our lives and record our conclusions. You could keep a notebook with this information in it to look back on from time to time. These make wonderful Bible devotions. Below is the word study I did on honor.
Honor (verb) - to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to.
2. To reverence; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions; to entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship; to adore. John 5
3. To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to elevate in rank or station; to exalt.
(noun) - The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation.
2. A testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions.
4. Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being.
6. True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude.
Esteem (verb) - to set a value on, whether high or low, to estimate; to value.
2. To prize; to set a high value on; to regard with reverence, respect or friendship.
(noun) - High value or estimation; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Respect (noun) - Regard, attention
2. That estimation or honor in which men hold the distinguished worth or substantial good qualities of others. It expresses less than reverence and veneration; which regard elders and superiors; whereas respect may regard juniors and inferiors.
4. Good will, favor
Reverence - fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration. Reverence is nearly equal to veneration, but expresses something less of the same emotion. It differs from awe, which is an emotion compounded of fear, dread or terror, with admiration of something great, but not necessarily implying love or affection. We feel reverence for a parent, but we stand in awe of a tyrant.
2. An act of respect or obeisance; a bow or courtesy.
Veneration - highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe.
Verses
Honor your father and your mother.
Exodus 20:12
Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
1 Samuel 2:30
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
Proverbs 3:9
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame (disgrace).
Proverbs 3:35
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33
“That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
John 5:23
“My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
John 12:26
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor.
Hebrews 2:7
Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples,honor wisdom, so that you may reign forever
Solomon 6:21 (NRSV)
For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor)"
John 7:38, 29 AB
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Prov 20:3 (NRSV)
If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
The journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor. (Judg. 4:9)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. (John 5:23)
I receive not honor from men.
(John 5:41)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible FactsIf I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me. (John 8:54)—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:18 (NIV)
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
Rev 5:12-13 (NIV)
What It Means To Me
We must honor God (includes love, respect, reverence, esteem and awe). He is holy and so is worthy of our honor and praise. He will honor us in return as he honored Adam when he was formed. He set Adam over the earth and everything on it. We are also to honor our parents and those around us who are placed in authority over us. This goes back to putting others first above ourselves. We honor God when we honor and serve others with a willing heart. We do this because we love God, not because there is something we want to gain and God can provide it. I must have the proper heart and attitude of humility. I should honor God with all that I have, including money, objects, and my heart, soul and mind.
For more information on how to do word studies or the 1828 Dictionary, go to http://www.face.net/.
In His Service,
Angela
I love the Webster 1828 Dictionary. I bought mine last year and I believe it to be one of the best investments I have made for my daughter's education.
One of the things I use this dictionary for is word studies with my daughter. I choose a word such as Honor and look it up. I write down the definition. If there are any words in the definition that we need to look up, we do so and write them down as well. Next, I look up Bible verses pertaining to the word and write them down. Lastly, we discuss how all of this applies to our lives and record our conclusions. You could keep a notebook with this information in it to look back on from time to time. These make wonderful Bible devotions. Below is the word study I did on honor.
Honor (verb) - to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to.
2. To reverence; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions; to entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship; to adore. John 5
3. To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to elevate in rank or station; to exalt.
(noun) - The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation.
2. A testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions.
4. Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being.
6. True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude.
Esteem (verb) - to set a value on, whether high or low, to estimate; to value.
2. To prize; to set a high value on; to regard with reverence, respect or friendship.
(noun) - High value or estimation; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Respect (noun) - Regard, attention
2. That estimation or honor in which men hold the distinguished worth or substantial good qualities of others. It expresses less than reverence and veneration; which regard elders and superiors; whereas respect may regard juniors and inferiors.
4. Good will, favor
Reverence - fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration. Reverence is nearly equal to veneration, but expresses something less of the same emotion. It differs from awe, which is an emotion compounded of fear, dread or terror, with admiration of something great, but not necessarily implying love or affection. We feel reverence for a parent, but we stand in awe of a tyrant.
2. An act of respect or obeisance; a bow or courtesy.
Veneration - highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe.
Verses
Honor your father and your mother.
Exodus 20:12
Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
1 Samuel 2:30
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
Proverbs 3:9
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame (disgrace).
Proverbs 3:35
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33
“That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
John 5:23
“My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
John 12:26
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor.
Hebrews 2:7
Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples,honor wisdom, so that you may reign forever
Solomon 6:21 (NRSV)
For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor)"
John 7:38, 29 AB
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Prov 20:3 (NRSV)
If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
The journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor. (Judg. 4:9)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. (John 5:23)
I receive not honor from men.
(John 5:41)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible FactsIf I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me. (John 8:54)—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:18 (NIV)
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
Rev 5:12-13 (NIV)
What It Means To Me
We must honor God (includes love, respect, reverence, esteem and awe). He is holy and so is worthy of our honor and praise. He will honor us in return as he honored Adam when he was formed. He set Adam over the earth and everything on it. We are also to honor our parents and those around us who are placed in authority over us. This goes back to putting others first above ourselves. We honor God when we honor and serve others with a willing heart. We do this because we love God, not because there is something we want to gain and God can provide it. I must have the proper heart and attitude of humility. I should honor God with all that I have, including money, objects, and my heart, soul and mind.
For more information on how to do word studies or the 1828 Dictionary, go to http://www.face.net/.
In His Service,
Angela
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