Below is something I found recently on the internet and it makes sense! Let's not forget who we are and what it means to be His! Salvation is a gift to us, but it requires our whole lives!
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– IF you forgive you will be forgive.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you
– IF you continue in the Word then you are a disciple.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”;
– IF you don’t abide in Christ you will be cast forth as a branch.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
– IF you don’t continue in his goodness you will be cut off.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
– IF you continue in the faith you will be presented holy in his sight.
Col 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
– IF you hold fast unto the end you are Christ’s house.
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
– IF you hold your confidence steadfast unto the end you are a partaker of Christ.
Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;
– IF after you are saved you sin willfully there remains no sacrifice for your sins.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
– IF you keep his commandments you know Christ.
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
– IF what you have heard remains in you, ye will continue in the Son.
1Jn 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Set-apart or just like the world?
I'm sitting here currently watching Christian TV. There is a pop Christian music 'star' performance and to be honest, if I can't hear the words I'd say it was just another secular performer. She sounds exactly like the pop music we'd find in today's culture.
Is this really the way we need to reach out to youth? Especially OUR (already Christian) youth? Teach them to be holy (set-apart) by telling them to be just like the world (not set apart)? Something just doesn't feel right about that.
I mean the older men are supposed to train the younger men to fulfill their God-given roles as adults and same with the older women teaching the younger. But I just don't see that as a whole in the Church today. By using the pop culture of our times, it is teaching kids to remain just that - kids! It's foolishness.
Recently I saw an advice question from a mom of a daughter wondering what age she should let her daughter date. The question shouldn’t be about what age kids should be dating as that isn't the real goal. It sorta puts it in the wrong spin/perspective. Dating is what the rest of western society does, but do we really want to subject our sons and daughters to all the emotions of dating? Hardly! It's like saying 'go play with a match, if you try enough times you might figure it out'. Does the thought of our teenage kids kissing multiple boys by the age of 20 really sound appealing or does it make parents uncomfortable? If the latter, then it's normal! God never meant it to be like it is today. It's just silliness and the foolishness of our culture.
The more I see the world in the church, the more I wanna go be a Quaker or something. I say that with some sarcasm, but for reals. Why does pop culture pervade our churches and our thought processes and mindsets? Is this what YHWH, a holy GOD, really intended for His people? From clothing to the music industry to family counseling to youth ministry – just looking too much like the world!
Is this really the way we need to reach out to youth? Especially OUR (already Christian) youth? Teach them to be holy (set-apart) by telling them to be just like the world (not set apart)? Something just doesn't feel right about that.
I mean the older men are supposed to train the younger men to fulfill their God-given roles as adults and same with the older women teaching the younger. But I just don't see that as a whole in the Church today. By using the pop culture of our times, it is teaching kids to remain just that - kids! It's foolishness.
Recently I saw an advice question from a mom of a daughter wondering what age she should let her daughter date. The question shouldn’t be about what age kids should be dating as that isn't the real goal. It sorta puts it in the wrong spin/perspective. Dating is what the rest of western society does, but do we really want to subject our sons and daughters to all the emotions of dating? Hardly! It's like saying 'go play with a match, if you try enough times you might figure it out'. Does the thought of our teenage kids kissing multiple boys by the age of 20 really sound appealing or does it make parents uncomfortable? If the latter, then it's normal! God never meant it to be like it is today. It's just silliness and the foolishness of our culture.
The more I see the world in the church, the more I wanna go be a Quaker or something. I say that with some sarcasm, but for reals. Why does pop culture pervade our churches and our thought processes and mindsets? Is this what YHWH, a holy GOD, really intended for His people? From clothing to the music industry to family counseling to youth ministry – just looking too much like the world!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Separate/Obedient - in the little things first!
I have to admit that sometimes I don't like being 'separate' because people think we're strange. But the people of God were never meant to look like the rest of the world. Obeying God is going to mean being 'strange' in the world's eyes at some point whether it's as simple as not eating pork or as big as moving where God tells you when to the world it might look foolish.
This reminds me of the Scripture that says "To whom much is given much is required" which goes along with the idea that we have to be faithful in the little things if God is going to trust us with the big things. If we're willing to be obedient in those seemingly little things such as keeping kosher (according to Torah) and not whine about it or question Him, then He can trust us to trusting in Him with our finances, with our life's decisions, with our families, ministry, etc.
It's just one way to look at it.
This reminds me of the Scripture that says "To whom much is given much is required" which goes along with the idea that we have to be faithful in the little things if God is going to trust us with the big things. If we're willing to be obedient in those seemingly little things such as keeping kosher (according to Torah) and not whine about it or question Him, then He can trust us to trusting in Him with our finances, with our life's decisions, with our families, ministry, etc.
It's just one way to look at it.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wives & Mothers of Excellence
I think many times as moms, we get so stuck in the routine of being housekeeper and mommy that we somewhat lose our identity. Each day holds the same pattern and challenges. The laundry keeps piling up, we have to figure out the dinner menu as well as the kid’s breakfast and lunches, we hear ‘Moooom!’ seemingly ever 10 seconds, the beds need made, the baby blows out his diaper at least twice a day, groceries need purchased, the dog still isn’t housetrained, the husband leaves sock and underwear on the floor, the kids spilled the juice and knocked over the vase (again), aaaaaaaand the list goes on!
Okay, maybe your list doesn’t quite look like that; I know mine looks a little different too. But for each of us it becomes a necessary routine and many of us can admit that at times it can be pretty mundane. In the chaos of life and the never-ending job of being a wife and mother, it is so easy to let ourselves go. Soon we discover that we’re entirely overweight and can no longer blame it on postpartum pounds or pregnancy cravings. We no longer fancy up a bit when the husband comes home. We lose all sense of style and get into the frumpy mama look. Oh, and make-up? Who has time for that? We become so engulfed and swallowed up by the routine each day that we take no thought to ourselves, to our appearance, to our health, to our general well-being.
Being a wife and mother is something most of us have dreamed about since we were little girls. And now that it’s finally happened, it’s SO much more chaotic and ‘treadmill’ like than we ever thought possible! It’s like we become resigned to the routine in such a way that we just learn to deal with it in the quickest, most efficient way possible. And in that process, we lose ourselves. But being a wife and mother is SO much more than a list of chores. It is about respecting and adoring our husbands and cherishing and nurturing our children. It takes a lot of out of us.
So I have to ask, how can we truly love our husbands and children if we are too run-down and don’t even care about our own upkeep? Our families need us and we know that all too well, so why are we burning ourselves out? We lose so much focus when we simply do the daily routine and try to get through the day.
Take a minute and think about what you’re really doing, or better why you’re doing it. It’s all because of love. But when we lose our sense of identity and purpose, then unfortunately many of our efforts are in vain. Being a mom is a hard job, but being a tired frumpy grumpy mom isn’t any help to anyone!
This isn’t a post saying to go to the spa, go on a private vacation, or going on an elaborate shopping spree, or abandoning the family. This is about refinding who you are as a wife and mother. God created us to the purpose excellence in everything we do. It doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect at everything, but it does mean that the things we are called to do should be done in excellence. The first step is kicking out the burdens that we really do not need to take on. This leaves room for the things that really matter.
The next thing is a rather touchy subject from what I’ve noticed but I’ll go ahead anyways. There is no reason why a woman called by God to be a wife and mother has to go around frumpy, grumpy, moody, and miserable. There just is no reason for it. It takes 10 minutes to do a simple hairstyle (I know cuz I discovered a few out of necessity!), and 5 minutes to do a quick make-up job. It doesn’t take a shopping spree at the mall to find stylish clothes. I get most of my clothes second-hand for unbelievably low prices. And as far as weight loss? Making (or getting at the store) healthy meals for the family and moving about in the daily routine is a good start!
And most importantly is our spiritual lives. Too many times I've gotten so bogged down and gone throughout my whole day without spending time in worship or prayer or anything. Maybe I'll listen to music, but listening to music and worship are two different things. Even if I can actually pray and worship while folding laundry or taking the time to pray over my child as I'm putting her to sleep or study while baby naps (or in some cases, while children are at school or what-not), these are the things that put that spiritual zest back in our day. I know that listening to my iPod as I go to sleep or starting my day listening and truly worshipping while doing morning chores, these things really make my day so much more fulfilling and my mood is much better. Praise is like getting dressed for the day, it really makes a difference!
Did I mention it’s around 1am and I’m in pjs with the TV flipped on? We all have bad days, we’re going to have bad days since we belong to that race of human. But instilling healthy patterns is a start. The general statistic is that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so let’s start forming some healthy patterns. Our families need us, God gave us the husband and child(ren) that we have and He knows in Him we’re more than capable of being excellent wives and mothers. Let’s trust that He knew what He was doing when He made our dreams come true. Feel confident about who you are and show it! For you, for your husband and children, and for the glory of God. Let’s be women of excellence!
Okay, maybe your list doesn’t quite look like that; I know mine looks a little different too. But for each of us it becomes a necessary routine and many of us can admit that at times it can be pretty mundane. In the chaos of life and the never-ending job of being a wife and mother, it is so easy to let ourselves go. Soon we discover that we’re entirely overweight and can no longer blame it on postpartum pounds or pregnancy cravings. We no longer fancy up a bit when the husband comes home. We lose all sense of style and get into the frumpy mama look. Oh, and make-up? Who has time for that? We become so engulfed and swallowed up by the routine each day that we take no thought to ourselves, to our appearance, to our health, to our general well-being.
Being a wife and mother is something most of us have dreamed about since we were little girls. And now that it’s finally happened, it’s SO much more chaotic and ‘treadmill’ like than we ever thought possible! It’s like we become resigned to the routine in such a way that we just learn to deal with it in the quickest, most efficient way possible. And in that process, we lose ourselves. But being a wife and mother is SO much more than a list of chores. It is about respecting and adoring our husbands and cherishing and nurturing our children. It takes a lot of out of us.
So I have to ask, how can we truly love our husbands and children if we are too run-down and don’t even care about our own upkeep? Our families need us and we know that all too well, so why are we burning ourselves out? We lose so much focus when we simply do the daily routine and try to get through the day.
Take a minute and think about what you’re really doing, or better why you’re doing it. It’s all because of love. But when we lose our sense of identity and purpose, then unfortunately many of our efforts are in vain. Being a mom is a hard job, but being a tired frumpy grumpy mom isn’t any help to anyone!
This isn’t a post saying to go to the spa, go on a private vacation, or going on an elaborate shopping spree, or abandoning the family. This is about refinding who you are as a wife and mother. God created us to the purpose excellence in everything we do. It doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect at everything, but it does mean that the things we are called to do should be done in excellence. The first step is kicking out the burdens that we really do not need to take on. This leaves room for the things that really matter.
The next thing is a rather touchy subject from what I’ve noticed but I’ll go ahead anyways. There is no reason why a woman called by God to be a wife and mother has to go around frumpy, grumpy, moody, and miserable. There just is no reason for it. It takes 10 minutes to do a simple hairstyle (I know cuz I discovered a few out of necessity!), and 5 minutes to do a quick make-up job. It doesn’t take a shopping spree at the mall to find stylish clothes. I get most of my clothes second-hand for unbelievably low prices. And as far as weight loss? Making (or getting at the store) healthy meals for the family and moving about in the daily routine is a good start!
And most importantly is our spiritual lives. Too many times I've gotten so bogged down and gone throughout my whole day without spending time in worship or prayer or anything. Maybe I'll listen to music, but listening to music and worship are two different things. Even if I can actually pray and worship while folding laundry or taking the time to pray over my child as I'm putting her to sleep or study while baby naps (or in some cases, while children are at school or what-not), these are the things that put that spiritual zest back in our day. I know that listening to my iPod as I go to sleep or starting my day listening and truly worshipping while doing morning chores, these things really make my day so much more fulfilling and my mood is much better. Praise is like getting dressed for the day, it really makes a difference!
Did I mention it’s around 1am and I’m in pjs with the TV flipped on? We all have bad days, we’re going to have bad days since we belong to that race of human. But instilling healthy patterns is a start. The general statistic is that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so let’s start forming some healthy patterns. Our families need us, God gave us the husband and child(ren) that we have and He knows in Him we’re more than capable of being excellent wives and mothers. Let’s trust that He knew what He was doing when He made our dreams come true. Feel confident about who you are and show it! For you, for your husband and children, and for the glory of God. Let’s be women of excellence!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
A day in the life of me!
So it’s time to talk about the main theme of my blog – marriage, motherhood, and more! Today is a good day! Please bear with me whilst I elaborate!
I woke up this morning to my baby’s sounds as always, she wanted to play and I wanted to rest. So I did the natural thing, I took her into bed with me to cuddle and let her play before I got my day started. I love hanging out with my baby girl, she’s fun to have around! So after at least a half hour of relaxing while baby played, I finally dragged the both of us out of bed and got my day started.
And boy did I have a long productive day ahead of me! It’s 12:55 as I write this and so far I’ve made stuffed peppers (spoiler-alert if my husband is reading this!), brownies are in the oven, and I made a Wal-mart run for some much needed cooking items. I actually feel beautiful today as my hair turned out great, I decided to dress up a bit, and baby is all pinked out today!
Why am I writing all this seemingly unimportant nonsense about my day? Who cares, right? Well, it’s the little things that make being a wife and mother what it is. I had fun making dinner and dessert (will be sharing that dessert as some of you know!) because it’s part of loving and giving. I take pride when I have success in my calling and hospitality and giving is part of that vocation. It’s not a ugly kind of pride, but the kind that says “Hey, I like what God has given me to do and I know I’m doing my best”.
So that none of you presume that I’m ‘Suzie homemaker’, my kitchen is an absolute mess and I’m sitting at the breakfast bar eating peanut butter M&Ms. But besides that, I just wanted to say – I’m happy today! I feel like I’m right where God wants me to be today doing exactly what He wants me to be doing – loving my family and loving my life!
I woke up this morning to my baby’s sounds as always, she wanted to play and I wanted to rest. So I did the natural thing, I took her into bed with me to cuddle and let her play before I got my day started. I love hanging out with my baby girl, she’s fun to have around! So after at least a half hour of relaxing while baby played, I finally dragged the both of us out of bed and got my day started.
And boy did I have a long productive day ahead of me! It’s 12:55 as I write this and so far I’ve made stuffed peppers (spoiler-alert if my husband is reading this!), brownies are in the oven, and I made a Wal-mart run for some much needed cooking items. I actually feel beautiful today as my hair turned out great, I decided to dress up a bit, and baby is all pinked out today!
Why am I writing all this seemingly unimportant nonsense about my day? Who cares, right? Well, it’s the little things that make being a wife and mother what it is. I had fun making dinner and dessert (will be sharing that dessert as some of you know!) because it’s part of loving and giving. I take pride when I have success in my calling and hospitality and giving is part of that vocation. It’s not a ugly kind of pride, but the kind that says “Hey, I like what God has given me to do and I know I’m doing my best”.
So that none of you presume that I’m ‘Suzie homemaker’, my kitchen is an absolute mess and I’m sitting at the breakfast bar eating peanut butter M&Ms. But besides that, I just wanted to say – I’m happy today! I feel like I’m right where God wants me to be today doing exactly what He wants me to be doing – loving my family and loving my life!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Let's Be Family!
I’m going to skip right to the point this time and be so bold as to say, fellowship and accountability is a necessity in the family of God. We just simply aren’t meant to be isolated in our own walk with the Lord. He has placed people in our paths who can encourage us and build us up and we are called to do the same for our brothers and sisters. Part of that fellowship includes accountability. It’s not a word we like, but deep down inside many of us know that we need it.
Maybe right now, you feel you’re okay. You’re not struggling with any big sins and life is great. What about accountability of pride and complacency? Maybe there are hefty sins you’re struggling with, a mature believer can help hold you accountable in that area and push you towards repentance. It might not feel good at first, but there is so much refreshing for the person who gets right with God. We need accountability in so many areas. Our spiritual life is certainly the biggest one that comes to mind, but what about our marriages, the parenting and training of our children, our ministries, etc? There are too many times where people deliberately cut themselves off from all accountability among the brethren and things fall apart. Too many times we see spiritual leaders fall because pride got in the way and they wouldn’t submit one to another? However, the same can happen to the leaders of the home, wives, children, people in ministry, etc.
I just can’t emphasize it enough right now, people need people. I hope that as a family of God, we can be mature enough to be available when people need us and also mature enough to know when we need help too. If you don’t have mature believers whom you can trust, pray to God that He place people in your path who will walk along beside you, uplift you, and push you to a higher place! The answer could come through a church, a small group, another couple, another single parent, or that even that neighbor across the street. And you may be the answer to someone's prayer for help too! Maybe I can pray with you or help in any way, or maybe someone else. Maybe I’ll need to lean on you too. Let’s be family, truly this is what we’re called to be in Him!
Maybe right now, you feel you’re okay. You’re not struggling with any big sins and life is great. What about accountability of pride and complacency? Maybe there are hefty sins you’re struggling with, a mature believer can help hold you accountable in that area and push you towards repentance. It might not feel good at first, but there is so much refreshing for the person who gets right with God. We need accountability in so many areas. Our spiritual life is certainly the biggest one that comes to mind, but what about our marriages, the parenting and training of our children, our ministries, etc? There are too many times where people deliberately cut themselves off from all accountability among the brethren and things fall apart. Too many times we see spiritual leaders fall because pride got in the way and they wouldn’t submit one to another? However, the same can happen to the leaders of the home, wives, children, people in ministry, etc.
I just can’t emphasize it enough right now, people need people. I hope that as a family of God, we can be mature enough to be available when people need us and also mature enough to know when we need help too. If you don’t have mature believers whom you can trust, pray to God that He place people in your path who will walk along beside you, uplift you, and push you to a higher place! The answer could come through a church, a small group, another couple, another single parent, or that even that neighbor across the street. And you may be the answer to someone's prayer for help too! Maybe I can pray with you or help in any way, or maybe someone else. Maybe I’ll need to lean on you too. Let’s be family, truly this is what we’re called to be in Him!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Life Moves On, Be Steadfast and Diligent
So you think the world revolves around you, huh? No? Well, most of us sure do act like it don’t we? Well, there’s news. Life moves on and you can’t stop that. Sure you are in control of some things, but life as a whole will move right on. Even when you die, this planet will still keep right on spinning without you. So you see, you are not the center of the universe, just a little tiny speck in a world of billions of people and thousands of years. You can die anytime, people will mourn but the world as a whole won’t care. You could die today by murder, by car accident, by heart attack, or even by choking on your lunch. Pretty morose you may say? Is it really? Isn’t it reality that any of us could die any moment?
We have too much time on our hands. We worry about how we look, about how that person thinks about us, the perfect job, the perfect vacation, we worry if we have the latest gadget, we worry about such high and lofty things. And usually the high and lofty matters of society are the least in importance. While we’re worrying about if that person will notice our new hairstyle or like us, do we have any clue what is really happening around this vast globe? Do we care that children are dying of malnutrition? Do we care that missionaries in foreign lands are being persecuted in the truest sense of the word? Do we care that the old rugged man in the streets desperately needs to see that God still loves him? Do we care that the people in our churches wear masks that hide their true problems?
So you see, there’s so much more to this life than just you. Look around you, there’s a hurting dying world. Everything is passing by so quickly, time escapes us every day and minutes turn into years and then they are gone. And then we are gone.
You may have years yet, you may only have today. One day we will cease to exist as we now know it. We will fall asleep and we will wake up – to the destruction of our souls or to everlasting life and bliss. If you automatically assume it is to bliss, think again. Make sure you’re right before our God and following in His ways. If you are assured of salvation, then don’t be satisfied with that but do what you’re called to do. Every day counts and it’s not just for the sake of your blessing. Think larger than your own personal blessing, look beyond yourself. What is God doing in the earth? What is He speaking to this generation? What is He tearing down and building up? And when you seek to know, seek to know where He wants you in all of this.
Be humble before Your God and let the cares of this world fall to the side. Who cares about what this person and that person thinks; it is the approval and pleasure of the Father that matters in this life. Don’t be afraid of this life or even of death, but fear the Lord and serve Him. Work diligently in your calling and with joy, knowing that one day you will have rest and be awakened to pleasures forever in eternity and what pleasure it is when He say “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.”
Life moves on, quicker than any of us ever realize. So be steadfast always in His love and purposes.
We have too much time on our hands. We worry about how we look, about how that person thinks about us, the perfect job, the perfect vacation, we worry if we have the latest gadget, we worry about such high and lofty things. And usually the high and lofty matters of society are the least in importance. While we’re worrying about if that person will notice our new hairstyle or like us, do we have any clue what is really happening around this vast globe? Do we care that children are dying of malnutrition? Do we care that missionaries in foreign lands are being persecuted in the truest sense of the word? Do we care that the old rugged man in the streets desperately needs to see that God still loves him? Do we care that the people in our churches wear masks that hide their true problems?
So you see, there’s so much more to this life than just you. Look around you, there’s a hurting dying world. Everything is passing by so quickly, time escapes us every day and minutes turn into years and then they are gone. And then we are gone.
You may have years yet, you may only have today. One day we will cease to exist as we now know it. We will fall asleep and we will wake up – to the destruction of our souls or to everlasting life and bliss. If you automatically assume it is to bliss, think again. Make sure you’re right before our God and following in His ways. If you are assured of salvation, then don’t be satisfied with that but do what you’re called to do. Every day counts and it’s not just for the sake of your blessing. Think larger than your own personal blessing, look beyond yourself. What is God doing in the earth? What is He speaking to this generation? What is He tearing down and building up? And when you seek to know, seek to know where He wants you in all of this.
Be humble before Your God and let the cares of this world fall to the side. Who cares about what this person and that person thinks; it is the approval and pleasure of the Father that matters in this life. Don’t be afraid of this life or even of death, but fear the Lord and serve Him. Work diligently in your calling and with joy, knowing that one day you will have rest and be awakened to pleasures forever in eternity and what pleasure it is when He say “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.”
Life moves on, quicker than any of us ever realize. So be steadfast always in His love and purposes.
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