Sunday School AND Sermon Notes 4/14/13

I enjoyed the Sunday School and Sermon today, so I wanted to share both (not that I ever don't enjoy either!) The Sunday school lesson is from the outline Brother Ricky makes for us each week, with the questions we use to discuss. I encourage you to answer the questions, and take some time researching if you want to know more. We always think and discuss a lot on Sunday mornings!

Sunday School - "How's My Walk With God?" Series, Bauman Road Baptist Church
4/14/13 "Don't Steal The Show" With Brother Richard Robinson

(Below is all from the outline Brother Ricky makes for us each week.)

We have a tendancy to think more highly of ourselves than we should. The day we attribute God's success to our own account, is the day we start going down hill.

Discussion...Acts 14:8-20
⁸ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

⁹ The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

¹⁰ Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

¹¹ And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

¹² And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

¹³ Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

¹⁴ Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

¹⁵ And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

¹⁶ Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

¹⁷ Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

¹⁸ And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

¹⁹ And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

²⁰ Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

(Thought Provoking Questions:)

• How were Paul and Barnabus presented with the opportunity to "steal the show?"
• What are some of the tricks that are being used today (in Christian circles), in order to "steal the show"?
• Are we guilty of misrepresenting ourselves and our relationship with the Lord?
• How would you compare this misrepresentation of our relationship with the Lord, with what other shysters out there are doing?
• Can you recall a time when you were tricked into doing something, and how it felt?
• When it comes to ourselves, many times we don't deceive people, and yet know they are mistaken and do nothing to set things straight. Is there a difference?
• What do you know about stoning? How was it done?
• When Paul was being stoned, do you think he thought about Stephen?
• "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me." Lets talk about what we say, and stoning people.
• After being stoned, Paul got up and walked back into the city. Do you think he was doing so in defiance, to show them he wasn't afraid of them? Why do you think he did it?
• In your opinion, what was today's lesson all about?

Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

Sermon -  Bauman Road Baptist Church - Sunday AM service
4/14/13 "Paul's Prescription for Peace and Joy" With Brother Adam Johnson
(aka Pastor Hubby to me!)

I Thess. 5:16-18

1.Rejoice Evermore

• Nothing should drag us down because we have been saved!
• Bad things will happen, but we always have something to be joyful about!
• Not always happy outside, but inward joy!

2. Pray Without Ceasing

• Take the time to pray for others (and not just a "bless them" type of prayer) and for ourselves
• We have not because we ask not or we ask amiss

3. Give Thanks

• Not just for food!
• Thank God for all He has given us!
• Thank God for all He has NOT given us!

Psalm 145:17-18

1. We have to embrace God in faith to feel the joy

• "I'm crucified with Christ" - the old guy is dead!

2. Give your heart to God (Romans 10)

• Not half-hearted, but WHOLE heartily
• be sincere!
• if not, don't expect the joy and peace

3. Obedience

• God's expectation is perfection
• We can't be perfect, but it's not a licence to sin!
• If we're not obedient, we will fall HARD!
• Follow God's word! Not man's word, or priest's, or anyone but God!
• Believe God's Word and Apply It!

Phil. 2:1-11 - The purpose of our existence - Glory to God!

1. Godly service requires Allegiance

• God HAS to be #1!

2. Godly service requires Genuine Love

• If you can't love your brother who you can see, how can you love God whom you can't see?
• If your left arm offend you, cut it off! Don't let anything keep you from serving God!

3. Godly service requires humility (James 4)

• Jesus hasn't changed, why has the church (we) felt the need to? To put on a show to make us look better!?
• Service doesn't have to be made fanciful!

God expects us to be joyful! He has given us Joy and Peace! (not happy on the outside or to put on a fake smile, but to be truly joyful!)

And I know I've already posted this song before, but it is one of my VERY favorites and we sang it in worship this morning! So, I'm sharing it again:

 

Proverbs 31:27

Proverbs 31:27

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."

This morning I was determined to write another blogpost for myself and for whoever else may read. I say every time I go to write a blogpost that I'm just going to sit down, write a blog, then get up and do laundry, dishes, vacuum, etc. etc. etc. (and yes I just said this aloud like the king in The King and I...lol) Well, I sit down, write a blog, then I check my e-mail, then I check my facebook, then I watch videos on youtube, then I check pinterest...and you get the drift...before I know it it's 1:00 on my only day off (and only good time I have to really clean and do things around the house) and the only productive thing I've done is write a blogpost...ugh. Then my back hurts from sitting in the computer chair so I have to go lay down until it stops hurting and there goes some more time. So, this morning I kept saying to myself "Sit down, write a blog, get up!" I wasn't sure what I was going to write about quite yet, so I searched through the chapter of the virtuous woman (after all this is what the blog is all about) and I came to this verse...PERFECT for me today! I waste way too much time doing pointless stuff...I mean truly pointless! What good is looking at videos on youtube going to do me? It's just a distraction and an excuse to procrastinate longer on what I really need to be doing! Why do I do it? Probably 1 or 2 reasons. 1. LAZY...that's all there is to that one... 2. Worn out and tired from working a full time job all week and feel like I dont have enough energy to get around to cleaning. Well, if I'm tired, watching videos on youtube is NOT going to make me less tired to get stuff done. I need to take a little catnap, or exercise, or eat a healthy meal to charge me. Maybe even all 3. Also, if you take better care of things and get done what needs to get done, you can be able to sleep better at night. If it's being lazy, I just need to get started....that's the hardest part! Once you get started, it's not so bad! (and yes, I'm talking to myself here...a self pep talk! lol) And you feel much better and can relax once it's done! AND YES we do need a day of rest...this is what Sunday should be for...after all the work for the week has been done! God worked hard and created the world in the 6 days and THEN rested on the 7th...He should be our example in all we do. So that's what I have to say about that...but all of that is just blubblering...what really matters is what God's word says! So let's see some other verses!

Verses about not being lazy/idle:

Prov. 18:9 "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."

Prov. 6:6-11 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man."

Prov 10:4 "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich"

Prov 21:25 "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour."

2 Thess. 3:10-12 "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."

2 Cor. 9:6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

So what does a virtuous woman do instead of idleing?

Grocery Shopping (for healthy food while being wise with the money...)(or gardening is even better! Healthier and cheaper...the more work you put into it, the more rewarding the outcome):
- Prov. 31:14 "She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar."
- Prov. 31:16 "She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."

Budgeting for wise use of money:
-Prov. 31: 18 "She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night."
(Also note how she considered the field, in verse 16, before buying it)

Cooking:
-Prov 31:15 "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."

Providing clean clothes for her and her family to wear (for us this means laundry, buying clothes when they NEED something [this is the problem...we like to clothes shop in abundance sometimes...be wise with the money, but provide for the needs], or sewing and mending clothes (again cheapest and most rewarding.):
-Prov. 31:19 "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
-Prov. 31:22 "She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."

Meditating on Scriptures:
-Joshua 1:8: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Teaching scripture (and how to live them) to her children and being a good example:
-Deut. 6:6-7 "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
- Titus 2:4-8 "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."

Get some exercise (although, if you're working hard enough, it's a good workout in itself):
Prov. 31:17 "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."

Prepare for rough times ahead of time:
-Prov. 31:21 "She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet." (also applies to providing clothing for your family)

She brings in money, too, with her craftiness:
- Prov. 31:24 "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."

Keeps her home tidy and orderly:
- Prov. 24:3 "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:"
- Prov. 14:1 "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."
(Also in Titus 2:5 above "Keepers at home"...Part of being wise with money is taking good care of the homes we have. If you let your house get dirty and gross, it gets worn down a whole lot faster, and you have to spend a LOT more money on repairs than you would have to on upkeep. Also, it's important to keep your family healthy, and isn't a family healthier if there isn't dirt and grime floating around everywhere? And our God is ordly in everything, so shouldn't we be too? Now, I'm not saying the virtuous woman's house has to be spotless at all times...it can be lived in! Just orderly and well kept. But, don't focus on the cleaning so much that you miss important time with God and your family)

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men"

Col. 3:23

Spiritual Drift: Sermon Notes 4/7/13

These are sermon notes from my husband's sermon today...I always enjoy hearing him preach:

Pastor Adam Johnson : Bauman Rd. Missionary Baptist Church : 4/7/13

Things that cause us to drift:

 1. Time
       A) We can grow weary of good (Galatians 6:9)
       B) We can lose the ferver of our devotion (Revelation 2:4)
       C) We can rest on past laurels and quit pressing forward (Phillipians 3:13-14)

2. Familiarity Breeds Contempt
     A) As we are familiar to the truth, it can seem common place to us
     B) We may lose our sense of novelty about it
     C) We may take it for granted
     D) We can stand in danger of losing our first love

3. Society
     A) Modern opinions easily seduce us (I Cor. 15:33)
     B) Being bombarded by secular humanism, false religions, and fake Christianity can cause us to waver
     C) These can move us away from the simplicity in Christ (II Cor. 11:2-3)

4. The Flesh
     A) Our warfare is not without, but also within (I Peter 2:11)
     B) Our flesh is constantly waging war with our souls (Galatians 5:16-17)

So, How do we keep from drifting?
TRUST in the LORD and His provision!
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Prepare Yourself First

At the church my parents attend, the one I grew up in and was saved in, they have JOY club. JOY stood for Jesus then Others then You. You are supposed to put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. This is true, but there are some areas you need to focus on yourself first. This includes fixing yourself before you try to fix others. If you don't you'll easily be ignored or called a hypocrite. If you're not living right or not having a close relationship with God, how can you positively influence others to have a good relationship with God? You cannot! And, let's face it, we pretty much all try do it anyway. And this is something I need to work on more (Just like everything else in my walk...ugh..sin nature is frustrating!). Let's read a parable from Luke 6:39-40:

"³⁹ And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?⁴⁰ The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.⁴¹And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴² Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.⁴³ For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

In order to influence others positively for the Kingdom of God...we must (in similar order):

1. Study what God's Word says: 2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth"
2. Get your relationship right with God: 2 Chron. 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
3. Live what God's Word says: James 1:22 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" and Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
4. Develop a true love for others (truly caring about their souls): John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
5. Let your light shine: Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (notice, you should not be doing good works to make yourself look better or for you to be praised {so don't expect it, or you'll be let down and miss the JOY that comes with serving}, but so you can be an example for others to turn to God and give Him glory)
6. Share what God's Word says: Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
7. Put your spiritual gift to practice: Eph. 4:11-12 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
8. Disciple to Others and Encourage them to Live what God's Word says: 2 Tim. 4:2 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."

So Ready Yourselves and get out and Share God's word until the whole world hears! And I pray the world see more of You, Lord, and less of me!

Heartbreaking but Wonderful Friday!

Happy Good Friday to you all! It's the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross in my (and your) place. I'd rather call it heartbreaking but WONDERFUL Friday! Let me explain, in case you don't get it: (which I know a lot of you already understand, but stick with me!)

Why Heartbreaking?

Reason number one why this day is heartbreaking to me is that Jesus did not deserve His punishment. He struggled with temptation and NEVER gave in!! He was a perfect man! The only to ever exist.(Heb. 4:15 - "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.") He did not lie about being the Son of God/God Incarnate/Hypostatic Union!! (John 1:1&14 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 10:30 - "I and my Father are one." Col. 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."...just to name a few verses) Even Pilate (the man who warrented His cricifixion) believed he was innocent! (John 19:4 - "Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.")

Second reason is that He suffered a very painful and shameful death on the cross! To see/hear/think about anyone going through that just is....horrible....let alone my GOD who was faultless and innocent! I encourage you to read Matthew 27 (of which I'll post verses 1-61 below), Luke 23, John 19, and Mark 15.
Matthew 27:1-61
1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.
11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36 And sitting down they watched him there;
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

Why Wonderful?

The most heat wrenching thought about this day is also the reason this day is so WONDERFUL! Heartbreaking because I am the one who hung Jesus on the cross. I am the reason He had to suffer unfairly. He died for MY sins! I have lied, cheated, coveted, complained, commited murder in my heart (also known as hating others), and countless other sins. Wonderful because I should have been the one to suffer a painful death, but He died in my place so that I can spend an eternity in Heaven with Him! He gave himself willingly for a lowly sinner...me....I'm so greatful for what He has done, His sacrifice. I don't deserve it...in fact I deserve an eternity of suffering for all the many things I have done wrong in my life, but He is gracious and merciful both! I continually let Him down, yet, He continues to pardon my sins. (John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 10:9-10 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:13 -  "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Isaiah 53:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.) He believed...and still believes...no matter what you've done...YOU WERE WORTH IT TO HIM!

10 things we can do...not to earn salvation...as that is impossible...but to make our FATHER proud after all He has given and done for you: (just some of the most important things to do, there is much more work to be done for the Father than just these things, though)

1. Love Him - Matthew 22:36-38 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."
2. Love others - Matthew 22:39 "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
3. Serve Him and Others - John 12:26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." & Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
4. Read and study your bible - 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
5. Share the Gospel - Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
6. Give your whole self to Him - Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
7. Obey his commandments - John 14:15"If ye love me, keep my commandments." & Deut. 13:4 "Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him."
8. Take up your cross and follow Him - Matthew 16:24-26 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
9. Depart from Evil - Prov. 3:7-8 "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." & Romans 12:21 "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
10. Worship and give thanks - Psalm 30:4 "Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." 

And there are many wonderful songs for today! Sorry I couldn't pick one or narrow it down! I tried to include ones with words, and I encourage you to sing your heart out along with these songs!

 

 

 

He is Jealous for Me!

First of all: Like all new years resolutions we make, I fell off this one way too fast! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me....I know I'm getting close to that "seventy times seven" in Matthew 18:21-22...For those of you still reading, thank you for sticking with me! The devil is quick to act...and apparently I didn't have my sheild up! .... well, the devil can just sit on a tack, because I'm always going to get back up!

This is going to be kind of a Valentine post. Not between us and our spouses, nor between us and our friends, but between us and the One who loved us so much, He died for us! I encourage you to have your bible handy or if you can't, blueletterbible.org.

Think of how we use to live before we were saved. We were "dating" the world. To be honest, we loved it, and gave a part of our heart to it. This is where that hole was and why we always felt like something was missing. Well then our Prince (Isaiah 9:6), our Knight in shinning armor (Eph. 6:11), with His white horse (Rev. 19:11), our perfect one (Heb. 4:15) came and swept us off our feet. He made our hearts whole again (I Peter 5:10). He filled us with joy and pleasure (Psalm 16:11). He loves us in the ultimate way! (John 3:16 and John 15:13). At that moment we were so on fire, we had no cares or thoughts of the world. We wanted to be with Him and only Him! Well as time marches on, we become comfortable where we are as the fire starts to die down, if we dont add the kindle to the fire (which is spending time with God, reading the bible, going to church, serving, etc.) *Sidenote: this all also applies to our earthly marriages, we have to kindle that flame too* Then the world comes along and we look at it once and say "No, I'm married to my God! I love my God!" Then the world sees that you looked once, then it gets a little closer and waves that piece of your heart you had given to it, saying, "Look, you loved me once too! We had something special! I made you feel good!" We give it a smile and then we start flirting with the world. Now, what happens in a marriage when one starts to flirt with an ex? The other gets jealous, right!? Wouldn't you get jealous if your husband started flirting with their ex-girlfriend (or any other girl)? I know for SURE I would! Not to mention, hurt and betrayed. He is MINE, ALL MINE I TELL YOU!!!!! (well he is God's too, but that's the only other I will allow!) Well how do you think God feels when we flirt with the world!? Hurt, betrayed, and jealous!!! The only difference is if my husband started to flirt with an ex-girlfriend, I may think "what if I did something to drive him away?" Well, God is PERFECT...He has done NOTHING wrong! Even if you think He has wronged you, believe me, it was not Him but the WORLD that has wronged you! Think about this the next time the world tempts and you start flirting with the world! He loves you so much, He wants you all to Himself...and if you chose to devote your life to Him (married Him), you should be all His! He takes His vow and your vow very seriously! You cannot have both!(Matthew 6:24 & Luke 16:13)

Verses about His jealousy:

Exodus 20:5-6: "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

Exodus 34:14: "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:"

Deut. 4:24: "For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God."

Deut. 5:9-10: *again* "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments"

Deut 6:15: "(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth" *ouch*

Nahum 1:2: "God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies."

Joel 2:18: "Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people."

Verses about God's love for us:

Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Galatians 2:20: *I love this one* "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Ephesians 2:4-5: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

I John 4:10: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins"

Psalm 86:15: "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth"

Zephaniah 3:17: "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

And I love this song with today's thoughts:

The Obvious Kind of Post for New Years Day

Happy New Year to all of you!

New years resolutions are very hard to stick to, but one of mine is to do at least 2 blogs a week on here....(one being on Sundays...I've decided to post notes either from sunday school or church...)

I'd like to share how I started off my new year in hopes of having a good year of drawing closer to my Lord. This is not meant to be a LOOK AT ME kind of thing, but maybe an encouragement for someone else to start their year off in a similar way...focusing on what REALLY should be our focus year round:

Last night I decided I'd end 2012 with prayer...so I muted the tv and began praying 10 minutes before the ball dropped...I watch the ball drop every year and really wanted to see it this year...well when I said Amen, I looked up and saw everyone making out on TV...nice huh? ... for a split second my thoughts were "Man! I missed seeing the ball drop!" Quickly I shook my head at myself and reminded myself that prayer was a much better way to start 2013 than watching a ball drop on television followed by everyone making out to music about who knows what.... so i watched the fireworks out the window for a few minutes and then texted a lot of people "happy new year!" I then rolled over to my hubby (who was sleeping until the mass fireworks began to ring all over the neighborhood), I said "would you pray for us to have a good year of drawing closer to God?" and so we prayed together... It's important to talk to God as an individual and as a couple!

This morning I woke up thinking...I have the day off, it'd be the perfect morning to dive into God's word with my hubby! So we prayed and read Psalms and Proverbs of the day...click the link to see the plan for reading clear through Psalms and Proverbs every month. We then started in on a book called Rebuilder's Guide. It's HIGHLY recommended from me!! My oldest brother gave it to us when we got married and asked that we read it together...and we're not big on reading, so we put it off, but I wish we'd read it sooner! Part of it the chapter we read this morning was about getting rid of things which cause you to fall. I'd been thinking about doing this for months (with our movie collection, music, etc.), but hadn't acted on it...it doesn't do any good unless you ACT on your intents! So we ACTED on it this morning...we took out things which didn't follow this verse: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8. Another thing it talked about was fasting. I decided today I'd have 3 HUGE spiritual meals and one small physical meal. Drowning the first day of the new year in scripture will hopefully help me stay focused on what is right all year round...but how quickly we lose sight of our Savior and turn to our wicked ways...it's important to begin each day with scriptures and not only to read it, but to memorize it so that we use it against Satan when we're falling...to catch ourselves and turn us back to God. Jesus Christ already has won the victory over sin for us, we just have to claim it! Something I REALLY have to work on when I'm falling.

My main goal this year: Focus a LOT more on God and His plan...and a LOT less on me and my plan...

Happy 2013...may you all have a blessed year and keep HIM in focus every day of this year and the years to come!