She Is Diligent: Part One
Continued Part Two
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you feel like best describes diligence?
2. What do you think the greatest difference between diligence and busyness is?
3. Do you feel like having a full schedule is always a bad thing? Why or Why not.
4. What is the most important key to being diligent?
5. What are some practical steps we can take to become more diligent? What are the steps you plan to take
this week?
I am so proud of each one of you!
Please post comments below. We want to hear what God is speaking to your heart!
Post below on the blog....or now post on a FB page just for the exceptional women!
Exceptional Woman Online FB Page
xoxo
Justeina
I thought I would share some Fitness By Faith tips with you for a few weeks on my Monday Blog. Since Metabolism seems to be a hot topic, let's start there. Many of us have a sluggish metabolism because of lifestyle choices we are making. And you know how it feels when your metabolism is sluggish. You feel slow, hungry, tired, cranky, and groggy. You and I want our metabolism working as quickly and as efficiently as possible. There are a few things that we can do to rev up our metabolism so to speak and I thought I would share them!
1. Exercise
It's important to understand that exercise has a dramatic effect on metabolism. The more active you are the higher your metabolism will be. Of course that means the less active you are the lower your metabolism will be. The higher your metabolism is the greater amount of calories your body burns even while at rest. That means if you increase your metabolism you can increase the amount of calories your body is burning even while you are sleeping. Sounds like easy weight loss to me.
2. Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is one of the most important meals you can eat during the day. Think of it this way, you basically have been fasting all night long. Your metabolism has slowed itself down throughout the night because you haven’t been moving or taking in calories. The morning meal is what is going to “break the fast”. That’s why we call it breakfast. When you eat after getting up it will give your metabolism a boost and force it into action for the day. It’s like pouring fuel on a flame. The longer you wait to eat the lower your metabolism will stay. Which brings us back to one of our important keys for eating smart and that’s eating frequently. Start your day with breakfast and then continue to eat frequently throughout the day.
3. Drink plenty of water
I simply cannot stress this point enough. When people ask me what the weight loss miracle would be I tell them its water. Water plays a crucial role in weight loss, healthy living, disease prevention, and increasing your metabolism. It’s one of the simplest things for us to do yet the one that seems to be most left out. You have to become very intentional about making sure you are drinking enough water each and every day. Drinking water can increase your metabolism by up to 30%! That is going to burn a lot of extra calories.
4. Get enough sleep
I always laugh when people say to me that they can live off of 4 hours of sleep each night. What I want to say to them is “if you think you can survive on that little of sleep, do you have any idea how great you would feel if you got the right amount?” Most people are so used to getting too little sleep that they don’t even realize how negatively it’s affecting how they feel, not to mention how their body is functioning. Most people who are sleep deprived are also more likely to eat more throughout the day. You are tired and so you eat to try and stay awake. You also are more inclined to making poor food choices. Eating isn’t the answer to sleep deprivation. If you have problems sleeping at night there are a few things you can try. Reduce your stress, exercise during the day, turn the lights and noise down low in the evenings, and most importantly don’t drink caffeine in the afternoons or at night.
5. Move more often
This one is a little different than exercise. Exercise will consist of a specifically set apart time that you dedicate just to being active. But you can also be intentional about moving around more all day long. In other words don’t fight that poor old lady for the front parking spot. Go ahead and park at the back and make the walk into the store. When you are at work try taking the stairs more often or walking up and down the halls during breaks. If you have a job that requires you to stay seated most of the day make sure that you take moving breaks every hour. The more you fidget and move the higher your metabolism will be and the more calories you will burn. So go ahead and get moving, it’s what your body was designed to do!
I think these are very practical principals every single one of us can begin applying. So why delay…let’s start today!
Get more information on Fitness By Faith
Love,
Justeina
1. Exercise
It's important to understand that exercise has a dramatic effect on metabolism. The more active you are the higher your metabolism will be. Of course that means the less active you are the lower your metabolism will be. The higher your metabolism is the greater amount of calories your body burns even while at rest. That means if you increase your metabolism you can increase the amount of calories your body is burning even while you are sleeping. Sounds like easy weight loss to me.
2. Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is one of the most important meals you can eat during the day. Think of it this way, you basically have been fasting all night long. Your metabolism has slowed itself down throughout the night because you haven’t been moving or taking in calories. The morning meal is what is going to “break the fast”. That’s why we call it breakfast. When you eat after getting up it will give your metabolism a boost and force it into action for the day. It’s like pouring fuel on a flame. The longer you wait to eat the lower your metabolism will stay. Which brings us back to one of our important keys for eating smart and that’s eating frequently. Start your day with breakfast and then continue to eat frequently throughout the day.
3. Drink plenty of water
I simply cannot stress this point enough. When people ask me what the weight loss miracle would be I tell them its water. Water plays a crucial role in weight loss, healthy living, disease prevention, and increasing your metabolism. It’s one of the simplest things for us to do yet the one that seems to be most left out. You have to become very intentional about making sure you are drinking enough water each and every day. Drinking water can increase your metabolism by up to 30%! That is going to burn a lot of extra calories.
4. Get enough sleep
I always laugh when people say to me that they can live off of 4 hours of sleep each night. What I want to say to them is “if you think you can survive on that little of sleep, do you have any idea how great you would feel if you got the right amount?” Most people are so used to getting too little sleep that they don’t even realize how negatively it’s affecting how they feel, not to mention how their body is functioning. Most people who are sleep deprived are also more likely to eat more throughout the day. You are tired and so you eat to try and stay awake. You also are more inclined to making poor food choices. Eating isn’t the answer to sleep deprivation. If you have problems sleeping at night there are a few things you can try. Reduce your stress, exercise during the day, turn the lights and noise down low in the evenings, and most importantly don’t drink caffeine in the afternoons or at night.
5. Move more often
This one is a little different than exercise. Exercise will consist of a specifically set apart time that you dedicate just to being active. But you can also be intentional about moving around more all day long. In other words don’t fight that poor old lady for the front parking spot. Go ahead and park at the back and make the walk into the store. When you are at work try taking the stairs more often or walking up and down the halls during breaks. If you have a job that requires you to stay seated most of the day make sure that you take moving breaks every hour. The more you fidget and move the higher your metabolism will be and the more calories you will burn. So go ahead and get moving, it’s what your body was designed to do!
I think these are very practical principals every single one of us can begin applying. So why delay…let’s start today!
Get more information on Fitness By Faith
Love,
Justeina
Category:
Fitness By Faith Tips,
health
2
comments
Have you ever read Psalm 42? If not, you should think about it...it's pretty amazing. It really is one of my favorites; I quote it often enough. The psalm was written by David, a man after God's own heart. He had wealth, a kingdom, the favor of God and pretty much whatever else a guy could want. But in Psalm 42 David is depressed. It is believed that Psalm 42 was written when David flew Jerusalem because his son Absalom had rebelled. Certainly that could cause one great distress.
Psalm 42 is David getting a hold of his inner man. He knows that he can't stay in his current condition; so he takes responsibility for his well-being and pleads with his soul to regain hope. This psalm has encouraged (and convicted) me more than once to get a hold of myself.
But that is not what I necessarily desire to talk about here. I would like to focus on the first two verses.
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."
Immediately the word "flowing" caught my attention. And as I read the beginning, I got this picture in my mind.
We were close to a source and took the opportunity to drink the cleanest and coolest water that was melting as fresh as could be. This my friends, is the most amazing water you could ever drink. I wish I could have bottled enough for a lifetime, but I had only one bottle with me. And I savored it....the refreshing, chilled, fresh, clean water.
In Psalm 42, the deer pants for "flowing" streams. It doesn't say the lake, or the pond, or a still water source. The word says FLOWING. Take it from me, flowing is the best. Not only is water better when flowing, but it is cleaner and healthier. Water at a stand still becomes stagnant and a breeding ground for disease...this brings me to another (quick) story.
One dayI was running the Greenways path with my wonderful friend Savannah. We had been running for a while and the day was heating up...I became very, very thirsty. We were passing a stream that in the moment looked so refreshing. Boy was it enticing, but I knew that there was no way I would ever drink from it. It was a source of water that looked really good to my thirsty mouth...but was not beneficial.
My soul thirsts for God. For the LIVING God. I thirst for the best too. I don't want to settle for a still water source...I don't even want to settle for water that may seem refreshing, but isn't. No, my soul thirsts for the freshest, cleanest, coming-directly-from-the-mountain top water. The flowing water.
I believe many people, if they thirst at all, settle. Some settle for the lake, because it's already there and it's available...this could represent religion. A large majority settle for the water that is enticing and may seem nice, but isn't the best...this would be the average "Christian" life, or salvation. But there are some who pant for the the most pure and lovely of water. These are the people drinking God's best.
This may seem a fuzzy or not so clear analogy...it's just coming out as I type, with no preparation or intention. I suppose it might be me dissecting the psalm as I go.
But the point here is that we are suppose to pant for God as a deer pants for a flowing stream. Pant is a strong desire for some water. And this is a strong desire for the best.
The Message puts it this way,
"I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive."
I want to encourage you (and myself) to deeply desire the best of God...to pant for the water that is alive. David started the psalm with this desire as he looked upon his condition. He knew that what was needed to get a hold of his inner man was first the desire to want God more than anything else. Want God more than anything or anyone else!
Psalm 42 is David getting a hold of his inner man. He knows that he can't stay in his current condition; so he takes responsibility for his well-being and pleads with his soul to regain hope. This psalm has encouraged (and convicted) me more than once to get a hold of myself.
But that is not what I necessarily desire to talk about here. I would like to focus on the first two verses.
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."
Immediately the word "flowing" caught my attention. And as I read the beginning, I got this picture in my mind.
When I was in Wyoming, I spent a lot of time hiking, backpacking, and camping. In late July, my three friends and I backpacked into Paintbrush Canyon in the Grand Teton Mountains. It was really one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We had set up our tent and decided to hike further up to explore. As the elevation grew higher, so did the snow. Eventually we were walking through deep snow, and as I found out the hard way when my foot slip through, was deep enough to go up to my waist. Anyway, you can imagine that there was also quite a bit of snow melting and coming down the side of the mountain.
We were close to a source and took the opportunity to drink the cleanest and coolest water that was melting as fresh as could be. This my friends, is the most amazing water you could ever drink. I wish I could have bottled enough for a lifetime, but I had only one bottle with me. And I savored it....the refreshing, chilled, fresh, clean water.
In Psalm 42, the deer pants for "flowing" streams. It doesn't say the lake, or the pond, or a still water source. The word says FLOWING. Take it from me, flowing is the best. Not only is water better when flowing, but it is cleaner and healthier. Water at a stand still becomes stagnant and a breeding ground for disease...this brings me to another (quick) story.
One dayI was running the Greenways path with my wonderful friend Savannah. We had been running for a while and the day was heating up...I became very, very thirsty. We were passing a stream that in the moment looked so refreshing. Boy was it enticing, but I knew that there was no way I would ever drink from it. It was a source of water that looked really good to my thirsty mouth...but was not beneficial.
My soul thirsts for God. For the LIVING God. I thirst for the best too. I don't want to settle for a still water source...I don't even want to settle for water that may seem refreshing, but isn't. No, my soul thirsts for the freshest, cleanest, coming-directly-from-the-mountain top water. The flowing water.
I believe many people, if they thirst at all, settle. Some settle for the lake, because it's already there and it's available...this could represent religion. A large majority settle for the water that is enticing and may seem nice, but isn't the best...this would be the average "Christian" life, or salvation. But there are some who pant for the the most pure and lovely of water. These are the people drinking God's best.
This may seem a fuzzy or not so clear analogy...it's just coming out as I type, with no preparation or intention. I suppose it might be me dissecting the psalm as I go.
But the point here is that we are suppose to pant for God as a deer pants for a flowing stream. Pant is a strong desire for some water. And this is a strong desire for the best.
The Message puts it this way,
"I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive."
I want to encourage you (and myself) to deeply desire the best of God...to pant for the water that is alive. David started the psalm with this desire as he looked upon his condition. He knew that what was needed to get a hold of his inner man was first the desire to want God more than anything else. Want God more than anything or anyone else!
Category:
encouragement
1 comments
I hope you are all taking part of Justeina’s online bible study and being blessed as much as I am! Wow, it continues to encourage and challenge me while helping me to search deep down in my spirit for what God wants me to learn and apply to my life. Justeina made a comment on the blog page about how the enemy must not have wanted that message to get out because of all of the difficulties she had with the audio, etc. This is so true!!
As I was praying about this, I felt led to encourage you today with some things that are very important for us to remember as we desiring to grow in our walks with God while digging deeper in the word of God. Any time we leave our comfort zone or step out in obedience to God, the enemy will be there to try and attack us. The enemy wants nothing more for us than to fall and fail. He will throw discouragement at us, distractions at us and probably some of his famous lies, such as; “why are you even trying? You’ve never been able to do it before!”
A few months ago, I read a devotional that was called, Tricks of the Traitor. It talked about how the devil is real; he is a liar, shrewd, clever and cunning. Not only is he out to attack us when we are pressing forward, but he is also out to attack us in our moments of weakness. When are we weak??
1. When we are tired (many of us moms!!)
2. When we are sick
3. When we are discouraged
4. When we are fearful
5. When we are not on the guard
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says, “Be on the guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”
•Guard- When we think about guarding something, we think about protecting it. We’re not going to lie around lazily, not paying attention…we’re focused on it… keeping a constant eye on it! This is how we need to guard our minds and emotions.
•Stand- Don’t become lax, keep standing! First we must have strength to stand. Where does the strength come from? The joy of the Lord is our strength. Isaiah 40: 31 tells us that, “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
•Courage- We do not have to be scared of the enemy or overcome by fear. Remember God’s truth, “He who lives in us is greater than he who lives in the world!”
•Strong- Be aware of the things that cause us to become weak.
•Love- We are nothing without love. Receive God’s love and allow that same love to flow through you to others.
One last piece of truth to encourage you; Ephesians 6:10-18 -“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Be blessed as you press forward in your walk with God. He is faithful to do some amazing work in our hearts and lives!! And remember…stand guard!
Love,
Stephanie
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0
comments
Hello to all my exceptional girlfriends!
You would not believe what I have been through over the last 5 days. I have filmed week one's video lesson for you no less than 150 times (no exaggeration at all...ask my husband), with at least 3 different video cameras. The video messed up every single time either during filming or during upload. I for the life of me could not get anything to upload...even bawling my eyes out didn't work! Can you believe that??? This I will tell you...my character was truly tested.
So I want to apologize that this week the best I could make happen was an audio upload on our ministry website. I will tell you this, I realize now more than ever that the enemy DOES NOT want us to get ahold of this lesson. Which makes me even more determined for us to finally GET IT! So I am asking you to be faithful with me to press forward and listen to the audio. Just picture me in really big earrings and a cute rhinestone t shirt (that was what I was wearing...haha!) I love you girls and know that after all the trauma I went through this weekend, God must have something big in store for us. Below you will find the audio link and discussion questions. Press on sweet sisters! We will become Exceptional Women!
Link to Audio Download...LISTEN HERE!
Discussion Questions
1. How would you define noble character?
2. What do you think the greatest obstacle to living a life of integrity seems to be?
3. Share how you feel like today's movies and TV shows may be influencing our character.
4. What steps do you plan on taking to resolve in your heart to be a woman/man of noble
character?
5. How can we encourage one another in being women of noble character?
Congrats to this week's gift winners!
Melissa Gulzinski
Pennie Collesano
You would not believe what I have been through over the last 5 days. I have filmed week one's video lesson for you no less than 150 times (no exaggeration at all...ask my husband), with at least 3 different video cameras. The video messed up every single time either during filming or during upload. I for the life of me could not get anything to upload...even bawling my eyes out didn't work! Can you believe that??? This I will tell you...my character was truly tested.
So I want to apologize that this week the best I could make happen was an audio upload on our ministry website. I will tell you this, I realize now more than ever that the enemy DOES NOT want us to get ahold of this lesson. Which makes me even more determined for us to finally GET IT! So I am asking you to be faithful with me to press forward and listen to the audio. Just picture me in really big earrings and a cute rhinestone t shirt (that was what I was wearing...haha!) I love you girls and know that after all the trauma I went through this weekend, God must have something big in store for us. Below you will find the audio link and discussion questions. Press on sweet sisters! We will become Exceptional Women!
Link to Audio Download...LISTEN HERE!
Discussion Questions
1. How would you define noble character?
2. What do you think the greatest obstacle to living a life of integrity seems to be?
3. Share how you feel like today's movies and TV shows may be influencing our character.
4. What steps do you plan on taking to resolve in your heart to be a woman/man of noble
character?
5. How can we encourage one another in being women of noble character?
Congrats to this week's gift winners!
Melissa Gulzinski
Pennie Collesano
The last few weeks, whenever I put myself to write for you, I have been burdened with a message of worship and thanksgiving. Today is no different; I suppose God still has a word for us in regards to both.
I believe this for good reason. Two weeks ago we looked at Psalm 34, and we can see that our primary reason for living is to worship God and to encourage others in worship.
Psalm 86, which we looked at last week, not only directs us to worship, but to worship with complete and undivided praise.
A verse that continues to play over and over again in my mind is Ephesians 5.3, “thanksgiving is our dialect.” A dialect is a characteristic of a specific people group, or a language particular to the members of a group. What Paul is illustrating to the Ephesians is that their dialect must be different than that of the worlds. As Christians, our language particular to our family is that of thanksgiving. It is a characteristic that sets us apart.
My prayer is that when people talk with you, they would notice a dialect of worship and thanksgiving, and would be pointed to God as the source of your language. My prayer is that Christians all across the world would rise up with a collective voice of praise and honor to our God. One that the world can’t ignore.
Those who magnified the Lord to the highest degree are the ones who saw God work most; they knew the importance and necessity of worship.
I can’t help but think of Moses as the battle with the Amalekites played before his eyes. As long as his arms were lifted high, the battle was theirs. (Exodus 17)
Or how God delivered Jehoshaphat and Judah out of the hands of multiple armies, all because men were placed at the front of the army to go ahead and say, “give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” As soon as the men began to praise, God turned the enemies on each other and when Judah reached the top of the hill, every man from the enemies camp was killed. They didn’t even have to fight! (2 Chronicles 20)
Or how Paul and Silas praised God in prison in the middle of the night, and their chains were released. (Acts 16) These are but a few records of many that highlight a life of worship.
If praise releases Gods power and favor, imagine what could happen if His people began speaking with a dialect of praise. A dialect that doesn’t turn on and off, but a dialect that is heavily noticed by others and consistent in the believers speech. I can’t help but be excited and a bit saddened by this thought all at the same time. Excited because the potential is so great and very beneficial as God pours out His favor on us, but saddened because so many of us fail to develop a dialect noticed by others.
If I could pray one prayer for you this week (and believe me, I will), it would be that you would learn to speak the dialect of thanksgiving. Place scriptures where you spend the most time, either ones I have mentioned or others you have read in Scripture, that will encourage and remind you to cultivate worship in your life. Spend time alone with God where you do nothing but relish in His presence. While you’re cleaning the house or driving in the car, turn up the worship (this happens to be a favorite activity of mine. Yes, I’m that person who belts it in the car...off key). Carry thanksgiving into your conversations with other people. Find a way to take small moments throughout your day that will direct worship and thanksgiving above.
To recap what we have learned thus far about worship and thanksgiving:
1. It is our primary reason for living.
2. It must be undivided.
3. It should be consistent & clear in our language.
I am excited about what God is speaking in my heart, and hopefully in yours, as we study His Word in regards to worship and thanksgiving. I would enjoy your thoughts, testimonies and feedback on worship and thanksgiving. Let’s rise to the challenge!
I believe this for good reason. Two weeks ago we looked at Psalm 34, and we can see that our primary reason for living is to worship God and to encourage others in worship.
Psalm 86, which we looked at last week, not only directs us to worship, but to worship with complete and undivided praise.
A verse that continues to play over and over again in my mind is Ephesians 5.3, “thanksgiving is our dialect.” A dialect is a characteristic of a specific people group, or a language particular to the members of a group. What Paul is illustrating to the Ephesians is that their dialect must be different than that of the worlds. As Christians, our language particular to our family is that of thanksgiving. It is a characteristic that sets us apart.
My prayer is that when people talk with you, they would notice a dialect of worship and thanksgiving, and would be pointed to God as the source of your language. My prayer is that Christians all across the world would rise up with a collective voice of praise and honor to our God. One that the world can’t ignore.
Those who magnified the Lord to the highest degree are the ones who saw God work most; they knew the importance and necessity of worship.
I can’t help but think of Moses as the battle with the Amalekites played before his eyes. As long as his arms were lifted high, the battle was theirs. (Exodus 17)
Or how God delivered Jehoshaphat and Judah out of the hands of multiple armies, all because men were placed at the front of the army to go ahead and say, “give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” As soon as the men began to praise, God turned the enemies on each other and when Judah reached the top of the hill, every man from the enemies camp was killed. They didn’t even have to fight! (2 Chronicles 20)
Or how Paul and Silas praised God in prison in the middle of the night, and their chains were released. (Acts 16) These are but a few records of many that highlight a life of worship.
If praise releases Gods power and favor, imagine what could happen if His people began speaking with a dialect of praise. A dialect that doesn’t turn on and off, but a dialect that is heavily noticed by others and consistent in the believers speech. I can’t help but be excited and a bit saddened by this thought all at the same time. Excited because the potential is so great and very beneficial as God pours out His favor on us, but saddened because so many of us fail to develop a dialect noticed by others.
If I could pray one prayer for you this week (and believe me, I will), it would be that you would learn to speak the dialect of thanksgiving. Place scriptures where you spend the most time, either ones I have mentioned or others you have read in Scripture, that will encourage and remind you to cultivate worship in your life. Spend time alone with God where you do nothing but relish in His presence. While you’re cleaning the house or driving in the car, turn up the worship (this happens to be a favorite activity of mine. Yes, I’m that person who belts it in the car...off key). Carry thanksgiving into your conversations with other people. Find a way to take small moments throughout your day that will direct worship and thanksgiving above.
To recap what we have learned thus far about worship and thanksgiving:
1. It is our primary reason for living.
2. It must be undivided.
3. It should be consistent & clear in our language.
I am excited about what God is speaking in my heart, and hopefully in yours, as we study His Word in regards to worship and thanksgiving. I would enjoy your thoughts, testimonies and feedback on worship and thanksgiving. Let’s rise to the challenge!
Category:
praise,
worship
0
comments
I love my daily planner! Ok, maybe love is a strong word, but it brings me a sense of enjoyment of having my to-do list made out for the day and then getting to experience the feeling of accomplishment when I check them off at the end of the day. I remember a few years ago, there was a day in particular that I will not ever forget. It started off as a great day. I was planning on surprising my husband at work with a plate of homemade muffins for him and his co-workers. My two oldest children were at our church’s vacation bible school and I thought it would be a nice surprise to meet him with our younger two.
I ventured out, with a ‘picture in my mind’ of what the day would look like. I would show up and bring a smile to my husband’s stressful day; my daughter was dolled up and looking cute for her Daddy and I was looking forward to enjoying the quiet and peaceful 20 minute drive to his workplace. Well, half-way there, my daughter said the words that no mom wants to hear in the van, “I feel sick, Mommy!” What?? You can’t be sick…I have plans. Before I could hand her the trashcan in time, she pukes all over herself, her car seat, and of course, the adorable outfit she was wearing. I decide to do a quick trip into Wal-Mart to purchase a new outfit for her. What mom wants to make a surprise visit and show up with smelly and dried puke all over them? I purchase the new outfit and I am out the door and on my way.
I change the plans a bit, call my husband and decide to meet him at the park for lunch. He was thrilled at the thought of seeing all of us and getting away from some of the work stress for a bit. During our 45 minute lunchtime, he receives three phone calls over some very pressing work issues. I can see the discouragement in his eyes. My mind thinks, “This is not going exactly like I had planned….”
I have a choice to make. Do I become frustrated and irritated that my ‘plans’ have been changed?? Do I snap at my daughter for her ‘inconveniencing’ me?? Do I think, “Hey, enough with the phone calls, I came to see you not to have you on the phone?!” No, instead I feel God nudging at my heart to pause and ask Him what He is trying to teaching me in this day.
A few lessons that the Lord was really impressing upon me were patience, joy, trust, humility and priority perspective. I am amazed how I think back of the times before I had kids and actually thought that I was a patient person. It’s easy to be patient when things are easy sailing! But, what about the times when we are inconvenienced and have to selflessly serve another when we aren’t feeling like it??
It is during times like this that the Lord is chipping away our selfishness and developing a servant’s compassionate heart. What about joy? Again, it’s so easy to be joyful when the family is healthy, finances are great or we’re lying on the beach during a family vacation. But, what happens to our joy when all of this isn’t there? Are we happy then? Happiness is based on our happenings, joy is discovered when we have our trust and confidence in the Lord during those trials. I’m learning to trust my heavenly Father even when I don’t see his hand. I know that I can trust His heart because He knows what is best for us. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” I may have my days planned the way I think they should go, but the Lord may take them off-course. I am thankful for a loving God that is more concerned about my character than my comfort.
Lastly, I continue to learn humility as I recognize my own inadequacies. I cannot do it all, be it all and juggle it all. I am going to mess up! But, I don’t have to feel embarrassed or like a failure, I remember that “apart from Him, I can do nothing.” John 15:5
Days like that day help keep things in perspective. I heard a quote one time that said, “In light of eternity, what does it really matter?” Isn’t this so true? As we go about our days, we need to look at the things that we stress and fuss over and ask ourselves that question….” In light of eternity, does this really matter?” This will help us laugh in those moments of cleaning up the puke and remember we are here for a much bigger purpose, to glorify Him and to be a light in this dark and searching world. What lessons might He be teaching you today?
God, thank you that you use these ordinary days to teach us lessons of character. Thank you that you love us so much that you look beyond our comfort, work in our hearts and make us more like you. Forgive me for all of the wasted times that I have gotten upset, discouraged and off-focus. I pray that your Holy Spirit would continue to empower me to live each day like it’s my last and be that salt and light that draws people to you. I love you, Lord!
Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
Psalm 25:4-5, “Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.”
Blessings,
Stephanie
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2
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POST YOUR COMMENTS!! We want to hear from you! Please tell us what you hope to get most out of the next four weeks of study together!
Disscussion Questions
1. What was your first reaction to the thought of becoming an “exceptional woman”?
2. What do you feel like it means to be the exception?
3. Can you think of anyone in your life you would describe as exceptional and why?
4. What are some ways you can encourage one another in your group towards becoming an exceptional woman?
5. What do you hope God does most in your life through this study?
Download Bible Study homework here
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Oh, and by the way...hang in there with us, we are working on getting better quality sound and picture for you!
xoxo
Justeina
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exceptional woman online study,
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Luke 11:1-4
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“ ‘Father,hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
So often these verses are used to teach on prayer. The disciples had just asked Jesus to teach them how to pray in this passage of Luke. What I want you to see is that verse 4 isn’t where Jesus stops his teaching on prayer. He continues on here in Luke 11. It's the following verses that I feel like give us the best insight into the type of prayer God is looking for from us.
Read Luke 11:5-13
Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’
7 “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Jesus uses this parable to continue answering the disciples question regarding how they should pray. There are a few things we need to understand to be able to really get this parable. This man shows up at his neighbors house in the middle of the night asking to borrow some bread simply because he had an unexpected guest at his own home. In this culture when you had guests show up you needed to have something to feed them. Hospitality was the basic law in the East at this time especially if the guest was a stranger. If a person refused to entertain a guest, he brought disgrace on the whole village and the neighbors would have nothing to do with him. The man in the house knew this and did not want to embarrass himself, his family, or his village; so he got up and went to his neighbor to help meet this need for food. He had to make a choice to either be a poor host or a poor neighbor and the choice was easy to make, he chose to be a poor neighbor.
As he visits his neighbor to find food, the neighbor refuses to get up. The whole family would have been sleeping all together in the same room. So getting up would be sure to cause a disturbance among the whole household.
Look again at Luke 11:8
I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
In other versions you will see the word persistence or my favorite…importunity. Scripture tells us that the man does finally get up and give the bread not because he wanted to be nice but because of the importunity that his neighbor showed. That word importunity is the word anaÃdeia; and it means: impudent, without shame; Recklessness, audacity, shamelessness, insolence or persistance; Recklessness or disregard of consideration by the one making the request. It’s only found here in the New Testament and it’s a very strong word. It’s the idea that you know that who you are asking has what you need and you are not giving up until you get it. You have no shame in making it known that you have a need and you have boldness in asking for it.
The argument Jesus is making here is if the reluctant friend would finally give in and get up, how much more will a loving father answer the door when we come knocking. How much more would that shameless persistence bring blessing as we pray and seek God. Remember Jesus is telling us that we should pray with importunity, with persistence, with boldness, with shamelessness. Acknowledge that we have a need and that we are quite sure God can meet it. God reminds us all throughout scripture that he is the creator and owner of all things. He is not like this neighbor, for He never sleeps, never gets impatient or irritable, is always generous, and delights in meeting the needs of His children.
Why does our Father in heaven answer prayer? Not just to meet the needs of His children, but to meet them in such a way that it brings glory to His name. “Hallowed be Thy name.” When God’s people pray, God’s reputation is at stake. The way He takes care of His children is a witness to the world that He can be trusted. Phillips Brooks said that prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness. Persistence in prayer is not an attempt to change God’s mind (“Thy will be done”) but to get ourselves to the place where He can trust us with the answer.
Let's pray today with a little...no ALOT of importunity and recklessness!
REMINDER!!
The Exeptional Woman Bible Study online starts tomorrow! Sign up today. It's FREE and you can do it anytime...anyplace.
Register For Study Here
Download Study Here
xoxo,
Justeina
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“ ‘Father,hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
So often these verses are used to teach on prayer. The disciples had just asked Jesus to teach them how to pray in this passage of Luke. What I want you to see is that verse 4 isn’t where Jesus stops his teaching on prayer. He continues on here in Luke 11. It's the following verses that I feel like give us the best insight into the type of prayer God is looking for from us.
Read Luke 11:5-13
Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’
7 “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Jesus uses this parable to continue answering the disciples question regarding how they should pray. There are a few things we need to understand to be able to really get this parable. This man shows up at his neighbors house in the middle of the night asking to borrow some bread simply because he had an unexpected guest at his own home. In this culture when you had guests show up you needed to have something to feed them. Hospitality was the basic law in the East at this time especially if the guest was a stranger. If a person refused to entertain a guest, he brought disgrace on the whole village and the neighbors would have nothing to do with him. The man in the house knew this and did not want to embarrass himself, his family, or his village; so he got up and went to his neighbor to help meet this need for food. He had to make a choice to either be a poor host or a poor neighbor and the choice was easy to make, he chose to be a poor neighbor.
As he visits his neighbor to find food, the neighbor refuses to get up. The whole family would have been sleeping all together in the same room. So getting up would be sure to cause a disturbance among the whole household.
Look again at Luke 11:8
I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
In other versions you will see the word persistence or my favorite…importunity. Scripture tells us that the man does finally get up and give the bread not because he wanted to be nice but because of the importunity that his neighbor showed. That word importunity is the word anaÃdeia; and it means: impudent, without shame; Recklessness, audacity, shamelessness, insolence or persistance; Recklessness or disregard of consideration by the one making the request. It’s only found here in the New Testament and it’s a very strong word. It’s the idea that you know that who you are asking has what you need and you are not giving up until you get it. You have no shame in making it known that you have a need and you have boldness in asking for it.
The argument Jesus is making here is if the reluctant friend would finally give in and get up, how much more will a loving father answer the door when we come knocking. How much more would that shameless persistence bring blessing as we pray and seek God. Remember Jesus is telling us that we should pray with importunity, with persistence, with boldness, with shamelessness. Acknowledge that we have a need and that we are quite sure God can meet it. God reminds us all throughout scripture that he is the creator and owner of all things. He is not like this neighbor, for He never sleeps, never gets impatient or irritable, is always generous, and delights in meeting the needs of His children.
Why does our Father in heaven answer prayer? Not just to meet the needs of His children, but to meet them in such a way that it brings glory to His name. “Hallowed be Thy name.” When God’s people pray, God’s reputation is at stake. The way He takes care of His children is a witness to the world that He can be trusted. Phillips Brooks said that prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness. Persistence in prayer is not an attempt to change God’s mind (“Thy will be done”) but to get ourselves to the place where He can trust us with the answer.
Let's pray today with a little...no ALOT of importunity and recklessness!
REMINDER!!
The Exeptional Woman Bible Study online starts tomorrow! Sign up today. It's FREE and you can do it anytime...anyplace.
Register For Study Here
Download Study Here
xoxo,
Justeina
Category:
encouragement,
prayer,
updates
0
comments
Psalm 86 (MSG) is one of the five Tephillahs or “prayers” in the psalms, and is a prayer of Davids. It’s a beautiful and powerful prayer, one that has done much to encourage my heart. It is the insert of praise within the prayer that I find especially nice.
For today, I would like to look specifically at the latter part of the psalm, beginning in verse 11. David says, “train me, God, to walk straight.” The KJV puts it, “teach me thy way, O Lord.” I don’t know what it is, but something about this particular verse in the KJV in this context is so intimate. “Teach me thy way, O Lord.” Don’t you want to repeat it a hundred times!
We are to be constant students in the school of God. Ever learning, and desiring to learn, from the King of Kings. David willfully wanted to follow God. I like Charles Spurgeons commentary, “not my way give me, but thy way teach me.” That is my daily prayer if I’ve ever had one.
David takes it a step further by taking it to the heart. “Put me together, one heart AND mind.” To be made whole, undivided. A (wo)man divided can not stand, but a (wo)man made whole can “worship in joyful fear.” We are being called to rise up as women undivided in heart and mind, free from any fear but holy awe.
Praise should never be lifted unless it is whole. When we give anything but, it is not complete, therefore it is not real and authentic. God doesn’t deserve divided and conflicted praise, but whole heart and mind within the avenue of glory we give above.
In verse 13 David continues with, “You've always been great toward me—what love!” I really don’t know what I could put here that would highlight your understanding of it any better. We all have come from a low place; we are all sinners who botched it up. But those of us who know the immeasurable grace and mercy of God can testify that He has been great towards us! Which is indeed an incredible love!
“But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit.” Verse 15 is without a doubt my favorite verse in this psalm. David has just talked about the enemies rising against him and continues the thought with, “BUT.” But God is tender.kind.not easily angered.immense in love.and He never quits. What a contrast he has painted for us!
David turns to bold requests at the end of the psalm. “So look me in the eye and show kindness.” I’m pretty sure that’s a bold request...and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to ask God to look you in the eye. Don’t be afraid to ask for His attention and kindness. By asking this, David is asking for mercy and strength. “Give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child!” When God gives us His strength, we are sufficient in all times.
With one last bold request, David says, “Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, as you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.” God makes a show of His love for us by taking care of us. By saying “make a show,” David is asking God to assure him of His mercy by delivering him out of his current trouble.
We serve a pretty amazing God. And it must be our desire to understand Him that nudges us to move forward as students eager to learn. Students of our mighty God made whole in heart and mind. It must be our pursuit of God and His truth that defines us. And it will be within our pursuit, bearing fruits of praise, that we will see God show us (and others) how much He loves us!
For today, I would like to look specifically at the latter part of the psalm, beginning in verse 11. David says, “train me, God, to walk straight.” The KJV puts it, “teach me thy way, O Lord.” I don’t know what it is, but something about this particular verse in the KJV in this context is so intimate. “Teach me thy way, O Lord.” Don’t you want to repeat it a hundred times!
We are to be constant students in the school of God. Ever learning, and desiring to learn, from the King of Kings. David willfully wanted to follow God. I like Charles Spurgeons commentary, “not my way give me, but thy way teach me.” That is my daily prayer if I’ve ever had one.
David takes it a step further by taking it to the heart. “Put me together, one heart AND mind.” To be made whole, undivided. A (wo)man divided can not stand, but a (wo)man made whole can “worship in joyful fear.” We are being called to rise up as women undivided in heart and mind, free from any fear but holy awe.
Praise should never be lifted unless it is whole. When we give anything but, it is not complete, therefore it is not real and authentic. God doesn’t deserve divided and conflicted praise, but whole heart and mind within the avenue of glory we give above.
In verse 13 David continues with, “You've always been great toward me—what love!” I really don’t know what I could put here that would highlight your understanding of it any better. We all have come from a low place; we are all sinners who botched it up. But those of us who know the immeasurable grace and mercy of God can testify that He has been great towards us! Which is indeed an incredible love!
“But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit.” Verse 15 is without a doubt my favorite verse in this psalm. David has just talked about the enemies rising against him and continues the thought with, “BUT.” But God is tender.kind.not easily angered.immense in love.and He never quits. What a contrast he has painted for us!
David turns to bold requests at the end of the psalm. “So look me in the eye and show kindness.” I’m pretty sure that’s a bold request...and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to ask God to look you in the eye. Don’t be afraid to ask for His attention and kindness. By asking this, David is asking for mercy and strength. “Give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child!” When God gives us His strength, we are sufficient in all times.
With one last bold request, David says, “Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, as you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.” God makes a show of His love for us by taking care of us. By saying “make a show,” David is asking God to assure him of His mercy by delivering him out of his current trouble.
We serve a pretty amazing God. And it must be our desire to understand Him that nudges us to move forward as students eager to learn. Students of our mighty God made whole in heart and mind. It must be our pursuit of God and His truth that defines us. And it will be within our pursuit, bearing fruits of praise, that we will see God show us (and others) how much He loves us!
Category:
encouragement,
praise,
prayer,
psalms,
worship
0
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The past few Thursdays, I have been posting a small Bible study on the Traps of Doubt-a few common traps the enemy uses against us women. He so badly wants us to take our eyes off of God and turn them onto other things. These other things will fail us and they will NOT bring us hope or lasting security as only God can. But, if the enemy can trap us, then we are less likely to be used for God’s mighty purposes. If we are walking around insecure, we're not going to be thinking of reaching out and encouraging others; if we are feeling insignificant, we’ll never step out with a submissive heart and do the things that God whispers for us to do. Today we are going to take a look at the third trap that the enemy uses against us. He gets us to:
Turn our eyes toward the future
How many of you are ‘figure-it-outers?” Not really a word, huh? That’s kind of scary since I’m a home school mom!:) But isn’t this so true? I love to have things figured out, to plan accordingly and get all of my ‘ducks in a row’; as the quote goes. Can you relate? We start trying to figure things out; planning for the future and using wisdom, but eventually we often find ourselves over-analyzing, worried, and concerned.
Our job begins to look hopeless, so we begin to think, “How will I ever support my family?” Or, “Will I ever be able to find another job that pays this well?” What about when we have a child seemingly going wayward? We look to the future and begin to think, “Ugh, if she doesn’t make some changes, her future will be a mess! She’ll never change!” We’ve been praying for someone’s salvation for what seems like an eternity and we’re not seeing any evidence of change, so we think, “they’ll never come to know God.” Doubts! Doubts! Doubts!
Webster’s definition of doubt is: 1. To FEAR 2.To lack confidence in 3. DISTRUST; to consider unlikely ; to be uncertain
When difficulties arise, our doubts seem to peak. See, the enemy would love to get us to be fearful, lack confidence, unable to trust God or be uncertain that He is big enough to care for us and our future. When trials or hardships came…it’s not time to doubt, but to grow and watch God keep his promises!! Let’s take a look at some of the promises:
Philippians 4:6-9 says, “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
He promises us that as we pray, instead of worrying, He is able to come fill us with wholeness and reassurance that He is using all things in our lives for good.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.” He has plans to give us a great future! He loves us, he cares for us and the trials we encounter are not meant to hurt us. But, the important thing to remember is found in verses 12-14, “then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you and will bring you back from captivity.” Wow! He is ready to deliver us from any captivity if we seek him with all of our hearts. I encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways that you have been struggling with trying to figure out your future, instead of fully relying on and trusting God. He will be faithful to show you, as well as walk you through it to complete freedom!!
Love ya girls,
Stephanie
Study Questions:
Jeremiah 17:7-8; What is an obvious benefit of having our trust in God?
2 Timothy 2:22-26; What are some common ways you can help others escape the traps of the enemy?
1 Peter 5:6-10; When we humble ourselves, how does God make us stronger, firmer and more steadfast?
Suggested Study Resources:
Breaking Free by Beth Moore
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Turn our eyes toward the future
How many of you are ‘figure-it-outers?” Not really a word, huh? That’s kind of scary since I’m a home school mom!:) But isn’t this so true? I love to have things figured out, to plan accordingly and get all of my ‘ducks in a row’; as the quote goes. Can you relate? We start trying to figure things out; planning for the future and using wisdom, but eventually we often find ourselves over-analyzing, worried, and concerned.
Our job begins to look hopeless, so we begin to think, “How will I ever support my family?” Or, “Will I ever be able to find another job that pays this well?” What about when we have a child seemingly going wayward? We look to the future and begin to think, “Ugh, if she doesn’t make some changes, her future will be a mess! She’ll never change!” We’ve been praying for someone’s salvation for what seems like an eternity and we’re not seeing any evidence of change, so we think, “they’ll never come to know God.” Doubts! Doubts! Doubts!
Webster’s definition of doubt is: 1. To FEAR 2.To lack confidence in 3. DISTRUST; to consider unlikely ; to be uncertain
When difficulties arise, our doubts seem to peak. See, the enemy would love to get us to be fearful, lack confidence, unable to trust God or be uncertain that He is big enough to care for us and our future. When trials or hardships came…it’s not time to doubt, but to grow and watch God keep his promises!! Let’s take a look at some of the promises:
Philippians 4:6-9 says, “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
He promises us that as we pray, instead of worrying, He is able to come fill us with wholeness and reassurance that He is using all things in our lives for good.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.” He has plans to give us a great future! He loves us, he cares for us and the trials we encounter are not meant to hurt us. But, the important thing to remember is found in verses 12-14, “then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you and will bring you back from captivity.” Wow! He is ready to deliver us from any captivity if we seek him with all of our hearts. I encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways that you have been struggling with trying to figure out your future, instead of fully relying on and trusting God. He will be faithful to show you, as well as walk you through it to complete freedom!!
Love ya girls,
Stephanie
Study Questions:
Jeremiah 17:7-8; What is an obvious benefit of having our trust in God?
2 Timothy 2:22-26; What are some common ways you can help others escape the traps of the enemy?
1 Peter 5:6-10; When we humble ourselves, how does God make us stronger, firmer and more steadfast?
Suggested Study Resources:
Breaking Free by Beth Moore
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Category:
encouragement,
online bible study,
trials
0
comments
Luke 11:9-13
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
God lead me to these verses not too long ago and they truly softened my heart. There is nothing like visualizing Him as my true loving Father. I felt He was personally asking me these questions. If your child is hungry and asks for a fish, would you give him a snake instead? Or if your child would like an egg would you give him a scorpion? As corrupted as we are on this earth we still know what is best for our children and strive to provide and nurture them to the best of our abilities. Then why do we doubt our Father in heaven will surely give us more? I ask God this very question many days. Why am I so surprised at your works in my life? Why am I blown away by your answers and love.
He is our El Shaddai! The One who nourishes, supplies and satisfies. His desire is to bless us! Can you begin to grasp that with me! His desire is not only to bless us but provide for us abundantly. Where is your heart? Are you truly seeking His heart and His desires for your life? Are you allowing Him to be the provider and answer to all of your life questions? Or like myself, are you allowing yourself to be distracted, worried, or consumed with when, what and where?
The Holy Spirit is such an awesome gift and answer from God. He is a crucial piece in our journey. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God in us. When we allow the Holy Spirit into our hearts, He can actually control our lives. He will rise up and speak truth when our passions and desires want to do otherwise. We have to tap into and nourish the Holy spirit so He can be all the Lord created Him to be in us. Lets allow the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to rise up and take place in our everyday life. Romans 8:9-11
He wants to be our everything, and He can be. We have the choice to make Him number 1. When we are distracted with people, He is the answer! When we are worried, He is the answer! When we are searching for answers for now or the future, He is the answer! Let us pour our hearts out to our Father and allow Him to silence our minds with His love and knowledge. Let us lean on Him with all of our weight, all of our heart and all of our mind. Let us allow Him into every area of our life so He can do what He desires! We can then revel in His majesty!
With Love,
Maranda Huntley
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LUKE 7:36-50
36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
In this passage we see that Jesus is at a Pharisee’s house having dinner. I want you to picture this scene as it would have been in that culture. The table would have been low to the floor and everyone would have been lying on the floor reclined on one arm with their feet out to side or to the back. In comes a woman to the room and she gets down at Jesus feet and begins to weep, and wipe his feet with her hair, kissed them, and pours on them a bottle of perfume.
What you should know about that bottle of perfume is that it would have been worth more than a years worth of wages for her. And yes, it is likely she earned those wages in less than acceptable ways; possibly prostitution. What do you think would have caused this women to do such a lavish thing? To pour out all she had at the feet of Jesus in such a bold and emotional response? Can I share my theory with you?
The reason that I think we see the woman respond to Jesus in Luke 7 as she did is because before that time she had been alone with Jesus and he had confronted her sin but had offered her forgiveness. It could have looked much like what we see happen in John 8 when the Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery and threatened to stone her. Jesus said that whom ever among them was without sin could throw the first stone. They all began to drop their stones and walk away. I wonder if Jesus had told this woman in Luke 7 that what she was acting like wasn’t who she really was, and she finally believed it. She could have heard it more than once from him but there was finally a time that she really believed what Jesus was saying was true. She really believed that she was forgiven and didn’t have to live in the pit she was in. And I just wonder if after she finally believed it one of her best paying customers might have come along for his weekly meeting and she was able to say NO for the first time. That she realized she was more valuable than that. The freedom she must have felt. Her response to this forgiveness was a bold and courageous uninvited visit to anoint the feet of Jesus and clean them with her tears.
What I want us to learn from this passage is not that Jesus offers forgiveness of sin; although he does; and not that we should have a loving and lavish response to that forgiveness, which we should; but I want us to learn from the Pharisees response. Read it in Luke 7.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,# and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Can I share something with you…Not everyone involved and caught up in sin is having a great time. I know because I too have been involved in a pit of sin that I wanted nothing more than to find a way out of. Instead of a compassionate and grace filled response from people pointing me to Jesus for healing and forgiveness, I instead often encountered a Pharisee response from people ready and willing to point a finger and cast a stone. I am imploring you to not take on a Pharisee mindset when you see someone in sin. Yes offer them instruction and encourage them to not just walk away from the sin but to RUN. Yes hold them accountable and be bold to share with them God’s will for their lives. But please do not pick up the stone and threaten to throw it. You and I have to learn how to hate the sin, but love the sinner. Don’t be so quick to write people off just because you feel like they are a sinner. I have news for you….you too are a sinner. You too need forgiveness and grace from a loving God.
Some of us think "I would never throw the stone!". Question for you: Do you go and gossip about someone caught in sin? Do you tell everyone else and air that persons dirty laundry all in the name of "prayer request"? That is throwing the stone. It's not God's way of dealing with sin. So today I am challenging you to take a good look how you respond to other’s sin. Is it with pride, hostility, and a turned up nose. Or is it full of grace, mercy, godly instruction, and forgiveness? I pray for my sake and yours we choose the latter.
xoxo,
Justeina
36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
In this passage we see that Jesus is at a Pharisee’s house having dinner. I want you to picture this scene as it would have been in that culture. The table would have been low to the floor and everyone would have been lying on the floor reclined on one arm with their feet out to side or to the back. In comes a woman to the room and she gets down at Jesus feet and begins to weep, and wipe his feet with her hair, kissed them, and pours on them a bottle of perfume.
What you should know about that bottle of perfume is that it would have been worth more than a years worth of wages for her. And yes, it is likely she earned those wages in less than acceptable ways; possibly prostitution. What do you think would have caused this women to do such a lavish thing? To pour out all she had at the feet of Jesus in such a bold and emotional response? Can I share my theory with you?
The reason that I think we see the woman respond to Jesus in Luke 7 as she did is because before that time she had been alone with Jesus and he had confronted her sin but had offered her forgiveness. It could have looked much like what we see happen in John 8 when the Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery and threatened to stone her. Jesus said that whom ever among them was without sin could throw the first stone. They all began to drop their stones and walk away. I wonder if Jesus had told this woman in Luke 7 that what she was acting like wasn’t who she really was, and she finally believed it. She could have heard it more than once from him but there was finally a time that she really believed what Jesus was saying was true. She really believed that she was forgiven and didn’t have to live in the pit she was in. And I just wonder if after she finally believed it one of her best paying customers might have come along for his weekly meeting and she was able to say NO for the first time. That she realized she was more valuable than that. The freedom she must have felt. Her response to this forgiveness was a bold and courageous uninvited visit to anoint the feet of Jesus and clean them with her tears.
What I want us to learn from this passage is not that Jesus offers forgiveness of sin; although he does; and not that we should have a loving and lavish response to that forgiveness, which we should; but I want us to learn from the Pharisees response. Read it in Luke 7.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,# and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Can I share something with you…Not everyone involved and caught up in sin is having a great time. I know because I too have been involved in a pit of sin that I wanted nothing more than to find a way out of. Instead of a compassionate and grace filled response from people pointing me to Jesus for healing and forgiveness, I instead often encountered a Pharisee response from people ready and willing to point a finger and cast a stone. I am imploring you to not take on a Pharisee mindset when you see someone in sin. Yes offer them instruction and encourage them to not just walk away from the sin but to RUN. Yes hold them accountable and be bold to share with them God’s will for their lives. But please do not pick up the stone and threaten to throw it. You and I have to learn how to hate the sin, but love the sinner. Don’t be so quick to write people off just because you feel like they are a sinner. I have news for you….you too are a sinner. You too need forgiveness and grace from a loving God.
Some of us think "I would never throw the stone!". Question for you: Do you go and gossip about someone caught in sin? Do you tell everyone else and air that persons dirty laundry all in the name of "prayer request"? That is throwing the stone. It's not God's way of dealing with sin. So today I am challenging you to take a good look how you respond to other’s sin. Is it with pride, hostility, and a turned up nose. Or is it full of grace, mercy, godly instruction, and forgiveness? I pray for my sake and yours we choose the latter.
xoxo,
Justeina
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encouragement
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One of my favorite things about God and His Word is the constant relationship between the two. And how neither will ever change. There is something very trusting and safe in knowing that the One on the other side of the relationship will never give up on you, and that the promises that coincide with that relationship will never be empty.
I love (and I use that word very seriously) that God and His Word are always for me. And not just for me, but for everyone. It’s universal! One of the best experiences in life happens when you are going through a season and God sends you Scripture that is perfect in it’s timing. It’s food in season that you desperately hold onto and feed yourself with.
Right now that food for me is Psalm 34. I can’ t tell you how much this Psalm has fed my soul in the last few weeks. It’s a Psalm of praise, and a Psalm of wisdom instruction. Both key disciplines in the spiritual walk of a believer.
The first verse is my favorite. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This may sound ridiculous, but when I first began incorporating this psalm into my walk a few weeks ago, I put in my phone calendar this verse, and scheduled random reminders for it. So throughout the day and the week, I was getting reminders to praise God.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I need a little help in this. The Bible says that our minds are hostile towards God (Romans 8.7); naturally, it does not desire to contemplate on His goodness, so sometimes I may need a little reminder to do just that.
Oh, how I long to be known as a person who continually praises God. That’s are primary purpose and first calling...to give glory to God. And not only to be known as a person who does so, but to be one that encourages others to do so. Verse 3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!”
Definitions of magnify include: to make greater in size, to enlarge, to extol.
This means that my primary reason for breathing is to enlarge God not only in my life, but to encourage it in the lives of others.
I know I said verse 1 is my favorite, but I happen to have another favorite part (let’s be real, I can’t have a favorite when it comes to the Word of God...it’s all so good!). Five times in this Psalm, the word “all” is used (ESV).
V. 4: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
V. 6: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
V. 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their
troubles.”
V. 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
V. 20: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
If that doesn’t encourage your heart, I don’t know what would? Not only do we serve a God that is unchanging, but we serve a God that delivers us out of ALL our troubles. We can be confident in the promises of God. We can be confident in the promise that He will take care of ALL our problems.
The key to receiving the blessings of God is a consistency of worship in the life of the believer. Verse 9 (MSG) says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.” Perhaps you’re facing an uphill battle? Maybe worship and praise is one of the last things on your mind? I’ve been there many times, but each time I learn how much more important it is to praise. At all times.
The final verse in the psalm says, “God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.” He’s already purchased your freedom and the victory is His already. Which means the victory is yours! Know that You can’t lose when you run to God!
I love (and I use that word very seriously) that God and His Word are always for me. And not just for me, but for everyone. It’s universal! One of the best experiences in life happens when you are going through a season and God sends you Scripture that is perfect in it’s timing. It’s food in season that you desperately hold onto and feed yourself with.
Right now that food for me is Psalm 34. I can’ t tell you how much this Psalm has fed my soul in the last few weeks. It’s a Psalm of praise, and a Psalm of wisdom instruction. Both key disciplines in the spiritual walk of a believer.
The first verse is my favorite. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This may sound ridiculous, but when I first began incorporating this psalm into my walk a few weeks ago, I put in my phone calendar this verse, and scheduled random reminders for it. So throughout the day and the week, I was getting reminders to praise God.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I need a little help in this. The Bible says that our minds are hostile towards God (Romans 8.7); naturally, it does not desire to contemplate on His goodness, so sometimes I may need a little reminder to do just that.
Oh, how I long to be known as a person who continually praises God. That’s are primary purpose and first calling...to give glory to God. And not only to be known as a person who does so, but to be one that encourages others to do so. Verse 3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!”
Definitions of magnify include: to make greater in size, to enlarge, to extol.
This means that my primary reason for breathing is to enlarge God not only in my life, but to encourage it in the lives of others.
I know I said verse 1 is my favorite, but I happen to have another favorite part (let’s be real, I can’t have a favorite when it comes to the Word of God...it’s all so good!). Five times in this Psalm, the word “all” is used (ESV).
V. 4: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
V. 6: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
V. 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their
troubles.”
V. 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
V. 20: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
If that doesn’t encourage your heart, I don’t know what would? Not only do we serve a God that is unchanging, but we serve a God that delivers us out of ALL our troubles. We can be confident in the promises of God. We can be confident in the promise that He will take care of ALL our problems.
The key to receiving the blessings of God is a consistency of worship in the life of the believer. Verse 9 (MSG) says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.” Perhaps you’re facing an uphill battle? Maybe worship and praise is one of the last things on your mind? I’ve been there many times, but each time I learn how much more important it is to praise. At all times.
The final verse in the psalm says, “God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.” He’s already purchased your freedom and the victory is His already. Which means the victory is yours! Know that You can’t lose when you run to God!
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praise,
psalms,
trials,
worship
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Last week we discussed how the enemy often uses doubts and lies to trap us and prevent us from living with complete joy and freedom in God. The 1st trap we discussed was when the enemy gets us to take our eyes off of God by turning them on ourselves. The second trap that the enemy often uses against us women, is he gets us to:
Turn our eyes towards others
The comparison trap! We begin to compare. It can even begin with innocent admiration of another woman. Maybe we begin to look at her situation and how ‘together’ or ‘perfect’ it seems, and then we begin to doubt ourselves and think, “well, maybe I should be doing it that way, or maybe if I had a marriage like hers… then I’d be happy; or if I was her size… then I wouldn’t be so discouraged!” The more we are focused on other’s, we are always going to tend to feel like we don’t measure up. We are looking through a ‘skewed image’, a block window, you might want to say.
Years ago, when my husband and I had our home built, the contractor encouraged us to put a block window in our bathroom, so we could get the natural sunlight that would shine in, but wouldn’t have to hassle with messing with closing the curtains all of the time. See, a block window appears like you can see through it, but really the image is ‘skewed’, or blurry. Many times that is what it’s like when we look at others lives…we think we are truly seeing them and their life, but in reality it is a skewed image. We cannot possibly know their personal life...the set of problems they are dealing with or the fears and doubts they battle. So, we need to take our eyes and focus them on the One who is ultimately going to guide us in everything; whether it’s weight loss we’re trying to achieve, or a better marriage or a more content heart.
Why are comparisons so harmful? In Genesis 31:1-16; “Jacob learned that Laban’s sons were grumbling. ‘He owes everything he owns to our father. All his wealth is at our father’s expense.” Comparisons can make us jealous. Jacob’s wealth made Laban’s sons jealous. It is sometimes difficult to be happy when others are doing better than we are. To compare our success with that of others is a dangerous way to judge the quality of our life. By comparing ourselves to others, we may be giving jealousy a foothold.
In John 21:15-25; “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Comparisons can discourage us. Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our life with the lives of others, either to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: “What is that to you? You must follow me!” We may not ever completely understand why some people seem to be more blessed than we are, whether it’s with health, more money, a more peaceful home, or whatever else; but we must resist the temptation to look at this in others, so we are not caught in constant discouragement and discontentment. Again, we are working towards total joy and freedom in God and we will not have this if we have given the enemy a foothold!
When are comparisons helpful? In 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; “We will not boast of authority we do not have. Our goal is to measure up to god’s plan for us, and this plan includes our working there with you.” Comparisons with God’s standards are the most helpful. Paul criticized the false teachers who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God’s standards. When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel pride because we think we’re better. But when we measure ourselves against God’s standards, it becomes obvious that we have no basis for pride. Don’t worry about other people’s accomplishments. Instead, continually ask: How does my life measure up to what God wants? How does my life compare to Jesus?
In closing, the enemy will do anything to keep our eyes from being on our Creator. Jesus is the one who designed us and knows everything about us. If you are struggling with comparison or even feel trapped by its hold, ask the Holy Spirit for your eyes to be opened to anything that has blinded you, and for complete freedom! He is faithful! I can promise you that!
Study questions:
Are you struggling with being jealous of someone? If so, we can avoid jealousy by rejoicing in others’ successes. Read Romans 12:15 and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome the jealousy.
Are you battling discouragement and disappointment with yourself? Ask God to help you focus back on the positive strengths you possess and take an inventory of the gifting and talents you have. Read Philippians 4:10-23
Next time you find yourself admiring someone, instead of letting the enemy take it to the trap of comparison, ask God what you are to learn from them so He can use it to spur you on. See Hebrews 10:22-25
Turn our eyes towards others
The comparison trap! We begin to compare. It can even begin with innocent admiration of another woman. Maybe we begin to look at her situation and how ‘together’ or ‘perfect’ it seems, and then we begin to doubt ourselves and think, “well, maybe I should be doing it that way, or maybe if I had a marriage like hers… then I’d be happy; or if I was her size… then I wouldn’t be so discouraged!” The more we are focused on other’s, we are always going to tend to feel like we don’t measure up. We are looking through a ‘skewed image’, a block window, you might want to say.
Years ago, when my husband and I had our home built, the contractor encouraged us to put a block window in our bathroom, so we could get the natural sunlight that would shine in, but wouldn’t have to hassle with messing with closing the curtains all of the time. See, a block window appears like you can see through it, but really the image is ‘skewed’, or blurry. Many times that is what it’s like when we look at others lives…we think we are truly seeing them and their life, but in reality it is a skewed image. We cannot possibly know their personal life...the set of problems they are dealing with or the fears and doubts they battle. So, we need to take our eyes and focus them on the One who is ultimately going to guide us in everything; whether it’s weight loss we’re trying to achieve, or a better marriage or a more content heart.
Why are comparisons so harmful? In Genesis 31:1-16; “Jacob learned that Laban’s sons were grumbling. ‘He owes everything he owns to our father. All his wealth is at our father’s expense.” Comparisons can make us jealous. Jacob’s wealth made Laban’s sons jealous. It is sometimes difficult to be happy when others are doing better than we are. To compare our success with that of others is a dangerous way to judge the quality of our life. By comparing ourselves to others, we may be giving jealousy a foothold.
In John 21:15-25; “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Comparisons can discourage us. Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our life with the lives of others, either to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: “What is that to you? You must follow me!” We may not ever completely understand why some people seem to be more blessed than we are, whether it’s with health, more money, a more peaceful home, or whatever else; but we must resist the temptation to look at this in others, so we are not caught in constant discouragement and discontentment. Again, we are working towards total joy and freedom in God and we will not have this if we have given the enemy a foothold!
When are comparisons helpful? In 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; “We will not boast of authority we do not have. Our goal is to measure up to god’s plan for us, and this plan includes our working there with you.” Comparisons with God’s standards are the most helpful. Paul criticized the false teachers who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God’s standards. When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel pride because we think we’re better. But when we measure ourselves against God’s standards, it becomes obvious that we have no basis for pride. Don’t worry about other people’s accomplishments. Instead, continually ask: How does my life measure up to what God wants? How does my life compare to Jesus?
In closing, the enemy will do anything to keep our eyes from being on our Creator. Jesus is the one who designed us and knows everything about us. If you are struggling with comparison or even feel trapped by its hold, ask the Holy Spirit for your eyes to be opened to anything that has blinded you, and for complete freedom! He is faithful! I can promise you that!
Study questions:
Are you struggling with being jealous of someone? If so, we can avoid jealousy by rejoicing in others’ successes. Read Romans 12:15 and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome the jealousy.
Are you battling discouragement and disappointment with yourself? Ask God to help you focus back on the positive strengths you possess and take an inventory of the gifting and talents you have. Read Philippians 4:10-23
Next time you find yourself admiring someone, instead of letting the enemy take it to the trap of comparison, ask God what you are to learn from them so He can use it to spur you on. See Hebrews 10:22-25
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James 1:22 (NIV) -
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Those who listen to the word but do not do what it says are like people who look at their faces in a mirror and, after looking at themselves, go away and immediately forget what they look like. But those who look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue in it - not forgetting what they have heard but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do.”
This scripture speaks a thousand words to my heart. My heart cries out for more on a daily basis as I truly want my ear to become a step closer to His lips…for His whisper to be felt on the side of my face. My goal is to knock down another barrier each day as I reach out to people. Although this is a deep passion and goal of mine, I still feel a little tug of anxiety as I am approaching someone God has put in my path whether it be at the grocery store, a restaurant, face book or even sometimes friends. I have even failed many times by not following that desire in my heart to reach out to someone. When I have gone back to obey His command, the moment is gone, the opportunity has ceased. I believe after walking through a couple of these blows, we will jump on the opportunity to seek what He is pushing us toward with a little less anxiety each time we follow His lead. I long to listen to the Word and DO what it says (1 John 3:18)!
I have been in several moments lately where I’m crying out, “Lord I know what your Word says but I am struggling to obey.” Have you been there with me God friends? Have you been hurt, disappointed, let down, condemned or has someone just said some nasty things to you? I feel the Lord speaking over us and saying, “Guess what, they nor what they say defines you. I define you! Everything I have spoken to you, about you and for you - defines you.” Can you hear His boldness and clarity! “Because of their motives, because of their emotions, because of their pain and agony is exactly why I ask you to respond with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). You are not waiting on them to change, you are not waiting for an apology from them, you are waiting for ME and MY will be done!” That is some kind of hope, wouldn’t you say! We are not waiting on anything other than Him and undoubtedly His will.
God created us in His own image (Genesis 1:27)! Then how much more beautiful could we be? We couldn’t! As I struggled to the mirror one morning, I started hearing my Savior’s voice. I could barely lift my chin as He began to say, “Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful.” I thought to myself what in the world, I have truly lost my mind! Well, it kept occurring over and over until there was no denying this was from above. I sheepishly said, “You are beautiful.” I heard, “No, say it like you mean it.” I lifted my chin a little higher and with a tiny bit more meaning said, “You are beautiful.” I heard, “A little more meaning.“ I lifted it higher and with more passion said, “You are beautiful.“ I heard, “Okay, now you’re getting it, now say it again.” This occurred until I was actually looking myself directly in the eyes and repeating “you are beautiful” and actually feeling and knowing what God meant behind this message. To feel that way and believe that way turned my mourning into dancing! What does He mean by this message, He simply means from all of His heart, “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!” No whys, hows, or when, stop doubting and know and accept He made you beautiful!
He wants the Bible to actually mean something to us. He has a personal message behind each page He brings you to. Diligently ask for His guidance and direction as you study and He will navigate you through and above what you could grasp on your own. You will see the mirror in the Bible. It will shine His face and love all through your life, it is a reflection! It will shine and reflect all through your life and journey, the good times and more importantly, the bad. When He gets a hold of you, you won’t want to forget that reflection as you are walking around this “world.” You will be so anxious to meet with Him again that you will go out of your way to look into “the mirror” and get the glimpse of His image to carry you on in freedom! You are blessed in what you do!
With Much Love, Maranda Huntley
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John 17:15- 19 NIV
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Can I tell you that I am realizing now more than ever that Christians all over are failing at being in the world but not being of it. According to John 17 it really is possible for us to live in this world as followers of Jesus Christ and still not conform to the world’s way of living. The fact is that God has sent us out into the world. We are called to reach out to a dying, broken and hurting world; not to disconnect from it. But at the same time as we are doing life in this world, he is also calling us to be sanctified and set apart and separate from it. To be sanctified and separate from the world just means you and I shouldn’t just comfortably mold and fit into today’s culture. What does the culture’s way of living look like? It’s completely void of God and the truths found in his word. It affects the way they speak, think, and act in every way. Unfortunately too many Christians perfectly fit into that same culture.
There are two reasons I think that us as believers have not just lived IN this world but frankly have become part OF it. The first reason is because so many of the Body of Christ are existing on very little of the actual word of God. They may show up to church and sit in a pew on a Sunday or two but they are not studying the word of God for themselves. To be honest, many Christians are taking in 10 times more of the world’s media than they are God’s word. That’s a dangerous place to live! The scripture told us that God wants to sanctify us by the truth and that his word is truth. We need a steady diet of God’s word if we are going to be able to live in the world and not be of it...to not be conformed to the worlds ways.
Here is the second reason we are becoming more worldly as believers, we may be taking in a steady dose of God’s word but we don’t truly receive it. We don’t actually apply the truth to our lives. It’s all head knowledge. If you and I are going to be set apart for God’s purpose in our lives we need to allow the word to actually do what it was intended to do in our lives. For example a few weeks ago we did a devotion on honoring your man. I have a question for you; did you actually do anything with it? Sure you thought it was a great word and an encouraging word, but did you apply any of it to your marriage. Did you study the scripture for yourself and work at honoring your man? Did you change one single thing about how you approach your marriage? We can’t just read the word to read the word…let’s actually do something with it. The word was meant to work in your life and it certainly will if you will let it.
So I am asking you to do a self evaluation…yes we are in the world…but have you become of it. I am going to ask you to take part in a challenge with me. I know many of you could be asking the question “am I of it? How will I know?” God recently challenged me to fast from TV/movies all week and instead spend time in his word. Will you join me? Every time you would normally turn on the TV or pop in a movie will you instead spend some time studying your bible or reading a good book that will encourage you in the word of God? I promise you that God will show up and reveal to you the areas in your life that need some sanctifying.
Hebrews 10:24-25 AMP
Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
I can't wait to see what God has for your sweet life as you completely surrender yourself to the study of His word over the next week.
xoxo
Justeina
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Can I tell you that I am realizing now more than ever that Christians all over are failing at being in the world but not being of it. According to John 17 it really is possible for us to live in this world as followers of Jesus Christ and still not conform to the world’s way of living. The fact is that God has sent us out into the world. We are called to reach out to a dying, broken and hurting world; not to disconnect from it. But at the same time as we are doing life in this world, he is also calling us to be sanctified and set apart and separate from it. To be sanctified and separate from the world just means you and I shouldn’t just comfortably mold and fit into today’s culture. What does the culture’s way of living look like? It’s completely void of God and the truths found in his word. It affects the way they speak, think, and act in every way. Unfortunately too many Christians perfectly fit into that same culture.
There are two reasons I think that us as believers have not just lived IN this world but frankly have become part OF it. The first reason is because so many of the Body of Christ are existing on very little of the actual word of God. They may show up to church and sit in a pew on a Sunday or two but they are not studying the word of God for themselves. To be honest, many Christians are taking in 10 times more of the world’s media than they are God’s word. That’s a dangerous place to live! The scripture told us that God wants to sanctify us by the truth and that his word is truth. We need a steady diet of God’s word if we are going to be able to live in the world and not be of it...to not be conformed to the worlds ways.
Here is the second reason we are becoming more worldly as believers, we may be taking in a steady dose of God’s word but we don’t truly receive it. We don’t actually apply the truth to our lives. It’s all head knowledge. If you and I are going to be set apart for God’s purpose in our lives we need to allow the word to actually do what it was intended to do in our lives. For example a few weeks ago we did a devotion on honoring your man. I have a question for you; did you actually do anything with it? Sure you thought it was a great word and an encouraging word, but did you apply any of it to your marriage. Did you study the scripture for yourself and work at honoring your man? Did you change one single thing about how you approach your marriage? We can’t just read the word to read the word…let’s actually do something with it. The word was meant to work in your life and it certainly will if you will let it.
So I am asking you to do a self evaluation…yes we are in the world…but have you become of it. I am going to ask you to take part in a challenge with me. I know many of you could be asking the question “am I of it? How will I know?” God recently challenged me to fast from TV/movies all week and instead spend time in his word. Will you join me? Every time you would normally turn on the TV or pop in a movie will you instead spend some time studying your bible or reading a good book that will encourage you in the word of God? I promise you that God will show up and reveal to you the areas in your life that need some sanctifying.
Hebrews 10:24-25 AMP
Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
I can't wait to see what God has for your sweet life as you completely surrender yourself to the study of His word over the next week.
xoxo
Justeina
Category:
challenge,
encouragement
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