Daily Bible Verse

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap dorruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lost heart. Therfore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:7-10 (NKJV)

Devotional #7 (part 3 of 1 Timothy 4:12 study)

Well, here it is, ladies! Part 3 in our 7-part devotional study on 1 Timothy 4:12("Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.")! If you have not had the chance to read the prior two entries, please click here and read them in order. :)

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We have just finished covering the first part of the verse, which says "Be an example to the believers in word." We saw that we must watch what we say and how we say it, to insure that everything that leaves our mouths is to the complete glory of God. Now, we are moving on to another equally important aspect of our example-our conduct. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in conduct." This is so crucial and vitally important to our Christian walk, and to our example!! As I covered in my very first devotional, everything we do throughout our day, should be done to the complete glory of Almighty God. So, throughout your day, as you find yourself performing your daily tasks, ask yourself whether or not you are obeying Colossians 3:23: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,". I know there are some tasks of homemaking that aren't exactly my favorite (for instance, scrubbing bathtubs ;]) but I also know that I will be held accountable for how I perfrom this task-whether I do a sloppy job, or if I do it heartily, and make sure that the tub is completely cleaned and scrubbed before I go on to something else. This is something that I've had to learn (and continue to learn more each day), and it's such a valuable lesson, one which we will need so much when we are homemakers ourselves, and not just homemakers-in-training. So, begin practicing now to go about your daily tasks happily and heartily, for the glory of God. There is no time like the present to learn valuable lessons which you will desperately need when you're a homemaker yourself one day.

Another thing we must take into consideration each day, is whether or not the movies and tv shows we watch, music we listen to, books we're reading or websites we log onto are bringing honor and glory to God, developing virtue and character in us, or if they are bringing down the name of God, are vulgar, impure, etc. If you begin finding that they are the latter instead of the former, completely cut these out of your life! Stop watching the tv shows, throw away the books, get rid of the CDs and movies, and block those websites! After you have done this, go to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness for taking part in such ungodly conduct and actions. Once you have done so, then go to your parents and ask if they would be accountability partners for you in this area, and also ask them to pray for you as well, that you would have the strength to forgo these prior habits. Also, if you find yourself in the company of friends with whom you engage in conduct that is less than godly (for more on this, please click here to read this devotional), then stop this conduct immediately. And if you feel the Lord's leading, completely cut off this friendship. It is better to lose friends than to disobey your Savior,the One Who is the Best Friend anyone could hope for, and the One who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. If you, after examining yourselves and your actions, discover that your conduct has been ungodly and not honoring to God, then simply go to Him and ask His forgiveness, and ask for the strength to do better next time. And remember these blessed verses: 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." and 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." What blessed assurance!

Titus 2:4-5 says this, "that they[the older women] admonish [teach] the young women to love thier husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." I can't even begin to tell you how very important it is that we as ladies conduct ourselves in a discreet and chaste manner. It is SO important! According to the 1828 Webster's Dictionary, to be discreet means to

be "prudent, wise in avoiding errors or evil, and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect, cautious, wary, not rash, cautiously; of nice judgement of what best is to be done or omitted. The literal sense is, seperate, reserved, hense discerning." I've also heard it said that to be discreet is to "practice good and sound judgement in conduct and in speech." This means to not be flirty, obnoxious, loud, immodest in conduct, impure, seeking to draw attention to yourself, etc. Proverbs 11:22 (NKJV)says, "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion." I think this verse clearly shows us just how important it is to God that we ladies develop discretion! Start working on that now and begin practicing discretion in your condcut and speech! Now that we've covered discretion in conduct, let's move on to being chaste in conduct. According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary, to be chaste means being "Pure from all unlawful commerce of sexes. Applied to persons before marriage, it signifies pure from all sexual commerce, undefiled; applied to married persons, true to the marriage bed. Free from obscenity. In language, pure; genuine; uncorrupt; free from barbarous words and phrases, and from quaint, affected, extravagant expressions." This, in a large part, goes along with being discreet. Our actions, demeanor, and words are to be complete pure, unflirty, modest, unobnoxious, meek and quiet, and glorifying to Christ. I believe that if we, as young ladies, do not worry and care about daily examining ourselves to see if our conduct and speech could be called truly chaste, pure and virtuous, and wholeheartedly desire for it to be so, then it is doubtful that we love our future husbands at all. Because, if we did, then we would make it our all to act in such a way that would be pleasing to him, and would not defraud him of any of your purity, be it physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. My saying this may seem a little harsh, but I believe with my whole heart that it is true, and so therefore it is crucial that we practice discreetness and chasteness in our conduct and speech now. For, remember, in 1 Timothy 4:12, we are called by God to be examples to the believers! They have to be able to look up to us as role models, and for them to be able to do so, we must be pure in our conduct and speech for if we're not, we will lead our brothers and sisters to sin, and we will be held accountable for that!

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Please return Monday for part 4 in this series, which will be on us being examples to the believers in love. I pray that this series has been a blessing and encouragement to you so far, and will continue to be so. God bless!

New dress!

My mama and I took a trip to the local thrift store yesterday(and let me tell you, it's huge!), and really had a wonderful time together. While there, among other things, I found this beautiful tan jumper/dress. I just love it-it's so modest, feminine, and very comfortable! It's also in like new condition; thrift stores really are a blessing-you can oftentimes find really nice clothing items for very low prices. For instance, this pretty dress only cost around $3! I just love how it has a fitted bodice, but then flares out and becomes flowy near the bottom!

Show and Tell Friday!

This is my second week to participate in Kelli's Show and Tell Friday! I hope you enjoy my post this week, and I encourage you to join in on the fun as well!! :)

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This ring has inscribed upon it the words True Love Waits. It was given to me on my 13th birthday by my dear parents. It is so precious to me and is a truly treasured gift. My plan is to wear it on my ring finger until my wedding day, and I have done so now for 2 years. I will continue to wear it during my time of engagement as well, along with my engagement ring(if I have one), as a symbol of my committment of purity to my future husband. Only on my wedding day will it be taken off, when it is replaced by my wedding ring. This ring has become very special to me, and I'm so thankful for my dear parents who gave it to me so that I could have a symbol of my commitment to purity.

Daily Bible Verse

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18 (NKJV)

Devotional #6 (part 2 of 1 Timothy 4:12 study)

Hello, dear sisters! I'm so sorry that I had to break off the last devotional like I did-it had already reached devotional length, and I had to go do my schoolwork. :) We are currently on part 2 of a 7 part study on 1 Timothy 4:12, which says, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. If you did not get the chance to read part 1 of this study, please click here and read it before continuing on to this one. Thank you!

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We are currently on the first part of 1 Timothy 4:12, which says(NKJV), "Let no one dispise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word,". I left off with the other devotional by saying that we must not partake in idle conversations. This is so very important, ladies! As we saw in Proverbs 31:26, this woman "opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." She ensures that every single word which escapes her mouth is glorifying to God. During all of her conversations, she is saying things that would minister to others and glorify God. She is not involved with gossip, slander, etc. Neither is she involved in what my pastor, Mr. Steven Morse, calls idle conversations. This means that she does not waste time talking about things which don't mean anything and will not last. Rather, she spends her time speaking about the Word, giving her testimony, encouraging others to stand up for Christ, teaching other ladies what the Bible truly says, strengthening others in their walk with Christ, and telling others what the Lord has been doing in her life and teaching her. This is what it means by "She opens her mouth with wisdom". She takes every spare moment and used it as a witnessing tool, so that she may fulfill the commands found in Matthew 28:19-20a, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;" and 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, will all longsuffering and teaching." (Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying here, and think that I am saying that women should be preachers, because clearly, we find in Scripture that that is unbiblical. I'm simply saying that in conversations, and when teaching other women [Titus 2:4-5], we are to speak with wisdom. :))

The second part of Proverbs 31:26 says that "on her tongue is the law of kindness." This is so important, and we so often speak without the kindness that should be evident in our words. First, I want to begin by saying that I want you to please notice that this comes directly after "She speaks with wisdom,". This means that when she is "convincing, rebuking, and exhorting (2 Timothy 4:2) others, she is doing so with kindness. She is showing them what the Bible truly says, but she is not being rude and judgemental while doing so. She is rather "speaking the truth in love." We must also remember to speak with kindness when we are addressing our siblings and the other members of our family. Even though it should not be so, often the ones we love the most are the ones we hurt the most. As James 3:8 says, the tongue "is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." We so often find ourselves speaking in a manner that is anything but kind. We always must check ourselves to see whether or not the tone of voice we use/our manner of speaking is kind. The tone of voice we use is almost as important as the words we say at times. Speaking in a loud, angry, rude or obnoxious tone of voice is anything but kind, and is therefore something that we must avoid doing. Also, we must ensure that the words we speak to those around us throughout the day are kind and loving, as a Christian's words ought to be. In James 3:8-10(NKJV) we read, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similtude of God. Out of the same mouth mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." Amen! The words that leave our mouths should always be 1. Glorifying to God and 2.Loving and kind to others. This is something we absolutely must put into practice daily!! As Christians, the things we say must be Christlike!

One last thing I want to address before I close, is that we, as ladies, should act as true ladies and therefore speak in a meek, quite, gentle, ladylike and feminine tone of voice. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." We must form a habit of speaking in such a way as this. We are to "be an example to the believers in word," which means that we, as young ladies, must be an example of meek and quiet speaking to the women with whom we come in contact. I'm sure you've heard a lady speak in this manner. It is so beautiful, and you just can't help but love hearing that person speak. My great-grandmother speaks in a very quiet, sweet tone, and I know what a blessing that is to those whom she comes in contact with. I strive to be more and more like her each day, for she has truly been an "example to the believers in word." And may the Lord richly bless her for that!!

Unfortunately, not one unkind thing that we say is able to be taken back. But there is something we can do. If you find that you have spoken an unkind word to someone, or have used an unkind tone of voice, go to that person and ask forgiveness. This is what all Christians are called on to do when they wrong someone, and it causes humility to be developed in us, which the Lord truly loves. After you have asked for that person's forgiveness, go to your Father Who is in Heaven, and ask His forgiveness as well. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." What blessed assurance! Be sure to also ask the Lord for the strength to do better next time, so that you may be an example to the believers in your words!

Many blessings to all you dear ladies!

~Rebekah Ann

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Part 3 of this devotional study on 1 Timothy 4:12 will be continued on Friday, with a devotional on us being an example to the believers in conduct. Please be sure to come back then!! :)

Daily Bible Verse

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

~1 Timothy 6:20-21 (NKJV)

Devotional #5 (part 1 of 1 Timothy 4:12 study)

I'm doing something new again. :) This will be the first in a 6 part devotional study on 1 Timothy 4:12. I hope this series proves to be a rich blessing to you!

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Let no one dispise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

~1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

Today we will focus on the first part of this verse: "Let no one dispise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word," One thing that I find so amazing in this verse, is that it says we are to be an example to the believers. Just reading this verse, we would expect that it would say we need to be an example to unbelievers. However, that is a given. What strikes me as amazing is that despite our age, we are to be an example to those believers who are our age, but also to those who are older than ourselves. We would often think that those older than us would be more mature in Christ, and thus they would be an example to us. While this is often the case, nonetheless, there are obviously instances in which we are the ones who are to be examples for the older men and women in Christ, or else this command would not have been issued.

One thing from this verse that I want us all to grasp, is that we continually and daily must check ourselves to see if the way we are acting and whether or not the things we are saying are shining forth as a good example or not. Even if we are just at home, we have a huge responsibility to be a good example for our siblings, especially our younger ones. They are at a most impressionable age, and often tend to copy those older than themselves. Therefore it is so crucial that we be a good example to them. Throughout the day when we are with them, we are to be a godly, God-fearing role model that they will be able to copy. Matthew 18:6 shows this cruciality: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Not only must we always check ourselves to ensure that we are being godly examples to our siblings, but we must be so careful to ensure that we are being good role models for those believers and unbelievers who are among us, be it at church, at the groery store, at the post office, at the mall, at the gas station, at the movie theatre, or wherever else it may be where we are around others. The world is watching us, and it is therefore vitally important that we are salt and light when among them. But we also must remember that this verse commands us to be examples to the believers! We must put into practice now, being godly role models daily for those believers around us.

That said, I'm now going to move on to the first area in which Paul says we are to be examples-in word. This covers a lot! As we find in Proverbs 31:26, the Proverbs 31 woman "opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." She speaks with wisdom!! She is not involved with idle talk, but when she is in conversation with someone, she is rather speaking wisdom into their lives. Idle conversations profit nothing, and this wise woman understood that! She used every conversation she entered into to be profitable for that person to whom she was speaking. Our Lord and His precepts were continually a part of this lady's conversations. And that, dear friends, is how it should be! Yet despite this truth, most of our conversations revolve around ungodly gossip, slander, etc. Even if we aren't talking in sinful ways such as the ones I just mentioned, we're still often talking about things which have no lasting importance. This should not be, precious sisters in Christ!!

And with that, I'm going to be forced to close for now, and pick up right back where I left off on Wednesday. This, as you can see, will actually be a 7 part series now, as I'm having two devotionals on being an example in word. :) Please come back Wednesday, for the continuation.

Many blessings to you all!

Pictures from Daddy's Birthday

Daddy and his John MacArthur Bible handbook
I love Daddy's smile in this picture. :) Too bad the pic is slightly blurry.....
John MacArthur's new book, entitled "The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception."

I'm sorry there aren't very many pictures....we had just gotten home from a long drive from Savannah. :)

Our trip to Savannah, GA-Day 3 (Monday, September 17, 2007)

I'm sorry that we didn't take any pictures on day 3 of our trip! :( We went to the Savannah mall, played more putt-putt, and just enjoyed being in the city.

I failed to mention a little mishap that occured on our first day in Savannah, Saturday the 15th. It was about 9:30 pm, and we had just returned from the beach and had ordered a pizza. We didn't have drinks however, and so Daddy, me and Andrew went in search of a coke machine. We found one on our floor, but it wasn't working, so we had to go to the one upstairs. Everything was fine until we were walking back down the stairs. I missed the last step, and fell from the stairs onto the concrete. I gently scraped up my leg, but it left a huge ugly bruise. My toes got scraped and one got bloody. Praise be to the Lord that I didn't get hurt worse!! I easily could have broken a toe, but through His grace and mercy, He didn't allow that to happen. :)

Two other things that I really really enjoyed seeing in Savannah were:

1. Fort Polaski, a fort used during the Civil War

and

2. Two cannons that were used by Washington's troups during the Revolutionary War. (as you can probably tell, I like history. :) This wasn't always the case, though! I used to find it very boring, but now I love it, thanks to Vision Forum and their Christ-honoring products.)

Needless to say, as I'm sure this is so evident from the pics, we had a wonderful time!! This trip provided us with memories that will last a lifetime! Daddy's already planning next year's trip to Savannah! :)

I would highly encourage all of you to visit Savannah with your families! You won't regret it!

Our trip to Savannah, GA-Day 2 (Sunday, September 16, 2007) Part 3

After our lunch, Daddy decided that we were going to go down to the river of Savannah and peruse some of the neat shops. The first we entered was the Savannah Candy Company. :) Haleigh, this pic and the following one are for you and your family! I saw the Apple Day pics on your website! These chocolate caramel apples were HUGE! These pictures don't even do them justice. And they were so good! I had never had a caramel apple before, and I must say-I was quite happy with my first one! :)
Andrew seemed to enjoy them as well!
It is so neat to be able to just sit outside the Candy Company and be so close to the river that you see huge ships going by! :)

After our shopping, we went back to go walking in some of the squares.
A statue of John Wesley.
Andrew and I in a beautiful gazebo in the middle of one of the squares.

Our trip to Savannah, GA-Day 2 (Sunday, September 16, 2007) Part 2

After our trolley tour, we were supposed to go on that dolphin adventures boat tour that we had missed the day before due to traffic. However, the trolley tour was only supposed to last an hour and a half. It lasted 2 hours. And we got stuck in traffic again, so for some reason the Lord just didn't want us on that tour during this trip. Oh well....there's always next time!

After we found out that we had missed the dolphin tour again, we decided to go get some lunch. We went to the famous (well, famous to Tybee Islanders. :)) Crab Shack on Tybee Island. It was so neat! We got to eat outside, and there was a nice breeze, plus we could see the water from where we ate. It took a little while for our food to get ready, so we had some fun with the camera to pass the time.:)

Andy
My sweet little brother.
Andrew and me. I just love this picture. :)

Goofy pictures:
I didn't like this one very well, but Mom really did, so that's how it found its way onto the blog. Daddy and Andrew were being really funny, which accounts for the big smile. :)
Mama's in between smiling and talking. hee hee I was lucky enough to capture this moment. :)
Andrew being silly.
My funny father. He was talking to Mama, and she snapped a photo of him.
"What is that I see in the distance?" :)

After lunch(I had the best boiled shrimp ever!!), we went to explore the grounds of the Crab Shack. We found alligators and bunnies oh my! (there wasn't a third thing we saw, so that didn't exactly work like it did on the Wizard of Oz. :))

"I'm ready for my close up!"
I couldn't resist taking this pic! He is so tuckered out that his front legs are pointed towards his back legs, and his back legs are pointed towards his front legs.
Some adorable, furry bunnies.
Andrew and I posing with the cardboard Crab Shack band.
Andrew and I in the van on the way back from the Crab Shack. We were full and happy after our fun lunch at The Crab Shack.:)

Our trip to Savannah, GA-Day 2 (Sunday, September 16, 2007) Part 1

After getting ready, and having the continental breakfast at our hotel, we began our day in Savannah with a trolley tour that went along the river and in the downtown Savannah historical district. It was fun and really pretty!!Andrew and I enjoying the trolley tour.
This was my very favorite thing that we saw during the tour!! This is Christ Church (Episcopalian), where John Wesley preached from 1733-1736, and where George Whitefield took over for 2 years after Mr. Wesley was there. It was so neat to see this beautiful, historic church!
Savannah has 26 squares, which are just square-shaped parks. Some have fountains in the middle of them, others have statutes , but all are surrounded by beautiful trees covered in spanish moss. They were just breaktaking!
Another beautiful square in the beautiful, historic Savannah, GA.

Daily Bible Verse

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up not awaken love until it pleases.

Song of Solomon 2:7 (NKJV)

Our trip to Savannah, GA-Day 1 (Saturday, September 15th, 2007)

I am so very sorry I am so late in posting these!! :( I hope you enjoy them!

It took us about 6 hours do drive to Savannah. We left around 7:15 and got there at about 1:15 or so. We were supposed to have a dolphin boat tour at 4, and couldn't check into our hotel until 3, so we decided to go play some miniature golf to pass the time. :)

Daddy preparing for a hole in one!

Andrew posing for the camera. He is quite the golfer!
Concentrating for the next shot!
Sorry-I got this one on here twice somehow.
Here I am with a look of concentration on my face!
" Where'd my ball go???" Poor Andrew didn't know that this was the 18th hole, and that the ball goes down a tunnel. I thought this was the cutest picture! :)

Well, we missed our boat tour. :( We didn't know how long it would take to get from our hotel to the dolphin tours, and plus we were stuck with traffic and lots of red lights. So we headed on to the beach!!! :) Beautiful Tybee Island, Georgia!
Me on some really cool rocks. When high tide comes in, there are tons of sea creatures left behind. The seagulls find quite a feast! There were hundreds of shell on and around these rocks! These are my friend Kelsey Hughey's favorite part about Tybee Island.
Me and my sweet brother.
We didn't coordinate our outfits on purpose; they just ended up matching! Isn't that neat? :)
I bet you can't guess who did this. ;)

~Clothesline Alley~: Making Money From Home

Please read this article: ~Clothesline Alley~: Making Money From Home. It is one of the very best I have ever read on this subject!! Enjoy, and let me know what you think after you read it!!

Show and Tell Friday!

Kelli has a great idea! It's called Show and Tell Friday, and I've decided to join in on the fun. :) I hope you will, too!
This beautiful skirt and matching headband was made for me by my dear mother. I have so often taken for granted the beautiful clothes she lovingly makes for me. Each article of clothing will be treasured forever. She is now teaching me how to sew(I've started learning kinda late) and this time spent together is so dear to me and creates memories I will have with me my whole life!



http://www.modest-swimwear.net/ offers beautiful modest swimsuits for $80. This is kinda pricey, and since they offer patterns as well, my dear, thrifty mother decided to undergo the task of attempting to make a swimsuit for me and one for herself as well. She did a wonderful job, and thanks to her, I was able to go to the beach this past weekend, and was able to honor God while I was there.
What a blessing my dear mother is!

Pictures from Mama's B-day!

I'm very sorry I'm so delayed in posting these!! I hope you enjoy them! Unfortunately, this is the only picture that came out with mama and her gifts-all the others were very blurry. Sorry! :(

Mama's strawberry cake with vanilla icing, made by yours truely. However, I sorta cheated-it was a cake mix!


Mama and her beautiful birthday card from Daddy
me and my dear father
me and Mama
Me, Mama and Andrew
Somehow I got this one on here twice! sorry! :)

Devotional #4

I'm doing something a little different today. Instead of using a verse, I'm going to have the lyrics to one of my favorite songs be the basis for today's devotional.

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How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom(REPEAT)

Wow! Doesn't that song just leave you speechles?

All too often we go throughout our busy days, not even really giving a thought to what Christ did for us on the cross. This should not be, dear sisters! If it weren't for Him and what He chose to do for us, we would still be lost and headed for Hell. Which is what we all deserve. But through His grace and mercy, He chose to send His only Son into the world to die so that we might have life. But we rarely give this a thought! And, if we do, we don't truly dwell on just how much suffering, pain and despair He went through for us! We should daily meditate on this fact, and be sobered and oh so thankful that He did what He did!! Go to the Lord daily and thank Him for giving you the gift of eternal life. Without which, we would be without hope.

As Christians whom the Lord went through agony to save, it is our duty to live our lives to the complete glory of Him. Romans 12:1(NKJV) says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) we read, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." We were bought a a price! And a very high price at that! Therefore we have no right whatsoever so seek our own comfort, pleasure, etc. but rather we are to step out of our comfort zone daily for the Lord and His glory. That includes stepping out of your comfort zone in order to witness to someone, but you also must step out of your comfort zone often if you are to truly stand up for what you believe regarding biblical womanhood, patriarchy, and femininity! We live in a savagely humanistic and feministic culture, and so it takes guts and boldness and the stepping out of ones comfort zone in order to stand up for what the Bible so clearly teaches on these subjects. One of my favorite verses, Joshua 1:9 says this, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." What blessed assurance!

So, throughout your busy day, meditate on the words of this beautiful song, and looks for ways in which you can praise and glorify the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, who died so that you might spend eternity with Him.

God bless you all!

*to listen to this beautiful song, please click here.

This woman had it right!!

Kate on Following Husbands:

Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper,

Thy head, thy sovereign, one that cares for thee,

And for thy maintenance; commits his body

To painful labor, both by sea and land;

To watch the night in storms, the day in cold,

Whilst thou li'st warm at home, secure and safe;

And craves no other tribute at thy hands

But love, fair looks, and true obedience-

Too little payment for so great a debt.

Such duty as the subject owes a prince,

Even such a women oweth her husband;

And when she is froward, peevish, sullen sour,

And no obedience to his honest will,

What is she but a foul contending rebel,

And graceless traitor to her loving lord?

I asham'd that women are so simple

'To offer war where they should kneel for peace,

Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway,

When they are bound to serve, love and obey.

Why are our bodies soft, and weak, and smooth,

Unapt to toil and trouble in the world,

But that our soft conditions, and our hearts,

Should well agree with our external parts?

~Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew

Beautiful, Feminine artwork that I thought all of you would enjoy. :)

Quite honestly, there are times when I really wish all of us females still dressed like this!