"Christmastime Is Here"

Well, it is that time of year!  The time when we celebrate Christ's birth.  If He was never born, then He never could have died for the sins of the world.  Christmas is a very significant time of year, for it represents the beginning of forever in eternity with Jesus.

What are some of the ways you celebrate Jesus around the Christmas holiday?  One example for me is that we used to hide baby Jesus from the nativity set until Christmas day.  The thought was Jesus didn't come until Christmas day, and we had a chance to search for Him all around the house during the days leading up to Christmas...  Do you have traditions that represent something special?  If so, please share them below.

These past couple Christmas's I have read the "Christmas" story in the Bible.  Both accounts (Matthew and Luke).  It is amazing what took place all those years ago.  I can't even begin to fathom what the people of that time went through because they chose to be involved in Jesus and His life.  Can you imagine being Mary?  Being a woman who would love to get married sometime in the near future, I have pondered Mary's situation many times.  I can't imagine having your husband picked for you and marrying him when you are still a "child".  Do you think she truly loved Joseph?  Imagine all the ridicule and criticism she received because she was pregnant. I have felt criticized before when choosing to go a way that wasn't popular to the world, but I knew it is what God wanted me to do.  And sometimes I didn't even feel like doing it, but I knew for certain it was what God wanted me to do.  There is an indescribable peace when you are following God's will and His plan for your life.  I believe Mary had the certain peace as well.  Another thing that is unfathomable for me, transportation...  Can you imagine traveling miles and miles on untamed terrain walking?  Possibly riding a donkey or other animal, but I doubt it.  The animals were probably primarily used to carry necessities like food... I can't imagine that, camping out every night along the way...  Do you think Mary and Joseph saw the star before the Magi came?  Was Mary happily willing to travel to Egypt? Or did she put up a fuss, or pout along the way?  Maybe she didn't outwardly show her disgust, but strongly felt it inside her with every step in the opposite direction of their previous home.  Did her family completely write her off?  Did they not want anything else to do with her once she became pregnant?  Did they eventually become followers of Jesus after they heard His message?  

I will never know what is was like to live in that time period, but I am so very thankful that it happened all those Christmas's ago.  How about you?  Have you put much thought into it?  I encourage you this Chrsitmas season to read the amazing story of Jesus's birth. Ponder it... Soak it all in...  What questions would you like to ask Mary and/or Joseph?  What have you always believed about the Christmas story that you realized wasn't necessarily true compared to the true biblical account?  Did anything surprise you? I would love to hear your thoughts and see what you discovered this CHRISTmas!

Blessings!

~ S*

Nativity (Part 2)

Did you watch it yet??? Well, before you read on here is one last chance... Last week I encouraged you to watch "The Nativity Story" and read Matthew and Luke's versions of the story to compare them... I also suggested you make a list of the things the movie got wrong... How many did you get? Did you get some I didn't catch? Below is my list:

1. Luke 1:19: The angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah at the right of the altar... In the movie Zachariah only heard a voice...

2. Luke 1:13 Zachariah's prayers were answered by Elizabeth bearing him a son. In the movie he acted like he had never heard tell of the idea...

3. Luke 1:20 Zachariah was told he would be able to speak the day it happened. In the movie this was not mentioned.

4. Luke 1:24 Fact: Elizabeth remained in seclusion for five months after becoming pregnant.

5. Luke 1:36 Fact: (goes with #7) Elizabeth was in her sixth month when Mary first saw Gabriel. Fact: It does not mention weather or not Mary already knew that Elizabeth was pregnant before the angel came to her...

6. Luke 1:40 Mary entered Zachariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. In the movie she was outside...

7. Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. It does not say that Mary was or wasn't there; however, following the times that were written, it would seem that she was there when Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist...

8. Luke 1:62-64 When learning what John the Baptist's name was going to be the people asked/made signs to Zachariah to ask what the baby's name was to be. Zachariah wrote John and then he could speak.

9. Matthew 1:20-21 An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Fact: It does not specify who the angel was or what the dream was about. I think that whenever Gabriel was revealed to anyone he would have been mentioned by name...

10. Luke 2:6 "While they were there" the baby came. Fact: It doesn't say she was in labor and they got there in the nick of time... They could have been there for a week...

11. Luke 2:13 A "Company" or "Multitude" of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel praising God. In the movie you just see one angel. Fact: Once again it does not specify that the angel was Gabriel...

12. Luke 2:16 When the shepherds came the baby was "lying in the manger" just like the angel said. In the movie Mary is holding Jesus...

13. Matthew 2:1 The Bible does not specify the number of Magi. It has been assumed that there were three because of the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh... But I personally do not agree with that number...

14. Matthew 2:2, 7, 9-10 It was A star, not three joining together. It has been proven by planetarium that it wasn't some fluke phenomenon like the movie depicts...

15. Matthew 2:1-4 After the Magi arrived and announced they saw the star then Herod, the chief priests, and teachers of the law asked them where the Christ was to be born. (It says nothing of previous killings or inspections.) It appears (biblically Verse 3) that Herod had not considered the idea at all until the Magi came... The movie makes it appear as though Herod has been searching and doing everything in his power to prevent the predicted King from taking over his throne...

16. Matthew 2:7 Herod called in the Magi secretly to find out when they first saw the star. In the movie they talked around a very full table with little children present.

17. Matthew 2:11 The Magi came to a house and saw the child with his mother. It is almost certain that the Magi were not there when Jesus was born, but instead arrived when he was between 24 and 15 months old. Thus the Magi would not have been present when the shepherds were there, nor would they have seen Jesus lying in a manger...

18. Matthew 2: 16 (Continuing from 17...) The above statement also explains why Herod had children killed that were two and younger... The age has to do with how long the star had been visible to the Magi...

19. Matthew 2:12 The Magi were "warned in a dream" not to go back to Herod. In the movie they just play it as they thought Herod was creepy, and they were wise enough not to go back to him...

20. Matthew 2:13-14 Not long after the Magi left an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream (once again does not say if the angel was Gabriel) and told him to take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. So he got up in the night and left. In the movie they are still in the cave/stable, and they leave while the soldiers are knocking on other houses looking to kill the children. They would have been in a house, if Jesus was almost two years old, and most likely they would not have "just escaped" right before the soldiers opened the house door... They could have fled days before the episode or the night before...

So there you have it... My take on the incorrectness of "The Nativity Story". Do you agree? Did you find other things that didn't match up with what the Bible says? I also don't think the angel visits to Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds would have been in any way creepy or mysterious... Let me know what you think!

Blessings!
~ S*

Nativity (Part 1)

 Have you ever watched the "The Nativity Story" movie? Have you ever compared it to what the Bible tells us really happened?

I challenge you to watch the movie and make a list of all the things they got wrong in the movie… I will post a follow up entry with my list, but I want to see how many you can find on your own first... You can borrow the movie from the library, or watch it online: Click Here.

This past Christmas I read the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke. As I was reading I began to wonder what it would have really been like... What did Mary really think of Joseph? How old was she really? Did she just get up in the middle of the night and listen to her husband when he said they needed to flee to Egypt, or was she second guessing him, asking him why, hating every step in the opposite direction of their previous home? How much say did the woman really have? How did Joseph treat her? Was he the one to deliver the baby? Did she do it on her own? Did she really walk all the way to Bethlehem? 

As you can tell, I am somewhat of a romantic, so that is kinda how my questions are leaning. I know there are supposed answers, but the Bible doesn't say she road on a donkey... The Bible doesn't say she was in labor when they got there almost ready to give birth... The Bible doesn't say there were only three kings/wise-men or that Mary was or wasn't there when Elizabeth gave birth... A lot of the things we have been taught or have seen while growing up are just assumptions... What do we really know about the birth of Jesus?

Read Matthew 1:16-2:23 and Luke 1:1-45, 56-66, 80-2:21 to find out.

Let me know what differences you've found. I'm eager to hear them.

Blessings! 

~ S*

Cold Turkey

"'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is constructive." -- 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)

Have you ever had to quit doing something because God told you to?  Did you quit "cold turkey", or did you ease yourself out of it? Did you fight with God and say, "I don't want to give that up, or I don't want to stop doing such and such... Why God why???"  

A couple days ago my family decided to stop watching all of the crime shows on TV that we have been watching for multiple seasons...  This list, for me, was 8-10 shows long... 

What would be the hardest thing for you to give up right now? Facebook, sweets, You Tube, dating, smoking, drinking, watching sports, video games, __(you fill in the blank)__...  That's what it's like to give up these shows I have been watching.  I have had time to fall in love with the characters, I want to know how their stories are going to end, what am I going to do now that I don't have all this TV to watch, I've always used the evening's TV time as a way to relax and just forget about what is going on around me...  But God showed me last night in a dream that I was to stop...  Yesterday, when my family approached me with the idea, I was trying to decide how I was going to go about watching the shows I like with out them; now I am probably more on board than they are.

The verse at the top of the post has been one I have quoted to myself quite a few times the last few months... Aside from TV, I have also given up a few other things that I had been doing for many years... Every time I am tempted to do them this verse pops into my head, 1 Corinthians 10:23: "You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is beneficial." (NLT)  "“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up."(ESV)  "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." (NAS)

It can be hard to keep popular things from becoming idols or front runners in our lives.  Being willing to lay some of your favorite things down, when God asks you to, is a great way to tell if you are making an idol out of them or not.

Click Here to visit my post on Idols.

What can we do to make better use of our time?  Have you given up something and found a ton of extra time that you didn't use to have?  What did you do with that extra time?  Let's try to use our extra time the way God wants us to. 

Blessings!

~ S*
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Self-Control

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is... Self-Control." Galatians 5:22-23

Do you have good self-control?  In what areas of your life do you practice good self-control, and in what areas do you need more?  Do you spend money uncontrollably, blow up when a little thing upsets you, check out every guy/girl that walks by... Do you over indulge yourself at meal times, keep a nice fit body, keep a budget, or have a major fascination with eBay?  How do you measure out?  Do you have a lot of self control, or do you really need to work on this area?

This week's scriptures:

Proverbs 25:28, "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (NLT)

1 Timothy 3:2,"So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach." (NLT)

Titus 1:8, "Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) Both of these verses are referring to elders.

1 Peter 1:13, "So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world." (NLT)

Other Scriptures to check out:

1 Corinthians 7:5

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

2 Timothy 3:3

Titus 2:2-12

1 Peter 4:7

2 Peter 1:5-6

What are some of your favorite scriptures on self-control?  Which Old Testament character showed the most self-control? Which New Testament character (not including Jesus)?  I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,

~ S*

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving!

A lot of people this year are counting down the days to Thanksgiving by posting a new status on Facebook each day stating a new thing they are thankful for.  This is a nice way to stay in the thankful mood when it comes to the November holiday.

I just spent the last twenty minutes writing a "letter" to God, in which I thanked Him for a few of the blessings in my life.

What are some of the ways you show your thankfulness this time of year? Do you only show God your thankfulness on Thanksgiving or in the month of November?

A recent status I saw on Facebook was as follows: "What if you only had today what you thanked God for yesterday?" Pretty powerful quote.  What would you have?  I know I wouldn't have very much. We all need to get in the habit of being thankful.  And I don't only mean to God, but to others as well.

Let's be thankful to the men and women who serve our country, to the person who stops to let us out in the middle of a traffic jam, to the maintenance worker who finally comes by to empty your trash can at work, or to your family for everything they do for you each day... And the list goes on...

Verses on Thanks:

Psalms 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." (NLT)

Psalms 107:1 & 136:1, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NLT)

Philippians 4:6, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (NLT)

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)

Extra verses to look up:

Psalms 7:17

Psalms 28:7

Psalms 30:12

Psalms 75:1

Psalms 95:2

Psalms 118:28

1 Corinthians 11:24

2 Corinthians 2:14

2 Corinthians 9:15

Hebrews 12:28

Revelations 4:9

What are some of your favorite verses on Thanks?  Let's all try to thank God more often for the wonderful blessings He has bestowed on our lives!

Blessings!

~ S*

Gentleness (Part 2)

But the Fruit of the Spirit is... GENTLENESS..." Galatians 5:22-23

 

Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

How many of you have experienced this verse first hand in one or both instances?  Unfortunately, if I answer harshly, I tend to be around family/those who know me best. However, if I am at work or with people who don’t know me very well, I usually have a gentler answer.  Pretty sad isn’t it?  This proves that if I want to, I can control what comes out of my mouth (even if it isn’t what I might be thinking). At work I know that it is my job to be kind, gentle, and overly considerate to the customers (and fellow associates) that I encounter.  If I don’t, I could be fired, or I may be on the receiving end of a long lecture about customer service.  Meanwhile, at home, your family can’t fire you… They (usually) love you no matter what.  This should make us want to be gentlest to them, but instead we usually take advantage of the fact that they are family and will love us anyway…  I want to try to have a soft/gentle answer when it comes to everyone.  I am striving to be someone who serves God whole-heartedly and not just when others are watching.  I want to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer…(James 1:22)

What are some instances where you have gently answered someone and it has turned out for the better?  Who do you need to be gentler to?

As always I look forward to you input!

Blessings!

~ S*

Gentleness (Part 1)

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is... GENTLENESS..." Galatians 5:22-23

Definitions:

gen·tle  (jntl)adj. gen·tler, gen·tlest

1. Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender.

2. Not harsh or severe; mild and soft: a gentle scolding; a gentle tapping at the window.

3. Easily managed or handled; docile: a gentle horse.

4. Not steep or sudden; gradual: a gentle incline.

gentleness [ˈdʒɛnt^əlnɪs]n

1. the quality of being gentle

Scriptures for this week:

Proverbs 25:15, "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone." (NIV)

Ephesians 4:2, "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love." (NLT)

Philippians 4:5, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (NIV)

Colossians 3:12, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (NLT)

1 Timothy 3:3, "He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money." (NLT)  This scripture is talking about what is required in a  man if he is to become an Elder or Deacon in the church.

1 Timothy 6:11, " But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." (NIV)

1 Peter 3:4, "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." (NLT)  This scripture is telling wives how to treat their husbands.

1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (NIV)

More scriptures to check out:

Jeremiah 11:19

Zechariah 9:9 goes with Matthew 21:5

Matthew 11:29

1 Corinthians 4:21

1 Thessalonians 2:6-7

What are some of your favorite scriptures on Gentleness?  I would love to hear your testimonies relating to gentleness below!

Blessings! 

~ S*

Haunted by Fear?

Have you ever been to a haunted house, spooky night at a theme park, or a horror film? Why did you go? Do you enjoy being terrorized? Did you get pressured into going because all your friends went? Did you regret it? Or did you stand against the peer pressures and stay home, or go to see "The Wilds" with your little siblings instead?

Why do people want to do things or go places that will make them afraid? Fear is not of God. The Bible says, "God hasn't given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, power, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) Why would you want to expose yourself (or others) to things that will make them afraid?

Fear is not of God, so let's avoid things that will make us afraid...

Please check out these verses on fear:

Psalms 56:11

Psalms 91

Proverbs 3:24

Isaiah 12:2

Philippians 4:4-8

James 4:7

These verses have helped me through a lot when it has come to battling fear.  We do not have to live in fear.  God has sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us so that we may be His children forever.  Children of God have no need to fear: "What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies!" (Psalm 118:6-7)

What verses do you use when battling fear?  What other tactics have you come up with to defeat the devil?

I have found that praising God is a great way to get the devil to leave you alone.  Every time you think of that thing that scares you, or every time you think about that sickness or disease in your body, give thanks and praise to God for what He has done for you.  He is our Healer; He hasn't given us a spirit of fear!  We don't have to live with these things, for God has sent the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ!  Let's choose not to live in fear anymore!!

Blessings!

~ S*

Halloween... To participate, or not to participate... That is the question...

Since next Monday is Halloween, I thought I'd take a couple weeks to share my thoughts on this holiday before moving on to Gentleness...

A lot of people want to know what the Bible says about Halloween... Should they participate in the dress up day at work?  Should they let their kids go door to door to get candy?  What about those "Halloween Alternative" parties that churches put on to keep kids "safe"?

While I was growing up I wasn't allowed to trick or treat.  I had some Christian friends who did an annual "Halloween Alternative" party at their church, but I wasn't allowed to go to that either...  Is dressing up in costumes bad?  Some of my friends would say, well, we only dress up as Bible characters... As if to justify it...  I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but I never participated in anything on Halloween... So in the end, I guess I didn't really care.

Now that I am older I have adopted my own, personal, point of view on the holiday, based on what I have read and learned from the Bible and other sources.

I personally am against any form of participation in Halloween.  This includes those church alternative parties.  Let me be clear on something... Dressing up in costumes isn't bad... Playing games for candy isn't in itself bad...  Carving a face in a pumpkin isn't bad...  A lot of the activities or things that people do on Halloween or "Beggar's Night" aren't in themselves bad, but what they represent on this night in particular, to me, makes it bad...  "Why does doing it on that night make it any worse than doing it any other time?" you may ask...  

It's what they represent...

After researching the history of Halloween and some of the things that are done on or around this holiday here is what I have come up with:

Bonfires were used to drive Satan away...

Bobbing for apples had to do with superstitions regarding who a girl would marry...

Costumes were originally worn by people to make themselves appear dead so, in turn, evil spirits wouldn't bother them...

Black cats are historically associated with witchcraft and evil; at one point in time, they were considered to be reincarnated witches...

The Jack O' Lantern originated with an old story of Jack tricking the devil into a tree. He traded the devil's freedom for his never going to hell.  So when Jack died he just roamed around the dark places of the earth with a carved turnip lit by an ember from hell.  People used these vegetable lanterns (now usually pumpkins) to ward off evil spirits (especially Jack's)...

Other words and phrases associated with Halloween: voodoo, mischief making, ghoulish visitors, bribe with candy, ghost stories, satanic rituals...

Here are some of the most common costumes that people dress up as this time of year and their meaning*:

Witch: a woman thought to have magic powers (wears back and rides a broomstick); a woman practicing black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil; sorceress

Warlock: a man practicing black arts (male version of a witch)

Ghost: an apparition of a dead person that is believed to appear or become manifest to the living; spirit of a dead person; demon or spirit; a returning haunting memory or image

Devil: the chief evil spirit, Satan; a subordinate evil spirit; a demon; a wicked or malevolent person; an outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad

Zombie: originally a snake-deity of west Africa or Haiti; a soulless corpse said to be revived by witchcraft; a snake god of voodoo cults; a supernatural power or spell that in voodoo belief can enter into and reanimate a corpse

What the Bible has to say:

1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (KJV)

Ephesians 5:8-11, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." (NIV)

(For more on Witchcraft please visit my previous entry by clicking here!)

Everything about Halloween is negative to me...  Everything I have listed above has something to do with witchcraft, evil spirits, or the dead.  Why would we want to condone or associate with anything like that? 

And as for those "Halloween Alternative" parties that churches throw...  I think their intentions are good, but to me those parties represent the church accepting the holiday or condoning it.  Just look at some of the things I listed above... Do you want to participate in what all of those Halloween oriented things represent?  I know I don't.

What are some things we can do to be the best example we can be this Halloween season?  If I choose not to wear a costume to work, that may bring a lot of attention to myself...  But what better way to be an example and shine God's light to others!?!   I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings!

~ S*

*some definitions taken from google.com and thefreedictionary.com

Faithfulness (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... Faithfulness..." Galatians 5:22

Last week I asked everyone to read Hosea chapters 1-3.  I also asked you to decide how this story pertains to Faithfulness. Oh, did you forget to read them??? :)  Here is your chance to catch up. 

Hosea is the first minor prophet in the Old Testament.  The first three chapters are very short, but they are also very descriptive...  They not only describe Hosea's relationship with his wife Gomer, but it also shows/represents God's relationship with Israel at that time.

Can you imagine being faithful to your spouse when he or she isn't doing the same in return for you?  Can you imagine paying a high price to bring your unfaithful spouse back to you?  Ummm... I don't think so... I think the more accurate response would be, "See ya!" or "Good riddance..."  God would definitely need to have a huge hand in the redemption of your spouse, if there was any...

God had been faithful to Israel, even-though they had not been faithful to Him.  He still loved and cared for them even-though they loved Baal more than they loved the One, True God.  

Hosea was instructed to marry a prostitute so that they could represent what was going on with Israel.  Can you imagine that?  I cannot even begin to fathom what that must have been like.  Not only did Hosea marry Gomer (the prostitute), but he bought her back after she left him for another man later on...  

That is how great our God is.  He will buy us back even when we do unthinkable things.  He loves us anyways.  He is going to be Faithful to us even if we haven't been faithful to Him.

What are some ways in which we can be more faithful to God?  In what areas have we not been faithful to Him?  Let's reflect on this this week, and show our faithfulness to God and others throughout our every day life.

Blessings!

~ S*

Faithfullness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... FAITHFULNESS..." Galatians 5:22

Scriptures for this week:

1 Samuel 26:23, "The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD's anointed." (NIV)

Psalms 36:5-6, " Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep." (NIV)

Psalm 40:10, "I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness." (NLT)

Isaiah 11:5, "Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist." (NIV) (This is a prophesy about Jesus.)

Lamentations 3:2, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." (NLT) (Even in the book of laments the writer praises God for his faithfulness and mercy!)

More Scriptures:

Psalm 88:11

Psalm 89:2, 5, 8

Psalm 92:2

Psalm 119:75, 90

Psalm 143:1

Romans 3:3-4

For next week, please read Hosea chapters 1-3.  Let me know what you learn, and how you think this story pertains to Faithfulness!  I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings!

~ S*

Goodness (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... GOODNESS..." Galatians 5:22

Definitions:

good  (gd)adj. bet·ter (btr), best (bst)

1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience

2.a. Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint

   b. Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?

3.a. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.

   b. In excellent condition; sound

4.a. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.

   b. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.

5.a. Of high quality: good books.

   b. Discriminating: good taste.

6. Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.

7. Attractive; handsome: good looks.

8. Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.

9. Competent; skilled: a good machinist.

10. Complete; thorough

goodness [ˈgʊdnɪs] n

1. the state or quality of being good

2. generosity; kindness

3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

Scripture of the Week: The Parable of the Good Samaritan:

Luke 10:25-37, "One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

26Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

27The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

29The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant (a Levi) walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

36“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”" (NLT)

This scripture seems to be coming up a lot in my recent studies, so I thought it would be an excellent choice of s a scripture for us this week.  


In Bible times the Samaritans were "despised" by the other Jews.  So why would he (the Good Samaritan) show forth Goodness toward a man, who would probably pass him by had the roles been reversed?  This story is a great example to us in many ways.  We could think of Jesus as the Good Samaritan.  He felt compassion for us, and gave everything He had to help bring us into a lasting relationship with Him.  His Goodness out shown all of the evil that was thrown at him (so much evil that He was eventually crucified.)  God in His Goodness sent Jesus to redeem us/save us from all the evil that has weighed us down here on earth.  We live in a world of sin. We deserve to be beaten up and left for dead (like the man in the parable).  Ultimately we deserve hell.  But God sent someone to save us.  Someone who washed our wounds with his own blood and healed us(like the olive oil and wine in the parable).  Not only that, but He paid the price for us and died on the cross to redeem us from an eternity in hell("he handed the innkeeper tow silver coins, telling him, 'Take care of this man...'").  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV) Jesus was more than a neighbor to us... He was the ultimate redeemer; our Savior.  The least we can do is show Goodness and love to those around us.  After all, He loved his enemies as much as he loved those who followed Him. And while hanging on the cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24 NIV)

What does this parable mean to you?  What do you think the in-depth meaning of this parable was and is?  Do you think Jesus meant a little more by this parable than meets the eye?  I look forward to hearing your thoughts in comments below or by e-mailing me at girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com!

Blessings!

~ S*

Goodness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... GOODNESS..." Galatians 5:22

Below are some verses on patience for you to look up and study this week.  Next week I will give a  little commentary of my own on the subject of Goodness.  Please feel free to share some of your commentary on these verses or add some scriptures that you think pertain to this topic during this week and next by commenting below or e-mailing me at girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com.

Scriptures for this week:

Exodus 33:19, "The LORD replied, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.'" (NLT)

Psalm 23:6, "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever." (NLT)

Romans 11:12, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off."
(NKJV)

2 Peter 1:5-9, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (NIV)

Luke 10:30-35, "Jesus replied with a story: 'A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant (a Levi) walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

" (NLT)

Extra Scriptures:

Psalm 27:13

Psalm 86:17

Nehemiah 9:35

Romans 15:14

Ephesians 5:8-9

Blessings! 

~ S*

Kindness (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... KINDNESS..." Galatians 5:22

 This week's Verses:

Acts 28:2, "The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold." (NIV)

This was right after Paul was shipwrecked; the locals surprisingly showed them kindness when they washed ashore.

Ephesians 2:4-7, "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." (NLT)

God is merciful and Kind!  It is because of His kindness that we will be with Him one day in heaven!  Isn't that so Awesome!?!

Colossians 3:12, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (NLT)

God has called us to be Kind.  I want to strive to follow God's Word and do what He says.

Titus 3:4-7, “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” (NLT)

Through His kindness He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so that we could live forever to be with Him.  I don't know that there is a kinder or more selfless thing to do!

Extra Verses:

Romans 11:22

2 Corinthians 6:3-10
2Peter 1:5-9

2Samuel 2:6

2 Samuel 9:1

2 Samuel 10:2 and 1 Chronicles 19:2 (same story)

Ruth 2:20

Ruth 3:10

Kindness, like all of the fruits of the Spirit, is an important on.  When we show kindness to people, they have a hard time doing/being anything but the same back to you.  Let's all try to be kind and see how God chooses to bless us because of it!

Blessings,

~ S*

Kindness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... KINDNESS..." Galatians 5:22 

Definitions:

Kindness:

1. the practice or quality of being kind

2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act

Kind:

1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.

2. Showing sympathy or understanding; charitable: (a kind word.)

3. Humane; considerate: (kind to animals.)

4. Forbearing; tolerant: (Our neighbor was very kind about the window we broke.)

5. Generous; liberal: (kind words of praise.)

How many of you watched some of the TV specials about 9-11? I personally watched a two hour special of "Dateline" about this historic date in America's history. 

Ten years ago, I wasn't really effected by the events of September 11th and the plane crashes that devastated our nation.  But after reading about it, and now seeing more of the events that took place that day, I have a new respect for the people involved.  

Kindness was shown throughout that day many times over.  People working their way down the stairway trying to make their way out, stopped, and took the time to help someone else un-bury themselves from the rubble on their floor.  A certain group of rescue workers refused to leave an elderly woman behind (which in turn saved their entire unit).  And the few passengers of the last plane hijacked decided to take the opportunity they had to save other people's lives by losing their own in the attempt of foiling the foreign hijackers mission. Kindness. And that wasn't the only fruit of the Spirit that was shown that extremely tragic day.  Countless stories of what people went through can have an amazing effect on your outlook of these few simple words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

How many fruits of the Spirit did you witness on 9-11?  How can we better implement these better in the future?  Are there things you need to reexamine in your life to change for the better?  Can you change them by applying Kindness and the other fruits of the Spirit?  

What are your favorite Bible verses relating to Kindness?  What/who is the best example of Kindness in your life?  

Let's try to apply Kindness where ever we go and see how much it impacts our attitude and how people respond to us!

Blessings!

~ S*

Patience (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... PATIENCE..." Galatians 5:22 

Last week I listed a bunch of verses on patience.  Below are a few commentaries I have on a few of the verses listed last week. Please feel free to share your insights and findings on your favorite verses on patience!

Proverbs 19:11: Overlooking a wrong in the sense of not allowing it to bother you/annoy you is something we all need to learn early in life.  This prevents strife and anger from getting the best of us.  Patience when teaching someone how to do something (even if they don't do it right the first "few" times) is a great way to learn how to be patient in this way.

Proverbs 25:15: Patience when trying to persuade someone can be very productive.  When someone doesn't immediately see something the way you do, try to explain it in a calm and peaceful manner.  Not only will this avoid strife, but when they see how you approach them with your idea or point of view they will be more apt to agree with you.

Ecclesiastes 7:8: Pretty self explanatory.  I love the way the "New Living Translation" says this.

Romans 2:4: God is patient with us; and He is our ultimate example.  Thus, we should follow that example by being patient with others.

2 Corinthians 6:6: The Holy Spirit will help us develop the "Fruit of the Spirit" qualities.  We should strive to listen to the Holy Spirit and ask for help in learning to apply them to our everyday life.

Colossians 1:11: Patience can help us handle persecution, which in turn can help us be great witnesses for the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:12: A lot of these are "Fruits of the Spirit"... Things that are listed multiple times must be pretty important.  If we act on these "Fruits", we will be following God's plan for us, and we'll be good examples to others.

1 Timothy 1:16: God was so patient with Saul (who later became known as the Apostle Paul).  And look what this led to!  A transformation that only God could produce, and one of the greatest apostles of all time!

Hebrews 6:12: In your patience don't sit around and do nothing.  Even though you might be waiting for that special someone to come into your life, or for that next job opportunity, that doesn't' give us an excuse to sit around and do nothing.  We need to use what we have right now to be the best light we can be for our Lord and Savior!

2 Peter 3:15: While we might be ready to give up on someone, God has other plans.  When asking yourself why God doesn't take that terrible person out of your working environment, why so and so  doesn't get fired, or why the teacher in your classroom is so annoying, use these opportunities to enlarge God's Kingdom.  Maybe that person is there for you to be a witness to?  Or maybe your "annoying" term paper (on the worst book you've ever read) is exactly what that teacher needs to read.  

We are never sure who is watching us here on earth, but we can always be sure God is watching.  Let's be sure to develop those wonderful characteristics instead of the not so wonderful ones.  I don't know about you, but I want to be come a "Proverbs 31 Woman" for my future husband.  I don't want him to regret marrying me because I didn't take the time in my singleness to develop my "Fruits of the Spirit".  Who do you want to become?  It takes work and perseverance to become Christ-like.  I think this is a worthy thing to work towards.

Blessings!

~ S*

Patience (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... PATIENCE..." Galatians 5:22 

Below are some verses on patience for you to look up and study this week.  Next week I will go through some of them with a little commentary of my own.  Please feel free to share some of your commentary on these verses or add some scriptures that you think pertain to this topic during this week and next by commenting below or e-mailing me at girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com.

Scriptures for this week:

Proverbs 19:11, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." (NIV) or the (NLT): "Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."

Proverbs 25:15, "Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones." (NLT)

Ecclesiastes 7:8, "Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride." (NLT)

Romans 2:4, "Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (NLT)

2 Corinthians 6:6, "We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love." (NLT)

Colossians 1:11, "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy," (NLT)

Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:16, "But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life." (NLT)

Hebrews 6:12, "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (NIV)

2 Peter 3:15, "And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him--" (NLT)

Other Scriptures to look up:

2 Timothy 3:10

Titus 2:2

James 5:10

2 Peter 1:5-7

I look forward to your insights!!

Blessings!

~ S*

I'm Back!!!

I’ve been on vacation and on dog sitting jobs for the last few weeks.  And I always tend to stay away from writing and stuff when I am away from home.  Sorry Guys...  (Today's post was on my heart to share, so we will get back to the Fruit of the Spirit next week!)

“Lord, please forgive me when I am busy.  Please show me how to balance out my busy life in a way that puts You first.  My desire is to put You first in everything I say and do, but it doesn’t always play out that way.”

I have been discovering recently how irreverent I am toward God.  It hasn’t been intentional, but at the same time, I hadn’t noticed nor done anything about it.  I don’t really know how to be fully reverent.  I feel like I live in a bubble and really have no idea what is going on around me. (and I kinda like it that way at times.)  We as humans are so naïve when it comes to God and who He is.  We cannot begin to fathom His Awesomeness.  He created heaven and earth.  He created me!  He created everyone.  He can heal, He can save, and He can deliver… We can do all things through HIM who gives us strength(Philippians 4:13).  He deserves so much more praise and honor and glory than He gets. 

We do not even come close to deserving His redemption/salvation.  And that is something I have struggled to grasp.  I would consider myself a “good” person.  I am obedient; I respect my parents and elders.  I don’t have sex outside of marriage… The list goes on... BUT!  “Only God is good.” (Luke 18:19)  Even though I follow things to the best of my ability I am whale poo compared to God.  Nothing I could possibly do in word or deed could measure up (even slightly) to God and His greatness.  Even pondering a sin or the simple act of lusting is a huge sin in God’s eyes(Matthew 5:28).  This should make us so thankful for what Jesus did for us on the cross over 2000 years ago.  He paid the ultimate price for me, so that my sins would be washed away (never to be remembered again) from God’s memory.  I am no longer that sinner to Him!  How Awesome is that!?!

I still can’t fathom how great God is, or even how great the sacrifice Jesus made is.  But I am going to be thankful for it.  And I desire to turn my "taking it all for granted" into praising and thanking God for what He has done for me.

“I love You, Lord.  Please teach me not to take Jesus’ sacrifice for granted.  Please give me boldness for the kingdom of God.  Help me to be a good example to those around me, for I have been lacking in that area a bit recently.  I desire to serve You and please You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name, SO BE IT!!!”

Blessings!

~ S*

Peace Part 2

Last week I posted some scriptures about peace... So here is a little bit of my commentary on some of the verses I posted...

Psalms 37:11;37:   "A wonderful future awaits those who love peace."  I love peace! :)  I'm not quite sure why anyone would not love peace, but unfortunately there are people out there like that.

Proverbs 16:7:  We might have enemies, but if we continue to follow God and His Word, then we will be at peace with our enemies.  (Yes, even that supervisor at work that seems to hate you... You will be at peace with your enemies.)

Isaiah 9:6:  "Prince of Peace" This is another name for our wonderful Savior!  We should strive to be more like Him!

Isaiah 54:10:  When God promises something, it happens...

Isaiah 57:2; 21:  Which would you rather?  Resting in peace when you die, or never having peace alive or dead?

1 Corinthians 14:33:  God likes it when His church body is at peace with one another.  We should devour and resist strive as soon as it tries to take over...

Philippians 4:7:  Memorize this scripture.  It is a great one to quote if ever the devil is trying to instate fear.  God does what He says He will do, so you take this scripture and follow it!

Colossians 3:15:  We should be thankful that we are called to live at peace.  I sure wouldn't want to live at war all the time (or ever).  We have been instructed to live at peace with everyone, so what are you waiting for?

1 Thessalonians 5:23:  God is a God of peace!  The Prince of Peace!  I am so thankful that He is, for His desire for us is to be a peaceful world.  If we would all follow His plan, it would be a peaceful world!!

2 Timothy 2:22:  "Bad company corrupts good morals..."  We should associate with people who are peaceful and pursue righteous living.  We need to take away the relationships that we have that could hinder our relationship with God.

1 Peter 3:11:  "Work to maintain peace."  Nothing should stop us from being a peaceful people.  "Live in harmony with one another..." (Romans 12:16) What are you waiting for?

Extra verse for you before I go: Matthew 5:9, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."  I want to be a peacemaker, for I want to be a child of God?  How about you?  What are you going to do to be a better peacemaker?

Blessings!

~ S*

Peace

"And the fruit of the spirit is... PEACE..." Galatians 5:22

This week I am going to list some scriptures about peace.  Study them.  What do you think they mean?  Next week I will put my little explanation/commentaries for some of the verses listed in today's post.  Let me know what God is teaching you, and what you would like to learn about!

Scriptures for this week:

Psalm 37:11; 37, "The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace." (NLT)

Proverbs 16:7, "When people's lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them." (NLT)

Isaiah 9:6, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (NIV)

Isaiah 54:10, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (NIV)

Isaiah 57:2; 21, "For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. 'There is no peace for the wicked,' says my God."

1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God's holy people."

Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 5:23, "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again." (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22, "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." (NLT)

1 Peter 3:11, "Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." (NLT)

Extra Scriptures to look up!

Numbers 6:26

1 Chronicles 22:9

Psalms 29:11: 34:14

Proverbs 12:20; 14:30; 17:1

Isaiah 14:7; 32:17; 53:5

Ezekiel 37:26

Micah 5:5

Mark 9:50

Luke 1:79

John 16:33

Romans 2:10

1 Corinthians 7:15

Colossians 1:20

1 Thessalonians 5:13

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Hebrews 12:14

Blessings!

~ S*