The Last Shall Be First

The last couple times I've worked on the household chore of ironing, I have been reminded of what God says in the Bible about "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first..."

"Ironing??? What does that have to do with that scripture???" When ironing a pair of pants I lay them on the board, lift up the right leg of the pant, and move it out of the way. I iron the inside of the left leg first then pull the right leg back down and iron the outside of it. After that I flip the pants over and do the inside of the right, then the outside of the left... Long story short... The leg I start with is also the leg I end with... "The first shall be last and the last shall be first..."

Scriptures for this week:

Matthew 19:30, "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." (NIV)

Matthew 20:16, "'So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.'" (NLT) (Read the entire parable vs. 1-16)

Mark 9:35, "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.'" (NIV)

Mark 10:31, "So Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" (NLT)

Luke 13:22-30, "Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

He said to them, 24“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’

“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’

26“Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

27“But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

28'There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.'"

We all need to learn to be servants and willing vessels to be used by God for His glory. We also should realize that even though we may not be the greatest preacher the world has ever known, or the most eloquent speaker to bring God's Word to life for others, we are still significant. God still loves us and wants to use us. It may not always be in the most exciting ways (like scrubbing toilets and not getting recognized), but it is still important. "Whoever wants to be a leader needs to be a servant." We need to be willing to help and serve others in all things, and even if we are not recognized by the people around us, God notices!

~ S*

What are We Doing?

Being a female, I am still trying to understand the things that a male mind is attracted to and why... What can I do to prevent my brother(s) in Christ from stumbling... This is not always an easy task.

Do I dress in a way that is provocative? Am I flirtatious (even if its not purposeful)? Do I say one thing and do another? Am I trustworthy? What things can I do to not only benefit myself, but to be a good example to the hundreds of people I encounter every week? How can I make an impact? How can I show God's love and be a light in the darkness around me?

The things that I do impact others. Sometimes in a small way; or sometimes in a huge way that I may not even find out about.

Our Scriptures for this week:

Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." (NLT)

I wouldn't want a guy or girl to dress or act in a way that was going to make it hard for me to remain pure in my thinking and actions, so why would I want to do or wear (or act like) something that would make it difficult for them?

1 Timothy 4:12, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." (NLT)

Just because we are young, it doesn't give us an excuse to pretend we don't know what is going on around us. We should be examples to others in everything that we say and do, but it shouldn't be limited to when we are around others. We should be obedient and follow what God's Word says even when nobody is watching.

Titus 2:7, "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (NLT)

Practice what you preach. Don't just say, "Oh, that top is too tight on her... Look at how short that girl's dress is." But then buy a low cut shirt with tight jeans yourself. Don't be a hypocrite...

Romans 12, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (NIV)

(Vs. 1-2) Don't do what the world does. Think outside the box. What does God say in the Bible about your situation? What would Jesus do?

(vs. 3)You are not all that... Sometimes we might think we have the best plan or the greatest intentions when we really don't. (Proverbs 21:2)

(vs. 4-8) Yes, I am an individual, but I have tons of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are each a part of God's family, so we should do everything we can to help and serve one another.

(vs. 9-10) Love one another! The two greatest commandments were to LOVE. (Luke 10:27, "He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'")

(vs. 11-16) Be thankful in every circumstance. God is in control, so we don't have to worry about things. Just trust Him. Meanwhile rejoice and be joyful in everything that God has blessed you with! Be hospitable, kind, and unselfish. Serve others, and treat them the way you want to be treated!

(vs. 17-21) There is a time and a season for everything. God will take care of you, and handle anyone who does you wrong... Good always out weights evil.

We need to overcome the world's point of view and the world's way of life. Just because they wear tight clothing, curse every other word, or go to X rated movies doesn't mean we have to. We should set our standards higher than the world's.

What are some of your standards? What are some things that set you apart from the world, or outwardly show you are a child of God?

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts! Comment or e-mail me (girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com)!

~ S*

Even the Greatest Men Fell

In light of my last two posts I wanted to take this opportunity to say that even the greatest people are not perfect. I was chatting with a friend a few weeks ago, and we began to discuss how even the greatest men in the Bible fell. Not only did they fall, but a lot of those who fell were involved in some form of sexual sin.

Scriptures for this week's study:

Abraham: Genesis 16:1-16; Psalm 83:5-6

Samson: Judges 16

King David: 2 Samuel 11; 12; 16:15-23

Solomon: 1 Kings 11:1-13 (Ecclesiastes)

Abraham was credited with righteousness (Gen. 15:6); however, he was not perfect. God promised to give him descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Gen. 15) Abraham believed Him, but still tried to take matters in his own hands by lying with Hagar. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, and the Israelites always had trouble with the Ishmael's descendants (to this day).

Samson was a great judge during the time of Israel's continual cycle of sin, repentance, redemption, etc... He was Israel's redeemer/leader at the time. But after multiple instances with women, Samson ended up with Delilah. Even though Samson family warned him, he still didn't listen. This not only cost him his life, but probably shortened Israel's redemption period by decades...

King David the "man after God's own heart" and one of the greatest (if not the greatest) kings of Israel. He served God well, but a couple wrong moves (lust, adultery, murder) and he not only lost a son(2 Samuel 12:18), but also suffered great humiliation toward the end of his reign(2 Samuel 16:22).

King Solomon had more wisdom than any other man before or after him, but even that didn't keep him from falling. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines... (Wow... I can't even begin to fathom that... He could have gone 2.7 years without sleeping with the same woman if he'd have wanted to... Anyways....) And the number of wives wasn't really the issue at this time in history. The problem was where the women were from and what they believed. In his old age Solomon was led to follow other gods because of his many wives... This may have been what started Israel's fall until Jesus came...

One mistake can cost you a lot, but that does not mean it is the end of the world. Jesus Redeemed us by dieing on the cross for our sins. We are forgiven of all of them. We are no longer under the old covenant, but are under the new!

John 8:1-11, "Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

11“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”"

You are forgiven, but don't keep practicing the sin. And remember God truly does forgive and forget.

~ S*

Standards

What are some things that you are looking for in a future spouse? Are there things on your list that are "must haves"? What biblical characteristics are you looking for? In last week's post I gave some examples of relationships. Some things that could happen if you jump ahead of God, or if you wait patiently for Him. In a recent study that I have been doing, it was suggested that I make a list of all the qualities that I am looking for in my future spouse. They called them convictions. With my list they asked me to put a scripture to back up each entry... I encourage you to do the same. Below is part of my list(I did not list them in any particular order):

1. Puts the needs of others ahead of his own. (Philippians 2:3-4)
2. Rejoices in his relationship with Christ. (John 15:11)
3. Refuses to jump ahead of God's timing. (Psalms 37:7)
4. Seeks to meet practical needs of others. (Ephesians 4:32)
5. Stands for what is right and hates anything contrary to God and His character. (Romans 2:9-10)
6. Follows through on his God-given responsibilities, uses his talents for God's glory, and isn't after fame (or doesn't take his talents for granted). (1 Corinthians 4:2)
7. Understands the importance of feelings and emotions. (Colossians 3:12)
8. Flees temptations to compromise. (Self-control) (Proverbs 25:28)
9. Spirit-controlled Christian. (Ephesians 5:18)
10. Loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength... (Mark 12:30)
11. Understands how to 100% rely on Jesus. Would never take his blessings for granted (aka would never stop thanking God/giving God the glory for them.) (Philippians 4:13)
12. Man of vision who follows through. (Romans 10:14)
13. Sensitive spirit; in tune to others needs. (Galatians 6:2)
14. Understands the awesome responsibility of a husband to his wife. (Ephesians 5:25-31)
15. Teachable and able to disciple others. (Matthew 28:19-20)
16. Man of prayer. (Colossians 4:2)
17. Desires to have and raise children according to God's Word and bring Him glory. (Proverbs. 22:6)
18. Slow to anger; abounding in love. (James 1:19-20)
19. Doesn't argue (no strife). (Proverbs 20:3)
20. Keeps a job; hard worker. (1 Timothy 5:8)

And the list goes on, but I think you get the idea. If you would like to hear the rest of my list let me know. :) As you can see. I want my man to be one who follows after the Lord in everything he does. That description pretty much sums up my entire list! If he follows God, and strives to do what the Bible says, then he will have the qualities I listed above! What are some other qualities that you can think of? If you have some that I didn't list, I would love to hear them! Maybe I would like to add them to my list!!

Blessings!
~ S*

Don't Settle!

Before reading this post, I encourage you to grab a notebook and your favorite writing utensil and use this post for your own personal study/benefit. I'm going to ask a lot of questions, so write down on your own piece of paper what you think the answers to these questions are... I pray that this post blesses you and gives you insight to your future and the relationships it may (or may not) hold! Blessings! ~ S*

Still looking for your future spouse? Beginning to wonder if they even exist? Do you have high standards? Are there specific Biblical characteristics you are looking for? If not, should there be?

I have always had my standards when it comes to finding a future husband. I am not going to settle for anything other than God's best for me. In the past I have struggled with "Letting Go and letting God." But recently I have moved forward in my trust in God.

I have witnessed in the past few years a few relationships. Some of the people settled, and some of them did not! I believe God has a specific person out there for me to marry. This is not to say I couldn't marry someone else, but I think God has that perfect plan. It is my job to trust in Him to bring that plan into fruition, and not get impatient and marry the first guy that comes along. Below are some examples for us to examine:

Example A: Bob has just graduated High School. He is a Christian guy, who has been raised in a Christian home. He finally found a girl he thinks could be the one. The only catch, she is a brand new (baby) Christian. Before I continue, let me ask a couple questions... What should Bob do? Should he date this girl? If so, what boundaries should he set up before moving on with the relationship? What scriptures come to mind?... Okay, well, Bob decides to date this girl. While doing so he proceeds to kiss her and cuddle with her a bit. After a few months have passed, the relationship between Bob and his new girlfriend begins to have some strain... What do you think would cause strain in their relationship? How do you think it could be handled? How do you think it could have been prevented? Well, this relationship ended in a break up... It left Bob a bit heartbroken. Why? You may ask... He really thought that this relationship could end in marriage. He really gave some of his heart away to this young woman. Now he has to live with the decisions he made while in this relationship. He will not be able to take back the kisses and physical actions he made towards this young lady. His future wife can no longer be the first to receive these actions. Does Bob regret them? Yes... Why did he do it? Bob wanted to be an example to this young woman... He wanted to help her relationship with the Lord grow and mature. What could he have done differently that may have produced a better outcome? Do you think there is anything Bob should do now that the relationship is over? If so, what? What does the Bible say about this kind of relationship? What can you learn from this example?

Example B: Steve glances back across the room to catch another look from Lindsey... "She is so beautiful..." He thinks as he watches her explain a function on the store's new exercise machine. She is constantly happy, and always makes me laugh... I wonder what she is doing on Saturday night?" Lindsey too has been noticing Steve. They have been holding longer conversations in the break room, and she is beginning to wonder if their relationship could be something more... The only catch... She is a born again Christian, and he doesn't' have a relationship with the Lord at all. What should Lindsey do? What should Steve do? How should these early feelings be handled? As time progresses, Lindsey decides to invite Steve to her church. He begins attending, and after a few months, he gives his heart to the Lord! Now what should Lindsey do? What should Steve do? Should they move on into a "beyond friendship" kind of relationship? Why or why not? Steve and Lindsey end up dating... The people around Lindsey begin to notice that she no longer has time for her church family. She is acting a little weird... Not herself... Steve tells Lindsey that he isn't really comfortable mingling with everyone after the service. So instead of staying after the service to fellowship, they get up together and head out almost before anyone has the chance to say hello... What is going on in this relationship? What should Steve do? What should Lindsey do? A few months later Steve and Lindsey announce that they are engaged! How exciting! After their announcement they are hardly ever seen at Lindsey's church... There are rumors floating around that they began attending another church a little closer to Steve's home. A few months later, wedding invitations are sent out, and the wedding takes place at a church that neither the bride nor groom attend. What are your thoughts on this relationship? Will this marriage last? If not why? If so why or how? Less than a year after the wedding, Lindsey's original church family begins to see her attend the services without her groom... More time passes and the news is finally announced that Lindsey and Steve are getting a divorce... What could have prevented this? What does the Bible say concerning this relationship? What can you learn from this example?

Example C: Lori is a wonderful woman of God. She is now in her thirties, and has seen her younger brother get married to a beautiful woman that their family has know for many years. She is also witnessing her younger sister in a wonderful relationship with a young man of God. "When is it going to be my turn, Lord?" She has asked a thousand times. She has wanted to get married since she was a little girl. Why the long wait? But she doesn't let this discourage her, instead she is excited and happy for her younger siblings! And she begins to use her single time to bring honor and glory to God. To follow His leading and direction for her life. Before she knows it a handsome man steps through the doorway of church one Sunday morning. She can't help but notice him. Yes, he is handsome, but even more importantly he has this look about him... What kind of look? How do you think Lori should proceed? What questions should be asked? After striking up their first conversation Lori can tell that she has found a man following after the Lord. Before long their relationship progresses to a courtship. They get to know each other's families. They never put themselves in tempting situations, and possibly best of all, neither of them have given away their first kiss! Together they establish boundaries and make decisions for their relationship based on what they think God would have them do. What do you think about this relationship? How should it be handled? What should Lori do? What should the man do? What is their next step? After a while Lori comes home with a ring on her finger. She is absolutely glowing with excitement! Was is worth the wait? She will tell you it was, with out a doubt. So, does this story have a happy ending? Yes! After a beautiful first kiss wedding and honeymoon, this couple is enjoying a wonderful life together. A life in which they put God first, and follow His leading and direction for their life! Could this have turned out any better? Will they have struggles along the way? What does the Bible say concerning this relationship? What can you learn from this example?

Want more examples? If so let me know... I hope that you took the time to really go over each of these situations. Which situation do you want for your life? What outcome do you want to have? Have you lived in any of these people's shoes? What can you learn from your mistakes? Are you willing to change some of your standards? What kind of changes do you think need to be made for yourself? Why?

Please let me know if this post blessed you in any way. I would love to hear from you! Do you have a topic you would like me to post about? I would love to hear your thoughts! If you have any questions pertaining to this post (or any other), please send me an e-mail and I would be happy to answer. girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com
Blessings to you as you grow in your relationship with the Lord!
~ S*

What are You Jealous of this Valentine's Day?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Some of you may be thinking, "Oh, no... Another lonely Valentine's Day... All my friends have dates tonight, but here I am stuck home alone with nothing to do but think about my single status." Is that you this Valentine's Day? Do you wish more than anything that an admirer would send you a dozen roses(or that you had someone to send roses to)? Are you jealous of your friends and the relationships they have with their boyfriend or girlfriend? How can we change this agonizing holiday into a more enjoyable day of the year?

This week's scriptures: Romans 13:13-14, Galatians 5:19-26, and 2 Corinthians 11.

Romans 13:13-14, "Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (NLT)

"Don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." That can be a tough one... If we are not going to concentrate or give into our evil/fleshly desires, what are we going to concentrate on or give into?

Galatians 5:19-26, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."(NIV)

There are lots of things out there with which the Devil tries to trip us up during our journey of life. (vs. 19-21) But God and His Word are more powerful than anything the Devil can throw at us. If we put the "fruit of the Spirit" into practice (vs. 22-23), this will make it all the more difficult for Satan to mess with us. If we love others, it will be much harder for us to hate or be angry with someone else... If we have self-control, it will be all the more difficult to be envious of another person and/or jealous of what he has. If we are patient, it makes it so much less annoying or aggravating when someone cuts in-front of us on the interstate or in line for our movie tickets... See what I mean? If we choose to have the right attitude, it is hard for us to lose the joy we have found in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So instead of being jealous of your best friend's boyfriend this Valentine's Day, be jealous with a godly jealousy... (2 Corinthians 11) while desiring to grow closer to God and following His plan for your life!

Blessings!

~ S*

Letting Go and Letting God

One of today's scriptures will be Proverbs 3:5-7, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (NIV)

Let me start by asking, what does this scripture mean to you? I know some of you are probably like... "Ugggh... Not this verse again. I've heard it like a thousand times!" But this scripture is very relevant to me at this point in my life. Have you ever had one of those life verses, or a verse that just goes really well with where you are in your life? For me this is one of them. ;)

Other key scriptures for this post:

Psalms 62:1 and 5, "1 My soul finds rest in God alone... 5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (NIV)

I want to find rest in God alone. He alone can provide what I need! "Every good and perfect gift comes from above!" (James 1:17)

Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

I want to be content in every circumstance. Giving God all my burdens will help in this process. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

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)

God will give us the peace we desire if we just trust in Him!

I have recently given my entire collection of thoughts, worries, control issues, and future plans to God. This has been an extremely wonderful experience. I had been afraid that God might not ever want me to get married, so if I gave it all up to Him maybe I would be surrendering to a future as a single. But in giving all my thoughts and worries to God, I have found an amazing peace. I haven't been worried about my future. I am at peace that God will provide everything I need whenever the need arises. If that means that I will need to wait a few more years for a husband, then so be it. I am excited to let God have control over my future. He is definitely the One who should be in charge anyway. Jeremiah 29:11, "'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.'" I am trusting God with my future. Are you?

What things do you worry about? Do you want to control your future like I did? Do you believe that God has the best for you in your future? What can you begin to do to make a change and give God your worries, cares, and future plans?

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

~ S*