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4月19日 Hey there!I'm still around. Been blogging in other places and such. Things are going ok. If you have a Live Journal or Yahoo 360 and would like to be connected to me, comment and leave a link to your site. Or, if you have a myspace and would like to connect to me there, leave a link to it. Thanks!! 1月23日 I know it's been a whileI know it's been a while since I have updated here. Things are going pretty good here. I have been busy blogging in other places and I moved a lot of my older material from this site to my personal webpage at michellemarshall.net. I decided to check on this blog and I saw that ppl are still visiting and commenting and one comment in particular caught my attention. It was about the Emmaus Walk. No, I've never been on one, but I am scheduled to go on one in early March. I am looking forward to it and have heard a lot of good things about them. Some aspects of it has me nervous. I don't like to be emotional in front of other people. I don't show emotions well in large groups and I am not fond of public speaking... and I am sure the weekend will include both of those things. There are quite a few ppl going from my church so at least I will know some ppl there, but I am pretty sure we will not be in the same group once we get there. Still, it will be comforting to know there are ppl there I do know. 9月21日 Emmaus WalkI got my application for The Emmaus Walk, so now I just have to fill it out and register. It's in March 06. 9月19日 PurposeAs some of you may recall, I have mentioned a desire to work with the CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Centers) in some aspect. I want to counsel but I also want to train and work doing their program that they teach in schools/churches etc. about abstinence. I've pretty much put it off for one reason or another. However, I think God is moving me in the direction to do ministry full-time. To possibly even go to school to help me do my called ministry. I've been trying to figure out what it was I wanted to do. What would make me happy and feel like I have accomplished something. To find something that would allow me to contribute monetarily to my family. And then do my "calling" on the side so to speak. And all this time I have not been satisfied. I have not had peace that I know without a doubt what I will do and why I want to do it, and I think I finally realized my purpose and instead of fighting it and putting worldly things first, I chose my purpose and since then, I have had such peace about it.
In addition to that peace, I have felt excitement that I CAN do what I was called to do. That THAT is where I am supposed to be and WHAT I am supposed to be doing. There are a lot of fears too, but for some reason, the peace by far outweighs the fears. I imagine I will finish out this semester at Ivy Tech, and while I am doing that, I am going to be researching classes I can take that are accredited that I can take online that would go a long with what I want to do. I'll also start looking to get into CPC training sessions (they usually only have them when they have several people interested in signing up to volunteer) and also applying for actual jobs at the CPCs around my area. I would kind of like to see myself get some sort of christian counseling degree and being a christian counselor for either a church, but also being able to use my knowledge in that for the CPC as a worker there.
The teen pregnancy rate where I live is pretty high. A lot of if is shockingly enough due to incest. There is definately a need in this are for counseling, for help. And it is something I can take with me wherever we go. I don't think my husband thinks I was as serious about all of this as I am. When I mentioned it to him, he didn't really give much of a response. I even talked about a possible pastorate but I don't know that that is even necessary for what I want to do. The key right now would be to find the classes I can take that are either local enough I can get to, or get online and be accredited so that places will recognize them.
The thought that strikes me now is, some of the excuses I used were that I had plenty of time to do this, I will do it when the kids are all grown and I have more time to volunteer etc. Of course, by then I would be working a full time job, I wouldn't have the time then either. Or, I am not ready yet. God hasn't prepared me enough yet. I don't agree with that either. I think I will always be growing and learning, but that doesn't mean God cannot use me now. My life experiences are not going to change with time. They will always be in my past and stay the same. I can use them at any time. What will people think. I seem pretty wishy washy. Changing what I am going to school for in the past year (from photography to computer science) and now this... what next? All I can say is, God had placed this desire to work at the CPC in my heart for a long time now. It is not something new. Not a fad. Not a whim. The things halding me back simply have no hold on me any longer. I don't know how else to explain it.
I have put full trust and faith in God to get me through and to make it work if its His will that this is what I am to be doing. That includes faith and trust that God will direct our finances to make sure we are taken care of while I serve. I've had to set aside my worldly desire to want a job making a lot of money. I am not even thinking of money in this. It's nothing a person could expect any large amount of money from. But I know God loves me and will provide for me and my family. I've even had to set aside my desire for that piece of paper that says I graduated with some sort of degree. I may never graduate with a degree in anything. I may not need that for what I am being called to do. I don't know. All I know is I have had to set aside that desire of mine, which was holding me back from doing God's work.
I don't expect most people to understand any of this. I don't even expect my own husband to understand it. I don't think a person can understand it unless they have also found their true and perfect purpose and decided to put all their faith and trust in God to see them through. And that is basically what I have done. The hardest part at this point is keeping myself from running forward too fast. I still have a comittment to school this semester. I cannot just quit. And all I really want to do is run and start working towards what I should have focused on a long time ago. 9月11日 ChangesYou may have noticed I removed a bunch of links. That's because I moved them to my own webpage and have started adding NEW links here. When I get a bunch of new one's added here and they have been up for a while, they will also get moved, and I'll start over again. That way the content here stays fresh and the links don't get lost. 8月22日 Long pauses
I just wanted to let you know that I may have some long pauses here. School starts for our 5 kids today, as well as for me. I am taking 5 internnet courses this semester. Between my own school, church meetings, taking care of kids and household things, and my job, I doubt I will be able to update as often as I would like. I will update as much as I can though. I'll also be working to transfer the links and information to my own personal webpage so I can host it myself. Nothing against MSN Spaces, I just like the security of knowing I have it on my own server in case anything should happen.
An update on my Bible reading. I am doing HORRIBLE! I have been praying a lot more, but I am having a hard time making myself sit down and read the Bible when I have so many other books to read. The good thing is, I'll soon run out of library books to read, and since I am starting school I won't be getting more library books out, so my fun reading will end up being replaced by Bible reading.
So, that's where I am at. Now ya know.
Encouragement for Today
“Don’t Look Down” – Part 2 Marybeth Whalen, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
I Thessalonians 4:11-12, “Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you. So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not depend on anybody.” (NIV)
Devotion:
When I was a little girl, I took dancing lessons. I was never a terrific dancer, but I enjoyed learning the routines and gearing up for the big recital at the end of the year. It always seemed that no matter how much I practiced and concentrated, though, I could never remember all the steps to the dances. I was usually a bundle of nerves as my dance class took the stage. Would I mess up? If I did, would anyone notice?
I learned that it helped if I focused on the dance teacher, who was usually standing where we could see her, dancing right along with us. I also learned that the worst thing I could do was pay too much attention to my own feet shuffling through the steps. Inevitably, by looking down at my feet, I would lose my concentration and fall sadly out of step.
I have been thinking about this analogy in my own life lately. In yesterday’s devotion, we talked about not spending time looking around us for others’ approval and affirmation. Another truth that accompanies this one is to not look down at our feet as we try so hard to stay in step. Just like it helped me to focus on my dance teacher, so we must keep our focus on the “Lord of The Dance,” as the Steven Curtis Chapman song says.
There are several steps involved with doing this:
Stay focused on your own routine and don’t try to follow the dance others are doing. Sure, they might be performing a ballet that takes your breath away—but don’t let that distract you from performing the tap dance of a lifetime. Dance for an audience of One, and He will add His beauty to your humble offering.
Don’t let the critics stop you from dancing with all your heart. Invariably, others will make negative comments that have the potential of convincing you to trade in your tap shoes. Keep dancing according to the routine God has designed just for you. Embrace the uniqueness of your dance and let Him be glorified. Someday those same critics may become the very ones praising your dance. But you have to keep dancing to your own beat for that to ever happen.
Don’t let the sin of vanity, pride or self-focus keep you from continuing to practice your routine. Daily time with the Teacher will further your skill. Don’t grow complacent about the honor of dancing for the King. Determine to give God your best performance every day.
If you get tempted to look down at your own feet and take your focus off the Lord, pray that He would convict you and redirect your steps. Ask Him to be the “lifter of your head,” so that you can refocus on Him during those times in your life.
Dance for Him alone and don’t use your dance in an attempt to bring glory to yourself. If you find yourself seeking significance, identity, purpose or validation from the world’s audience, go back to why you were called in the first place. Return to your first love and dance solely for the joy that will certainly bring you.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, You are the Lord of the Dance. Thank You for crafting an extraordinary routine for me that only I can perform. Help me to learn from You and to focus on You as I try so hard to stay in step. Help me not to get caught up in what others are doing, or to pay too much attention to what I look like. I know that when I stay focused on You, Lord, You will make my dance a thing of beauty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Don’t spend time looking down studying your own feet, look up! Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. Ask Him to help you remember your priorities this week as you stay in step with the routine He has designed for you. Don’t let others’ priorities distract you from your own. Spend time in prayer if this is a struggle for you.
Reflection Points:
What are my priorities?
How is my dance special and unique?
How can I make my dance a beautiful offering before God? Power Verses:
James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.” (NIV)
Psalm 123:1, “I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in Heaven.” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (NIV)
Jeremiah 10:23, “I know, Oh Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” (NIV)
Psalm 149:3-4, “Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation.” (NIV)
Proverbs 4:12, “When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run you will not stumble.” (NIV) 8月15日 Where are the dedicated Christians?You know, every time I write an entry like the last few, I feel, I dunno... scared. Like, even though my comments are what I believe to be the truth and based on God's Word, the way I perceive it, I always feel I am going to offend SOMEONE and that is NOT my intentions. But God's Truth is not always nice, if you are living a lifestyle that goes against Him. I notice I get no comments or few comments (from Christians) when I post things of that nature... people don't want to offend. They don't want to stir the pot. They don't want to be seen as narrow minded or as intolerant. I don't either. But it offends ME to see the Word of God smeared and twisted and cast off as irrelevant, ESPECIALLY IN OUR CHURCHES! I guess that is why I cannot be silent. It pains me to read stories like the few I have posted here. It breaks my heart to look into the future and see the kind of churches that will teach my children and my grandchildren and my future generations. The lies they will be taught as truths. The exceptions they will be taught to make. It hurts me to think that as Christians, we aren't strong enough, brave enough, equipped enough to stand up and speak the truth, to take a stand, to be heard. It hurts me to think I am not all that (strong, brave, equipped). Why are we (as Christians) not horrified, terrified and taking action to help each other? I don't care if there are denominational barriers. Why are we not supporting each other when there are those who are clearly trying to uphold the truth of Christ? Why are we sitting back and just watching our church be torn apart? I believe if there is ever a time our churches have needed unity, it is now. Denominational differences aside, we are losing our rights and freedoms as Christians. We are losing the truth. We are letting it slip away and when people finally remove the blinders from their eyes, it will be too late. We look at other churches and say, that'll never happen to MY church, but it will. These are stepping stones for Satan. He is taking over our churches one by one. Belief by belief. Tearing down our walls by lies and deception. Twisting the truth of God. Are we going to allow that? Are we REALLY going to sit by and watch as this happens and DO NOTHING? Or are we going to start taking a stand? Are we going to start educating our churches on morality issues and on what GOD believes? Are we going to start praying and supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are TRYING DESPERATELY to hold onto those truths for future generations? Which is it going to be? I don't feel sorry for posting the things I posted anymore. It needs to be said. People need to wake up. Remove the blinders. Open the Bible. Get in it. READ IT! 8月11日 Other WritingI do have another place I write at daily. It's pretty nice and I've been there a long time. It's my more "personal and mundane" journal where I talk about the family, kids, work, school, etc. It allows me to do semi-private posting in that I can specify who I want to read my "protected" posts and control who gets to see my rants and when I vent etc. It's a glimpse into who I am outside of this space I guess. If anyone is interested. If you have an xanga, let me know and I'll go check it out. 8月7日 Women PreachersOK, I am going to try to find some information on the different beliefs behind women who preach. Here is the first one I found, which happens to be from Billy Graham.
The New Testament church was enriched by the influence of godly women such as Dorcas, Priscilla, and Lydia, to name a few. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek [nationality, race], slave nor free [status], male nor female [gender], for you are all one in Christ Jesus." It is true that Bible interpreters and churches vary in their understanding of the proper role of women in the church and home regarding leadership. However, the issue is not about men's and women's equal worth to God and the church. All agree that in matters of salvation and value men and women are equal. The devaluation of women in so many ways throughout history is a result of sin in the world. Wherever the Gospel has gone the status of women has been elevated. Through Christ, women have experienced the opportunity to live creative, productive, and satisfying lives. This transformation has led to far-reaching contributions by women in areas such as social and political reform, medicine, literature, the arts and sciences, and Christian service and missions. I'll be back with more when I get some more information. 8月4日 Beth Moore OnlineBeth Moore is just one of THE most anointed speakers I have ever heard. She is humorous and she has a huge heart for God and for people. I found out today that you can listen to her online! If you have never had a chance to go through one of her studies, to see or hear her speak, then I encourage you to go and listen to her online. You can even purchase the mp3, which I assume means you can burn it on CD to have and listen to any time you want. I am going to check that out tonight when I get home. Seriously, give her a listen and then let me know what you think! You can also visit her website for more information on her ministry. (also lifeway) 7月19日 What Do You Think About Women's Ministry?I'm just curious here, but when you think of women's ministry, what comes to mind? Bible studies? Meetings? Committees? Social gatherings or outings? Special groups like quilting groups, reading groups, stamping groups? Do you participate in your church's ministry for women? If you do, in what capacity do you participate? Member or leader? What problems seem to come up frequently? Child care issues (not having any or enough)? Lack of particpation from women in your church when you plan meetings? Lack of interest from the women in your church? Women are simply too busy and don't want to spend that time away from home? The programs/classes/events being offered don't meet the needs of the women so they don't come? Does your women's ministry have a goal/purpose/mission? What is it? How many women oversee the women's ministry in your church? If your women's ministry has more than one leader, do they meet for organizational purposes (planning programs/events/actvities/studies) and for a Bible study with just the group of leaders? Do you think women are looking for more social things or spiritual things in their women's ministry? Do you think the groups that your women's ministry provides are more ministry oriented (meeting needs in the church or community) or fellowship oriented? Which do you prefer? What could a women's ministry offer you that would entice you to participate more in the ministry?
Please answer these, either in my comments or create your own entry with answers and let me know you did so I can read them. Thanks! 7月17日 MissionsI've been gone for the past week on a Missions trip to Montana at the Pine Haven Christian Children's Ranch. I went with a group from my church, plus a couple other church groups from our area. Anyway, it was my first real missions trip and it was hard. I flew in an airplane for the first time and got dirtier than I have ever been in my whole life. While we all had to work hard, we also had our evenings off (even though by that point our conversations made little sense) and we had a couple of days off (the Sabbath and Thursday). I got to know some of the youth from my church better, as well as some of the adults... and I got to know some of the people from area churches and from Pine Haven. It was worth the work and time to go, but man, it was a challenge. I didn't come home with any deep thoughts. I think I am simply too exhausted to really reflect too much on all that happened while there. However, I think it will be a long time before I forget the things I endured and the fun I had. And maybe as I reflect and look back on it, I will see things I didn't see before. I am looking forward to getting pictures developed. I missed coming here to update. I missed seeing what was happening in the world, but I was able to use the time away from civilization to regroup and think about things I want to do and how to do them. Things like the Salt & Light Ministry I want to get started at church, the Ladies Ministry I will continue serving on, my involvement with the CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center), my day to day life attitude, my relationships with my kids, and so much more. Mentally the trip refreshed me. Physically it drained me. I'm looking forward to sharing over the next couple of days, the things I read the past week that stood out to me personally. 7月8日 "Church" of Scientology
Boy, Tom C. really upset quite a few ppl with his whole anti-drug spiel... I coulda told him that. There is big money to be made in anti-depressants and there are a lot of people who genuinely need and benefit from them. Heck, some days I wish I could be on something. Anyway, he isn't winning any popularity awards right now. In fact, he is coming dangerously close to being one of those actors that you can't even watch his movie because all you can think about is the stuff that he says and believes in real life. I've noticed that the news about him and Katie has slowed down a bit since his spouting off... the words midlife crisis seem to ring in my head. Is Tom old enough to be having his? I think I figured out his jumping on couches bit. Katie is much younger and perhaps he thinks this is the way to reach her... How about these questions I found this morning...
I really think celebs should stick to acting and keep their mouths shut about what they think or believe, because Hollywood and actors live in a totally different world than the rest of the population and they hold some very different beliefs and for some reason think that what they believe is the norm. IT ISN'T TRUE! How anyone can follow a religion created by Hubbard is beyond me anyways. Let's take a closer look at what they believe and then I ask you, HOW CAN ANYONE BELIEVE THIS GARBAGE?
People, this is why you need to dig deep into your religions and find out what they REALLY believe. On the surface they might look like one thing and sound like one thing, and Satan would like to keep you there... on the surface of a false religion where you aren't doing him any harm. He likes Christians that stay on the surface drinking milk in Christianity where they aren't a threat to him... it's easier to twist them around to worldviews and world thinking... and ppl, THIS is worldthinking... 7月6日 QuestionIs the Christian Church obeying the command of Christ to make disciples of every nation or are too many in it using the comfort of God's grace to justify spiritual lethargy -- while the world goes to hell? Has the Christian Church become a social club, a place for babysitting, and a new found tolerance with a weakened gospel? Is the Christian Church doing what God has told it to do? "Judgment begins in the house of the Lord," (1 Peter 4:17). To the Christian Church. 6月17日 WorkRarely do I write personal things here, about my everday existence. That isn't really what this is for... I have another place I write at daily for those type of things. However, I will share that today I got a new job, working PT at a church as the church secretary. I decided to look up "Career Decisions" in my Checklist For Moms just to see what it had to say. I WILL Trust God to guide me in my decisions about work. Recognize that I don't have to feel guilty about my work choices. Reevaluate the reasons I do or do not work outside the home. Consider the financial impact on family life with and without my work outside the home. Examine my attitudes toward all work. Seek ways to balance all my work and family time. THINGS TO DO Do a topical study on work and female Bible characters: Lydia, Dorcas, Ruth, Deborah.
6月13日 How Suffering Affects UsSuffering is helpful when: We turn to God for understanding, endurance, and deliverance. We ask important questions we might not take time to think about in our normal routine. We are prepared by it to identify with and comfort others who suffer. We are open to being helped by others who are obeying God. We are ready to learn from a trustworthy God. We realize we can identify with what Christ suffered on the cross for us. We are sensitized to the amount of suffering in the world. Suffering is harmful when: We become hardened and reject God. We refuse to ask any questions and miss any lessons that might be good for us. We allow it to make us self-centered and selfish. We withdraw from the help others can give. We reject the fact that God can bring good out of calamity. We accuse God of being unjust and perhaps lead others to reject him. We refuse to be open to any changes in our lives. 6月6日 Beth MooreI was privileged to go and hear Beth Moore speak in Indianapolis this past weekend. She was excellent (like I knew she would be). I highly recommend going to see her if she is anywhere near you in the future. What she has to say is so important and true. Christians today have become intimidated by PhD's. We don't know the Word and we back down from standing firm on the Truth. We hide in our churches. Yes, we are told to not be of the world, but we SHOULD be IN the world, permeating it in every area. Not just our churches. We need Christian teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, politicians, leaders, professors. We need to be in the Word daily and KNOW the Word so we will know the Truth and be able to recognize Satan's lies. We need to be ready to give an account to other ppl why we believe what we believe, but don't be afraid to ask them why they believe what they believe. Ask them for a book (we have God's Word, what do they have?) We need to start standing up for the truth. Every day Christians are losing freedoms in the name of "freedom". We have absolute truth. Don't let other people tell you there is no absolute truth. We need to open our eyes. Satan has been working his evil and we have been blind to it and if we don't open our eyes now, there will come a day when it will be illegal to walk down the street with a bible in plain view. It will be illegal to preach in your own church that something is "wrong". Bibles will be rewritten to fit man's desires. It will be illegal to pray in public. Some of these things are already happening. Yes, we need missionaries to go abroad, but we also need missionaries in our own backyards. We need people to not hide their faith. We need our salt to infilatrate the U.S. and we need to stand up and be united... all denominations as one, fighting for our christian freedoms. Don't hide in your safe church. Get out. Be seen. Be heard. Make a difference. Obey God's calling. 5月20日 If the Mama Ain't HappySusanne Scheppmann, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member Key Verse: Philippians 2:5, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (NIV) Devotion: How does your attitude thermometer read today? Women set the emotional tone for the entire household. Several years ago a popular t-shirt slogan said, "If the mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." We laughed because it was funny, cute, and so true. Browse through the following "Mama ain't happy attitudes." Which emotions do you wear most frequently? I am the princess. The world revolves around me. I'm bored. I need more excitement in my life. I'm grumpy. Nothing ever goes my way. Poor me. I do all the work around here. I don't know about you, but I wear those attitudes more often than I care to admit. However, as Christian women we are called to a higher standard of emotional outlooks. The Apostle Paul instructs us in the book of Philippians, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (2:3-5, NIV) Let's take a look at a few of the attitudes of Jesus. Gentleness Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29, NIV) Joy I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11, NIV) Love "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34, NIV) Kindness and Mercy But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4, NIV) Each day, every moment we choose the attitudes we will wear. Let's decide right now to put on the attitude of Christ Jesus. I believe our families will rejoice in the improved emotional climate of our homes. My Prayer for Today: Lord Jesus, remind me each day to put on the right attitude. Help me incorporate your gentleness, joy, love, and kindness to every circumstance that comes my way today. Let others see You in me. Application Steps: On an index card, write down three negative moods that seem to plague you. Give some thought to three positive moods you desire more of in your life. Now in red pencil or ink cross out the negative and write next to it your three positive attitudes. Tape it to your fridge as a reminder today of your need for an attitude adjustment. Reflection Points: What excuses do I use for my bad moods? Would Jesus agree with my excuses? Which attitudes would my family say I "wear" the most? How can I remind myself each morning to put on the attitudes of Jesus? Power Verses: Ephesians 4:22-24, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (NIV) Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (NIV) Romans 12:2, "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." (NIV) 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (NIV) 5月19日 Lies women believe about sinThe enemy causes us to believe that...
We entertain ourselves with reading material, movies, TV programs, and music that reflect worldly philosophies and legitimize profanity, immodesty, and immoral behavior, never stopping to contemplate that in so doing...
We choose to hold a grudge against someone who has wronged us, ignoring the fact that sooner or later, our bitterness will...
We let ourselves get too close to a kind, thoughtful man at work or someone we meet in a chat room, refusing to let ourselves believe that...
We must keep reminding ourselves that Satan is a liar. The things God calls "sin," Satan tells us are
The Truth is that sin is dangerous, deadly and destructive. The Truth is that we will reap what we sow. The Truth is that every choice we make today will have consequences. The Truth is that if we play with fire, we will get burned. The Truth is that "sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:15) Source: Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
5月18日 Do You Have a Religion or a RelationshipMy Prayer for Today:
Dear God, thank you for your willingness to be my Friend! Help me to get to know you better. Give me a desire and thirst for Your Word. I pray that the walls I’ve built up that keep me from getting closer to You would break apart and come down. Give me the same comfort in speaking to You that David had. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Set aside a time each day just for you and God. Put it on your calendar. Make a daily date with God and commit not to break it. Bring your Bible, a notebook or journal, and a pen with you. Write down what you learn, verses you want to remember, and words that you believe are being spoken just to you from God. You will be amazed at the difference in your life as you get more comfortable sharing it with Him.
Reflection Points:
Am I afraid to know God better?
What is keeping me from having a relationship with God?
How am I spending my time?
Are my prayers to God hindered because I simply recite the same words over and over again or because I feel like I have to use certain “godly” words when I pray?
Do I speak to God straight from my heart?
Power Verses:
Psalm 5:3, “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (NLT)
James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (NIV)
James 1:5, “But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people so He will give you wisdom.” (NCV)
John 15:15, “…I have called you friends.” (NIV)
Job 29:4, “In the early years, the friendship of God was felt in my home.” (NLT)
Source: Crosswalk |
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