tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35709590466318760862024-03-12T19:23:11.038-05:00Rubies Like RuthHelping Young Ladies to Become Virtuous WomenRubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-53636588638495067942013-04-03T17:07:00.000-05:002013-04-03T17:07:18.214-05:00Slowing Down<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The time has come that comes to so many blogs where we must
“slow down.” As things have gotten busy, I have been praying about which things
to cut and which things to focus on. I have known for a while that eventually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rubies Like Ruth</i> would be one of those
things that must be cut. I am not officially saying “farewell” to our faithful
readers, but I cannot promise that there will be many new posts. We will leave
this blog open for anyone who would like to read the archives and we are still
open to guest writers. If anyone submits a guest article, you will read
something new! :)</div>
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For those of you who are interested, we are continuing our
52-Verse challenge over at <a href="http://52weeks52verses.blogspot.com/">52weeks52verses.blogspot.com</a> if you would like to
join us or read our posts. It is never too late to start memorizing God’s
Word!!</div>
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I have learned a lot while doing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rubies Like Ruth</i> regularly and pray that God will direct each of us
to follow Him more as daughters, single women, wives, and mothers.</div>
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In Christ,</div>
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Ana Renee</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Thou wilt shew me the
path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand, there are
pleasures forevermore.”</i> Psalm 16:11</div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-38620571700311812762013-02-25T19:03:00.000-06:002013-02-25T19:03:38.926-06:004 Obstacles to DiscipleshipAccording to extensive Barna studies, self-identified evangelical Christians face four obstacles to spiritual growth/discipleship. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from copyright-free-images.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Commitment</span> ~ Only 18% admit they’re committed to their spiritual growth. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Repentance </span>~ Few admit to being deeply sorry for their sins. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Activity </span>~ Most confuse church activity with spiritual depth. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Spiritual Community</span> ~Few are involved in relationships that hold them accountable. <br />
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I’ve searched my soul and found I’m weak in some areas listed above. What about you? <br />
<br />
If we want our world impacted by Christ, we need to be: <br />
~Determined and deliberate about becoming more like Christ. <br />
~Aware of how our sins separate us from God’s purposes.<br />
~More concerned with overcoming our sins that participating in church programs. <br />
~Invested in the lives of others who will also invest in our lives. <br />
<br />
Please join me in praying through these obstacles and taking steps to overcome them. <br />
<br />
It’s important that we do these things so we can obey Christ's important command in Matthew 28:19-20. <br />
<br />
Resource: 4 Aspects of Spiritual Growth <a href="http://www.barna.org/faith-spirituality/524-self-described-christians-dominate-america-but-wrestle-with-four-aspects-of-spiritual-depth">http://www.barna.org/faith-spirituality/524-self-described-christians-dominate-america-but-wrestle-with-four-aspects-of-spiritual-depth</a><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>About Gail</span></b><span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Gail Purath has
been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and
seven grandchildren. Her blog<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/"><span>Bible
Love Notes</span></a><span style="color: black;">(</span><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/"><span>http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="color: black;">) features one-minute devotions each
weekday.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="goog_682287984"></span><span id="goog_682287985"></span><br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-59377907487864477802013-02-18T21:12:00.001-06:002013-04-03T17:10:50.693-05:00Sit at Jesus' Feet<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>By Amanda T. (read her blo<span style="font-size: small;">g <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Martha was a “restless will,
hurried to and fro.” She was busy, but by her busyness, she missed out on what <i>Jesus</i> said was “that good part.” That
good part which Mary chose: simply sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening, learning,
but otherwise, <i>doing nothing!!!! </i>(see
Luke 10:38-42*)</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdN2svRbsCALKixVUhr5tJ1Dj7pOaszp89n8eiE_HimmoHJF2lPine4KLJ5BaLQ81RQyLaNUcKhoC-L2eP4WclOAHr6STL6jShyYpuTPnImoMAX-pOgzJC9iXGvFeYGoHzqZyZPKeYAs/s1600/freeimage-811340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdN2svRbsCALKixVUhr5tJ1Dj7pOaszp89n8eiE_HimmoHJF2lPine4KLJ5BaLQ81RQyLaNUcKhoC-L2eP4WclOAHr6STL6jShyYpuTPnImoMAX-pOgzJC9iXGvFeYGoHzqZyZPKeYAs/s1600/freeimage-811340.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Often, as single girls, we dream
of “Martha lives” as we observe what we perceive as dull nothingness. Whether
we desire to be an adoring bride, a mother, a pastor’s wife, a girls’
counselor, or a “busy bee,” <span style="font-size: large;">we cannot move beyond our single, seemingly stagnant
years.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In her Bible study book, <i>Living With Passion and Purpose</i>,
Elizabeth George reflected how Jesus spent thirty years before ministering for
three years, concluding, “He shows us that, if we desire ministries to others,
<span style="font-size: large;">we must start with preparation . . . and then wait for God to provide the
opportunities.” </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As single girls, we might have
many hopes and dreams for ministry. <i>But</i>
. . . now . . . as we live our single years in our parents’ homes without the busyness
previously mentioned, <span style="font-size: large;">we should be content to “sit at Jesus’ feet” and learn
and <i>prepare</i>.</span> We have no clue what
plans God has for us, but we can learn what God’s Word says. We can gird our
armor and spiritually equip ourselves for what lies ahead. As busy brides,
mothers, wives, and counselors, we will not always have an hour or two to dive
into God’s Word – but we do now. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcBLhv5KYM1BbbIp5CAQnkIKRRX_cpk0cH-uDLNLRzIWLFM0KKO7YjbOxvPOepl1AkchqzByaCWUCOlK0caihR6SX62-xbJot293HN9Op3qfD89wkPLNqGxVlp3i2kxr_Kk4bYMDNOs4/s1600/freeimage-7744574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcBLhv5KYM1BbbIp5CAQnkIKRRX_cpk0cH-uDLNLRzIWLFM0KKO7YjbOxvPOepl1AkchqzByaCWUCOlK0caihR6SX62-xbJot293HN9Op3qfD89wkPLNqGxVlp3i2kxr_Kk4bYMDNOs4/s1600/freeimage-7744574.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of frustrating our lives
with dreams of busyness, why don’t we relax in the time God has given us and
sit at His feet, absorbing His Word? </span>Why don’t we learn as much as we can? <span style="font-size: large;">Let
us not throw away “that good part” that we have now and waste it on dreams and
frivolous things.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*“Now
it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a
certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister
called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. But Martha was
cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not
care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she
help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful
and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen
that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke
10:38-42</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>About Amanda:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Amanda is a
homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family
sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes.
Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music
theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings,
and home economics. In the past few years,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Proverbs%203.5-7">Proverbs 3:5-7</a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">has been a passage that God has used in
her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit
her blog:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-17003633165160387512013-02-11T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-11T07:00:13.335-06:00A Separate Life (Part Two)<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>By Erika T.</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>{continued from last week}</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">So, how can we abandon the fleshly desires and live
according to the will of God? <b>Romans 12:2 </b> says <i>“Be
not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of
God.” </i>The verse could not be clearer: </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">before we can live according to God’s
will, we need to stop conforming to and “fitting in” this world.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> The first step
is to no longer be like those who belong in this world. I have noticed that when
I watch movies and television programs or if I listen to secular songs,
</span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">something changes in my mind.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> Even if I am careful to only watch or listen to
“clean” things (even with no open or insinuated sin) there is a mentality, a
worldly point of view that begins to infiltrate my way of thinking. Before I
know it, I suddenly know who the stars of the moment are, what a double entendre
refers to, why parodies of the latest movie are funny . . . </span><span lang="EN-CA">and I cannot
remember last week’s memory verse.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">I do not know how it happens, but I start to
believe certain sins are not so bad.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> Adultery becomes normal and a half-lie,
justifiable. My world, once so white, begins to take on a gray tone so light I
barely notice it. But gray tones blur the lines between white and black. Watch
out! </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">Conformity to this world comes slowly, subtle and silent, but it’s fatal
to Christian life. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">The verse also gives a contrast: “…be ye transformed”.
This is not just about being different from the world; we need to change our
thinking to God’s way and know what His will is. </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">It is a turnaround in our
mentality: leaving the world’s knowledge and being molded to have God’s
thoughts,</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> to know what His perfect and acceptable will is. How can I think like
God if I am soaking in things that have nothing to do with Him? To change our
way of thinking, we must surround ourselves only with things related to Him,
which takes us to the next verse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">Philippians
4:8, </span></b><i><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any
praise, think on these things.”</span></i><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> How does my life
measure up? Is the content of that movie true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of
good report (that means, having a good reputation), does it have any virtue
(anything just plain good), is it worthy of praise? Are the songs I listen to
true, just and pure? Could I describe my conversations with others as good? How
about honest? </span><span lang="EN-CA">Is my favorite topic of conversation worthy of praise?</span><span lang="EN-CA"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">Will my
activities give me a good reputation? Or are they the same as any unbeliever’s
might be? If I focus on thinking only what this verse approves, I will probably
feel limited. However, as I surround myself with things that please God and my
mind is transformed, my thinking will be shaped to be more like His. </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly,
knowing what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is will not be so
difficult. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">We know God wills us to be holy. This is not only a command,
as in 1 Peter 1:16, it is also a call. In <b>1
Corinthians 1:2</b> the apostle speaks to <i>“…them
that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in
every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,” </i>In giving us both
these verses, God makes it very clear that </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">being holy is not simply our
position, it is something to be practiced.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> We should live like the saints we
are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">The purpose of our Christian life can be summarized in
<b>1 Corinthians 10:31</b>. <i>“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”</i> The verse clearly gives us a
basic guideline for everything we do during the day. Will my plans for this
afternoon glorify God? How will God be glorified if I go <i>there</i>? If I dress like <i>this</i> or talk like <i>that</i>, will I be glorifying to God? Eating and drinking are basic,
everyday activities; this verse teaches us that even the most common things in
life can glorify God. The question is: </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">do I use my time to glorify Him or to
satisfy the desires of my flesh? </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">As you probably know, holiness is separation. A verse
that states it simply is <b>Hebrews 13:13</b>.
<i>“Let us go forth therefore unto him
without the camp, bearing his reproach.” </i>Being holy means abandoning the
world with its humor, its entertainment, its worldview and its politics. </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">Holiness
is not simply separation from the world, however. It is also going out <i>unto Him</i>. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">If we abandon worldly ideas
and activities, it is to take up the ideas and activities of the Lord. We will
not just leave the world’s songs, dress, movies, politics and jokes. We will
have Christ! Of course, He will give us many things to replace the false joys
we lost, but best of all, we will know Him more, we will worship Him more, and
we will love Him more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">The following verses express how far we are from the
goal, but encourage us not to give up in the battle for holiness. <b>Philippians 3:12-14,</b> <i>“Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that
for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself
to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”</i> No
Christian is perfect. Saying, “I’m not perfect. I’m not spiritual.” appears to
be an easy way out; however the apostle clearly informs us that </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">acknowledging this
is not reason enough to surrender. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">We have not yet reached the goal, but
“Holiness unto the Lord” is exactly why we were apprehended (seized) by the
Him! </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Each day we <i>can</i> learn more and
come closer to the goal for which our Lord Jesus Christ saved us. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>About Erika:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe2eZdPB7cGMmYyN0wSAufsEs4nKPiaT82GdzRmOyOzi-kKyeIFgRRkHpAQyK01jfjxir2HCDlNZ_NGhwYfElqHX_d3mEj7kXCdfRls1TX5Mgjp3RpZxWh3TXJK3E-qgoMDbsM4p1C5k/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe2eZdPB7cGMmYyN0wSAufsEs4nKPiaT82GdzRmOyOzi-kKyeIFgRRkHpAQyK01jfjxir2HCDlNZ_NGhwYfElqHX_d3mEj7kXCdfRls1TX5Mgjp3RpZxWh3TXJK3E-qgoMDbsM4p1C5k/s200/DSC_0003.JPG" width="151" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I'm Erika Simone, a missionary kid who loves to sing, read
and write. I've lived in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>
since 1992, and I love the missionary life! God saved me at the age of
seven and I've been learning more about Him ever since. He is so very gracious
in my life, I cannot describe how wonderful it is to know His love. If you want
to read more of my writing I have a blog in English (<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">) that I have put on
hold recently and a blog in Spanish (<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">) where I still post three
times a week. </span></span></div>
<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-3365590558678919302013-02-04T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-04T07:00:11.308-06:00A Separate Life (Part One)<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>By Erika T. (read her blog <a href="http://meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">I see something in my generation which concerns me
very much:</span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;"> a lack of holiness.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">1
Peter 1:16</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> gives a very clear commandment to each Christian: <i>“Be ye holy; for I am holy.” </i>It seems
impossible - and from the human standpoint, it is. However, </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">when God asks</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> us to
do something, </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">He also gives us the strength to obey</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Several verses show us how to live a holy life, a life
separate from the world (Remember the saying: “It’s not about living as close
to the world as you can, but about living as far from the world as you can”).
I’d like to explain a little about how we can apply these verses to our lives,
so we can live as God desires and asks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First, I would like to notice <b>Ephesians 5:3, </b><i>“But
fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becometh saints”</i>. I wonder at the carelessness in our
conversations. I have heard young people casually mention many sins and
sometimes even joke about them . . . and we are expected to laugh! Are we not
believers? Does God not call us “holy”? Such banter is not right. In fact, according
to <b>Ephesians 5: 11 & 12</b>, it is embarrassing
(At least, it should be)! <i>“And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For
it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”</i>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">1
Thessalonians 5:22 </span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">states, <b>“</b><i>Abstain
from all appearance of evil.” </i>This verse mentions that evil exists in many
different appearances or forms. Therefore, we are not simply required to
abstain from “obvious” sins. The commandment is a bit more general: “all
appearance.” According to the dictionary, “to abstain” means to deprive
yourself of something. So,</span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;"> if I listen to songs that speak of any type of sin,
am I abstaining from all evil?</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> When I watch a movie in which sin is
represented, or perhaps is only insinuated, am I abstaining from all evil? God
asks me to avoid all forms of evil. Thoughts, movies, books, songs, conversations,
magazines or television programs that contain even a little bit of sin have some
form of evil. </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">Am I willing to obey the command of God (notice: not suggestion)
and abstain from <i>every form</i> of evil?</span><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">Romans
8:7 & 8</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> mentions something drastic, “<i>Because the carnal mind is enmity against
God: for it is not subject to the law of
God, neither indeed can be.” </i>This verse made me think of the motivation for
us to watch unclean movies, listen to impure songs and read pages that display
sin. Why do we? Because we want to. If we did not, others could not talk us
into it or “make” us do it. </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">We are simply following the will of our flesh.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"> But
that is a problem. We are believers; we are here to serve God. When we follow
our own fleshly will, we not only dishonor God, </span><span lang="EN-CA">we act as God’s enemy!</span><span lang="EN-CA"> </span><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-size: large;">How
could I possibly be content acting like God is my enemy in order to cater to my
whims? </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;">If I, as a Christian, live according to the desires of my flesh, I
cannot please God. It is that simple.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, how can we abandon the fleshly desires and live
according to the will of God?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. . . come back tomorrow to read the answers!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About Erika:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe2eZdPB7cGMmYyN0wSAufsEs4nKPiaT82GdzRmOyOzi-kKyeIFgRRkHpAQyK01jfjxir2HCDlNZ_NGhwYfElqHX_d3mEj7kXCdfRls1TX5Mgjp3RpZxWh3TXJK3E-qgoMDbsM4p1C5k/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe2eZdPB7cGMmYyN0wSAufsEs4nKPiaT82GdzRmOyOzi-kKyeIFgRRkHpAQyK01jfjxir2HCDlNZ_NGhwYfElqHX_d3mEj7kXCdfRls1TX5Mgjp3RpZxWh3TXJK3E-qgoMDbsM4p1C5k/s200/DSC_0003.JPG" width="151" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I'm Erika Simone, a missionary kid who loves to sing, read
and write. I've lived in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>
since 1992, and I love the missionary life! God saved me at the age of
seven and I've been learning more about Him ever since. He is so very gracious
in my life, I cannot describe how wonderful it is to know His love. If you want
to read more of my writing I have a blog in English (<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #1155cc;">thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">) that I have put on
hold recently and a blog in Spanish (<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #1155cc;">meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">) where I still post three
times a week. </span></span></span></div>
<br />
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-30214313000606161672013-01-28T15:22:00.000-06:002013-01-28T15:22:00.065-06:00Transformers<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>By Gail Purath (read her blog <a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I became a Christian, I couldn’t get enough of God’s
Word. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And God began to rid my life of things that didn’t conform
to His Word: I tossed out record albums and books with immoral themes. Certain
words disappeared from my vocabulary, and I was convicted when I treated
someone selfishly. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVTtjHEuEG5CK1xM76Ay5JEDnQ8zvkUg69fModmR-yZBXGwNikN1Do693QLMSno-656g2bvmLVpPLoU3UtkQUeD_yApIvqFMFKqlkZDjiBI8yzVUVE_InpIIwx43ZmxHf0hCc-u2h4uc/s1600/70790738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVTtjHEuEG5CK1xM76Ay5JEDnQ8zvkUg69fModmR-yZBXGwNikN1Do693QLMSno-656g2bvmLVpPLoU3UtkQUeD_yApIvqFMFKqlkZDjiBI8yzVUVE_InpIIwx43ZmxHf0hCc-u2h4uc/s1600/70790738.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from PrintMaster Gold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The truths I was learning in God’s Word,</span> Christian books,
and Bible study groups <span style="font-size: large;">were transforming my mind.</span> This process, often called
sanctification, is an integral part of our Christian life “<span class="text">Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.<sup> </sup>For
it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”</span>
(Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:12-13).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Transformation is a lifelong process, worth our best
efforts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year let’s make a resolution to be more deliberate and
serious about our sanctification. Let's give it our all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>About Gail:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtmsxer8rGQQdJO8KMeJM8_LlK-6R3W-oK1o3OWF_wtbUztIxxfhIespHvoERu1MiqMM4Syk7WSAzSm2qvJS96aNmHId8t8PQh6Rf42JrXgfepC9yFrKX53YVys40CcgG0q6EzVX6PFw/s1600/Gail+Purath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtmsxer8rGQQdJO8KMeJM8_LlK-6R3W-oK1o3OWF_wtbUztIxxfhIespHvoERu1MiqMM4Syk7WSAzSm2qvJS96aNmHId8t8PQh6Rf42JrXgfepC9yFrKX53YVys40CcgG0q6EzVX6PFw/s1600/Gail+Purath.JPG" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Gail Purath has
been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and
seven grandchildren. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Her blog<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/"><span>Bible
Love Notes</span></a><span style="color: black;">(</span><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/"><span>http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="color: black;">) features one-minute devotions each
weekday.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-12314917075402562462013-01-21T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-21T07:00:03.070-06:00Unhidden<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<i>By Amanda T. (read her blog <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
“God sees everything.” We have
heard this concept, but do we really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i>
it? Reading
through Psalm 139:1-16 helps to paint a clearer picture of this concept. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">: </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my Thought
afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with
all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou
knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine
hand upon me.</i> (Psalm 139:1-5)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Truth:</b> The Lord knows everything about us. He not only knows who we
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say</i> we are, but also who we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> are – better than we do
ourselves. Right now, He is around us seeing what we are doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses:</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Such knowledge is too
wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.</i> (Psalm 139:6)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Truth:</b> God, the Creator of the Universe, the Master of the seas,
the all-knowing, omnipotent Ruler, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my name!</i> He has bowed down from His
Majestic throne to take interest in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my
life!</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy
presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell,
behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the
uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right
hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the
night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the
night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.</i>
(Psalm 139:7-12)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Truth: </b>There is absolutely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nowhere</i>
that we can go to hide from God. He sees us wherever we are, at all times. Our
sins might stay hidden to those around us, but they are open and revealed
before God’s eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses:</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For Thou hast
possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise Thee;
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my
soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in
secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did
see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were
written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of
them.</i> (Psalm 139:13-16)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Truth:</b> From day one of conception, God saw us. He was working in
our lives to mold us as He saw best then, and is still working in our lives
today – spiritually and physically – to continually mold us as He sees fit.
Because God created us and molded us, we are a marvelous work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are some truths that you see
in these verses?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">About Amanda:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Amanda is a
homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family
sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes.
Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music
theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings,
and home economics. In the past few years,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Proverbs%203.5-7"><span>Proverbs 3:5-7</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">has been a passage that God has used in
her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit
her blog:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/"><span>withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b> </span></div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-40401704222849138692013-01-14T18:29:00.000-06:002013-01-14T18:29:43.358-06:00Happiness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><i>By Ana Renee</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What makes you happy? A nice, warm mug of hot cocoa? A big
hug from your baby sister? A long hand-written letter? In our modern world,
there are many things that make us “happy” and many things that steal our
happiness. <span style="font-size: large;">But what is happiness according to God’s Word?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
In the Old Testament, one form of
being happy is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">esher</i>, meaning “how
happy!” What things does God consider adequate to make us happy? <span style="font-size: large;">How can we
truly be happy?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1) Have God as our Lord</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 144:15, “Happy is that people, that
is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2) Fear God</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 115.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 128:1-2, “Blessed
is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt
eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with
thee.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 28:14, “Happy is the man
that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3) Trust God</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 16:20, “He that handleth a
matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4) Keep God’s Law</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no
vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5) Seek God’s Help</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 146:5, “Happy is he that hath
the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6) Accept God’s
Wisdom</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 3:13, “Happy is the man that
findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7) Show Mercy to
Others</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 14:21, “He that despiseth
his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the New Testament, the Greek Word for happy is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">makarios</i>, meaning “Supremely blest,
fortunate, well off.” Added to the Old Testament’s list for happiness, we can
have happiness with the following:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8) Serve God and
Others</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 13:16-17, “Verily, verily, I say
unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent
greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do
them.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9) Suffer for
Christ’s Sake</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Peter 3:14, “But and if ye suffer
for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror,
neither be troubled;”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Peter 4:14, “If ye be reproached
for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God
resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is
glorified.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">True happiness is not merely a mushy, warm feeling,</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">but a
secure faith and trust in Christ Jesus, a heart wholly dedicated to serving
Him. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you happy?</span></div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-12587765647584381932013-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-07T07:00:02.185-06:00What Path of Life?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: left;">
<i>By Ana Renee</i></div>
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"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence if fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." </div>
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(Psalm 16:11)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://copyright-free-images.com/">copyright-free-images.com</a></td></tr>
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I am
seeing something in young people today that greatly saddens me: the <span style="font-size: large;">search for
worldly pleasures</span> and their <span style="font-size: large;">desire for me to join them</span>. According to this
verse, I need not college to understand the "path of life," <span style="font-size: large;">I need
God.</span> I need not relationships, clothes, or career to give me fullness of joy, <span style="font-size: large;">I
need God's presence.</span> I need not parties, games, movies, and activities to give
me pleasure, <span style="font-size: large;">I need closeness to God.</span> The world (ultimately satan) wants to
make us believe that praying to God is boring, a life spent going to church
dull, and reading/memorizing God's Word is a chore, but the more time we spend
with our Heavenly Father, the more we see the truth of the hymn, <span style="font-size: large;">"And the
things of earth will grow strangely dim,</span> in the light of His glory and
grace."<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(Turn Your Eyes Upon
Jesus, by Helen H. Lemmel)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a
new year dawns, may our desire be to grow closer to the Lord and separated from
the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-8887599336225069952012-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:002012-12-03T07:00:03.613-06:00Why Are You So Far Away, Lord?<i>By Gail Purath (read her blog <a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">“<span class="text">Why standest thou afar off, O </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?</span>” * </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Psalms often begin like the one above. This tells us: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We can honestly share our feelings with God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Even the best of God’s children have doubts and confusion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Psalms are good to read when we're troubled because the
Psalmist always moves from doubts and confusion to faith and hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"<span class="text">Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest
mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself
unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.</span>” * </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Psalm-like prayers will: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">change our perspective </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">remind us of God’s past faithfulness </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">assure us of God’s present and future faithfulness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Are you feeling discouraged? Tell God about it honestly,
then change your perspective by reminding yourself of God’s past, present and
future faithfulness in your life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>*Psalm 10:1,14</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(There is only one of the 150 Psalms that does not end
with hope: Psalm 88.)</i></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>About Gail:</b></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Gail Purath has been
married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven
grandchildren. Her blog <a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">Bible Love Notes</span></a> <span style="color: blue;">(<a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://biblelovenotes.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a></span>)
features one-minute devotions each weekday.</span></i></div>
<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-47041909113484638422012-11-26T07:00:00.000-06:002012-11-26T07:00:00.293-06:00My Jesus, I Love Thee<br />
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<i>By Ana Renee</i></div>
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A few Sundays ago, we sang the hymn, “My Jesus, I Love
Thee.” As I thought through the words I was impressed at how the hymn-writer
poured out his heart with adoration for Jesus Christ. I began to ask the
question, “Why do I love Jesus?” The answers came quickly, and many of them
echoed the hymn-writers’ words. I love Jesus because He died in my stead. I
love Jesus because He made it possible for me to have a personal relationship
with Him. I love Jesus because He cares for me. I love Jesus because He shows
His love for me in so many different ways. And the list goes on . . .</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, do you love Jesus?? </span><i>Why</i> do you love Jesus?</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Here are the lyrics to the hymn, “My Jesus, I Love Thee.” </div>
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<i>Words by William R.
Featherston<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;</div>
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For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;</div>
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My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou:</div>
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If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.</div>
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I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,</div>
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And purchased my pardon on <st1:place w:st="on">Calvary</st1:place>’s
tree;</div>
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I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:</div>
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If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.</div>
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I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,</div>
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And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;</div>
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And say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow;</div>
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If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.</div>
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In mansions of glory and endless delight,</div>
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I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;</div>
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I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:</div>
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If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.</div>
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<o:p> <span style="font-size: large;">Has a certain hymn spoken to you recently? What was the hymn? What does it mean to you?</span></o:p></div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-51024595184424014012012-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:002012-11-19T07:00:13.873-06:00Counting, Counting, Counting<i>By Ana Renee</i><br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is often a time when we actually STOP to think of the blessings God has abundantly given us. <span style="font-size: large;">Let us not stop counting those blessings,</span> but all throughout this week, next week, next month, next year, next decade, continue to count the blessings that God has given us and thank Him for all that He has done and is doing in our lives.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seven things I am thankful for:</span><br />
1) My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ<br />
2) My Bible - God's instruction book for my life<br />
3) Freedom to serve God and go to church<br />
4) A Godly family<br />
5) Abilities and gifts<br />
6) Another day<br />
7) Good health<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What seven things are YOU thankful for??</span>Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-39622179899234123662012-11-12T07:00:00.000-06:002012-11-12T07:00:14.666-06:00Loving Each Other More Than Butter<i>By Julia (read her blog <a href="http://jewelsbyjulia.wordpress.com/">here</a>) </i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAjk_f_VdeCtpv3qxSPleKLNYmF-BKx_tZoTKYQjNiMTyocz3j7N9ff9-kW1e5jIXY98Z1iwkQFgoMMKU_DDegMWyUWE4n1DKzl4SbEmw4lXOP9E5WO9HDdCFzH6APr6IeJkXMB3o2s_N/s320/Madeline.jpg" /></div>
<br />"We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love each other". :)<br /><br />That was what the little girls in the Madeline stories always said before they ate their dinners. It's cute, and happened to be the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the topic - "Love Each Other". <br /> <br /> But is that true for us? For you?<br /> <br /> Okay, instead of 'butter', pretend that sentence includes something you love a lot. Like chocolate. Or your computer. Or your very favorite pair of adorable shoes.... or: ________ <-- insert your favorite thing there. <br /> <br /> Now imagine your friend (or sibling) comes along and suddenly, accidentally, wrecks your favorite thing. They spill their glass of water right on your laptop. They knock your box of chocolates over, scattering them across the ground. Whatever your favorite thing was, it is now totally ruined at the hands of this other person. <br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"> What is your response?</span> <br /> Honestly, most days I would be sorely tempted to get quite upset at the other person who had damaged one of my possessions. I might even yell if it was something I was really attached to. The stammered apologies from my friend/sibling would not soothe the pangs of loss of my-favorite-thing. <br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"> But this is wrong. </span><br /> <br /> My heart should be so loving and open and tender towards the other person that it doesn't matter what they've done. I love them anyway. I would wrap my arms around my loved one and whisper "It's okay. Don't worry. I forgive you." without an ounce of bitterness or anger lurking inside. <br /> <br /> "Now hang on a sec!" you might be thinking, "Why would I want to be that much of a pansy? Give me one good reason I should act like such a pushover if somebody messed up my iPhone!" <br /> <br /> (Oh, so it was your iPhone, was it?) ;) <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We love Him, because He first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God loves his brother also. (1 John 4:19-21) </span><br /><br />Dear friends, the God of the universe who holds the world in His hand loves you more than anything. YOU are His favorite thing. Because He loves us, we show, give, and have love for each other.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)</span><br /> <br /> Let's focus on loving one another selflessly, the way He wants us to love each other. <br /> <br /> Even more than butter. ;)<br /> <b><br /> About Julia: </b><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJdkvUSGjWAYMXpdMXOBp5WX8-oFdVbcp2dteCLCUUvCx19D7iEodMxNAuBZlHIAIbGfMBX2SPYZrdRzBvZUAenffi1iZMIRP8mlw3iqP0lKCLNmuc6ELmPyI_EsH4juqZWnI1FkgIDE/s1600/P1017030aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJdkvUSGjWAYMXpdMXOBp5WX8-oFdVbcp2dteCLCUUvCx19D7iEodMxNAuBZlHIAIbGfMBX2SPYZrdRzBvZUAenffi1iZMIRP8mlw3iqP0lKCLNmuc6ELmPyI_EsH4juqZWnI1FkgIDE/s200/P1017030aa.jpg" width="200" /></a>Julia loves her Lord and Savior with her whole heart, and thanks Him daily for the blessing of her wonderful parents and two brothers. She lives in a log home in the country with a big garden and lots of chickens, although she grew up near the beach in South Florida. She designs handmade jewelry, crochets intricate afghans, and writes novels, among many other hobbies. An avid reader of Jane Austen, Julia adores English Country Dancing. Julia loves colors and sparkle, music and laughter. She blogs at <a href="http://www.jewelsbyjulia.wordpress.com/">http://www.jewelsbyjulia.wordpress.com/</a>.<div>
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Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-1007790865272697242012-11-05T07:00:00.000-06:002012-11-05T07:00:07.888-06:00When Nothing Comforts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgzVdq0My6zuSfipqnQa2Iwqwr801HtbLgooML-Qq4-_jUs2P3eRuTFt9j7htkD_4kidTtgIGLQJgoMR_HSwEid-itufV02VfgELt_vZENHhk35kPVwGvS2CLfYwhjQMJUpqHKioPB1w/s1600/IMG_3100+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgzVdq0My6zuSfipqnQa2Iwqwr801HtbLgooML-Qq4-_jUs2P3eRuTFt9j7htkD_4kidTtgIGLQJgoMR_HSwEid-itufV02VfgELt_vZENHhk35kPVwGvS2CLfYwhjQMJUpqHKioPB1w/s400/IMG_3100+watermark.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Amanda - <a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">By Gail Purath (read her blog </span><a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />"I cried out to the Lord but nothing would comfort me. I remembered how much better things used to be and felt abandoned by God."<br /><br />This is how the psalmist begins Psalm 77. <br /><br />But the psalmist doesn’t stop there. <span style="font-size: large;">He remembers God’s past faithfulness, reminds himself of God’s character, and remembers that God’s methods are not always visible. </span><br /><br />So next time we feel abandoned and nothing helps, we can follow the psalmist’s lead: <br /> ~Write down ways God has helped and guided us in the past.<br /> ~Ponder God’s character: faithful, loving, holy, good, just, caring, all knowing, perfect.<br /> ~Reread the Red Sea account (Exodus 14) and realize how hopeless things looked up to the point where God revealed His “footprints.”<br /> ~And whether we’re discouraged or not, it’s a good thing to memorize this line:<br /><br /> <br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” Psalm 77:19</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />~~~</span><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtmsxer8rGQQdJO8KMeJM8_LlK-6R3W-oK1o3OWF_wtbUztIxxfhIespHvoERu1MiqMM4Syk7WSAzSm2qvJS96aNmHId8t8PQh6Rf42JrXgfepC9yFrKX53YVys40CcgG0q6EzVX6PFw/s1600/Gail+Purath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtmsxer8rGQQdJO8KMeJM8_LlK-6R3W-oK1o3OWF_wtbUztIxxfhIespHvoERu1MiqMM4Syk7WSAzSm2qvJS96aNmHId8t8PQh6Rf42JrXgfepC9yFrKX53YVys40CcgG0q6EzVX6PFw/s200/Gail+Purath.JPG" width="148" /></span></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About Gail:</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog <a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/">Bible Love Notes</a> (<a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/">http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com</a>) features one-minute devotions each weekday.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-57852450102990211252012-10-29T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-29T07:00:02.333-05:00Water of Life (Part 2 of 2)<div>
<i>By Amanda T. (read her blog <a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have already looked at the
soil in which we are planted. But there is one important element in raising
fruit trees that we forgot to mention: water. We can dig a hole, stick our
fruit tree in it, cover it with soil (even good soil), and leave it. What will
soon happen? The tree will thrive for a while, gaining nutrients from the soil,
but without water, the tree will eventually shrivel up and die.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pCA3k42KWFbpZ64Yq5hJc3uDW-IQSWr6ZoZvOMfrJT4oNKbkTvTVgpw1UepA6PGzQp_fgMthtmYLQUPRmNC0Qs0vrtt8ilAh-dWvh8M0qpykOipEMcE1-87orEuWugO6E_pG_0fFseo/s1600/freeimage-2924847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pCA3k42KWFbpZ64Yq5hJc3uDW-IQSWr6ZoZvOMfrJT4oNKbkTvTVgpw1UepA6PGzQp_fgMthtmYLQUPRmNC0Qs0vrtt8ilAh-dWvh8M0qpykOipEMcE1-87orEuWugO6E_pG_0fFseo/s320/freeimage-2924847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images from <a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said, <i>“whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never
thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water
springing up into everlasting life.”</i> (John 4:14)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can spend hours a day bent
over God’s Word (the good Soil), reading chapter after chapter, but unless we
have Jesus Christ living inside us – that life-giving Water – it will not take
root and bear fruit. <span style="font-size: large;">Reading the Bible is not enough. It will not save us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us revisit the passage where
Jesus says He is the living water: </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>There cometh a woman of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Samaria</st1:place></st1:city> to draw water: Jesus saith unto her,
Give me to drink.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>(For His disciples were gone away unto the
city to buy meat.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then saith the woman of <st1:city w:st="on">Samaria</st1:city>
unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a
woman of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Samaria</st1:place></st1:city>?
for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou
knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink;
thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast
nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that
living water?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Art thou greater than our father Jacob,
which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his
cattle?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever
drinketh of this water shall thirst again:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>But whosoever drinketh of the water that I
shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be
in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this
water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
John
4:7-15</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The woman that Jesus talked with
was an adulterous woman. She had had five husbands and was currently living
with a man who was not her husband (see John 4:17-18). She had a void in her
life that no man could fill – she had proven that by her multiple husbands. <span style="font-size: large;">But
when she met Jesus, she realized that He could fill her void – He could quench
her thirst eternally.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkoE2tutIhOvc0Md72BY-y4mc67MRuatZL-_7VUNVjAt424VVQxB3N95dVBAv7PeXZgsk37OV2bfzs6qnX1Xx2YajPPbPSLeSQkkC0gpHL8TcOUicF_LMjQt5ar5eTvsaT7eIhxmBUMc/s1600/freeimage-5649303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkoE2tutIhOvc0Md72BY-y4mc67MRuatZL-_7VUNVjAt424VVQxB3N95dVBAv7PeXZgsk37OV2bfzs6qnX1Xx2YajPPbPSLeSQkkC0gpHL8TcOUicF_LMjQt5ar5eTvsaT7eIhxmBUMc/s320/freeimage-5649303.jpg" width="320" /></a>John 3:16 says, “<i>For God so loved the world, that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.”</i> Because of His great love for us, Jesus was willing to
come down and offer us much-needed, life-giving water.<i> “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not
is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.”</i> (John 3:18) <span style="font-size: large;">This water is offered to every man,
woman, girl, and boy freely, but we must <i>accept</i>
the free water. </span>We must accept Christ’s gift (Romans 6:23, <i>“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.”</i>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we do not accept God’s gift,
our tree (life) will soon lack what it needs to live life abundantly. But if we
allow God’s Water of Life to nourish our roots, coupled with the soil of His
Word, our life will grow, thrive, and ultimately, bear fruit for the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you accepted God’s gift? Are
you drinking from God’s Living Water?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>About Amanda:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amanda is a
homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Louisiana</st1:place></st1:state>. Their family
sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes.
Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music
theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings,
and home economics. In the past few years,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Proverbs%203.5-7">Proverbs 3:5-7</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>has been a passage that God has used in
her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit
her blog:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-71968140718701272062012-10-22T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-22T07:00:13.056-05:00Soil for Life (Part 1 of 2)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>By Amanda T. (read her blog <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Into what kind of soil would one
plant a fruit tree? Hard clay, a mixture of clay and soil, or rich, fertilized
soil? If we want our tree to grow, thrive, and bear fruit, we would wisely
choose the rich soil.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr0EclBQzU6o9K_Y_U8bGapQwxs3Z-2K6PRgmwmDbra4qO6Jyy4nBg9BmIRWIiv2PO-TWqpa4BFa3Gi13rYqYUSskb6GnGvhKH5FPlvnboGtwP4Nukmc-0nS2zfW1JyZe4LnhTmWEvNE/s1600/freeimage-25270267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr0EclBQzU6o9K_Y_U8bGapQwxs3Z-2K6PRgmwmDbra4qO6Jyy4nBg9BmIRWIiv2PO-TWqpa4BFa3Gi13rYqYUSskb6GnGvhKH5FPlvnboGtwP4Nukmc-0nS2zfW1JyZe4LnhTmWEvNE/s320/freeimage-25270267.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Into what kind of soil are we
planting our life in? Hard, worldly clay, a mix of worldly clay and Bible soil,
or the rich soil of God’s pure, untainted Word? If we want our life to be
healthy, meaningful, and ultimately fruit-bearing, we would wisely choose the
best soil: God’s Word. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Are</i> we choosing wisely?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us do a quick test. Think
through the following questions carefully and answer them honestly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Do I spend more time in God’s Word than I do in secular books, movies,
or internet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Do I quote Scripture more often than movies?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Are the people I look up to Heroes of the Faith or movie
actors/actresses?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Are my thoughts about love and romance Biblical or Hollywood?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTNoAITzSat8ng_477OqcU9ipV4038Oror6mhNPwrvrFwj4-8yS43zHEXdhReVGnjVoNVodXuAXujz5IjxLsB03aLBTJxCm27S7b3pB8Z8mu239KyUFsKDEFlUa4y6ga58s3xLWABYGo/s1600/freeimage-8991226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTNoAITzSat8ng_477OqcU9ipV4038Oror6mhNPwrvrFwj4-8yS43zHEXdhReVGnjVoNVodXuAXujz5IjxLsB03aLBTJxCm27S7b3pB8Z8mu239KyUFsKDEFlUa4y6ga58s3xLWABYGo/s320/freeimage-8991226.jpg" width="213" /></a>
~Do I rate sin according to God’s standard, or the world’s standard?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Do I condone movies and books that go contrary to God’s Word?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Do I desire to be like Christ, or do I desire to be like my favorite
movie/book character?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many other questions one
could ask, but the bottom line is: <span style="font-size: large;">our thoughts and beliefs will be directed by
what we spend most of our time with.</span> If we allow the world to lead us (plant
our roots in clay), our spiritual life will soon shrivel up and die. If we spend a <i>little </i>time reading God’s Word (mixing a <i>little</i> of the good soil with our clay) our spiritual life will do <i>okay</i>, but we will still struggle to
thrive when the freeze (trials/temptations) come. But, if our roots are
lavishing in the rich soil of God’s Word, then our spiritual life will grow
sturdy and be able to endure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Where are your roots planted?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus
the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the
faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest
any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of
men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. </i>Colossians
2:6-8</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am the true vine, and my Father is the
husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.</i>
John 15:1-2</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p>~~~</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" width="133" /></a><o:p><b>About Amanda:</b></o:p></div>
Amanda is a homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes. Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home economics. In the past few years, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Proverbs%203.5-7">Proverbs 3:5-7</a> has been a passage that God has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit her blog: <a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-9923758614513772102012-10-15T17:39:00.001-05:002012-10-15T17:39:18.255-05:00Everything We Do<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Abraham expressed his faith by packing his bags and moving.
David administered a kingdom. Jesus pounded nails on a carpenter’s bench. Paul
made friends, sewed tents, planned journeys, and raised funds for the poor in <st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city>. Through such
ordinary deeds the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> advanced. What
they did mattered less than why and for whom. In creation, in incarnation, in
all acts on earth, God hallows the ordinary.” Philip Yancey *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every day</span> we make choices: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to work
diligently or lazily </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to be considerate
or rude </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to neglect or
nourish our relationship with the Lord</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to excuse or
repent of our sins </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk42RO7VC5XlwwpF5Lz7WCF3P9jxpZM-jS16FROQplAyByF8dhac5WZjQ3EQDbnfgLkSAQZtMzYYyE8ogWEyI3XSIBU-uaOLA5xLaD1fQCCg0O4FXnKt8Mnm_MVxDqOBwFp1G4j7Xs8g/s1600/freeimage-5596045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk42RO7VC5XlwwpF5Lz7WCF3P9jxpZM-jS16FROQplAyByF8dhac5WZjQ3EQDbnfgLkSAQZtMzYYyE8ogWEyI3XSIBU-uaOLA5xLaD1fQCCg0O4FXnKt8Mnm_MVxDqOBwFp1G4j7Xs8g/s400/freeimage-5596045.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://stockfreeimages.com/">stockfreeimages.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You might have influence over hundreds of employees or two
toddlers. You may decide how your company spends $2,000,000 or how your family
spends $20. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="text">“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as
to the Lord” </span>because God cares about the ordinary and extraordinary
duties of our lives. (Colossians 3:23). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">* Rumours of Another World, Philip Yancey, Zondarvan,
copyright 2003, Page 231</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>About Gail</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtmsxer8rGQQdJO8KMeJM8_LlK-6R3W-oK1o3OWF_wtbUztIxxfhIespHvoERu1MiqMM4Syk7WSAzSm2qvJS96aNmHId8t8PQh6Rf42JrXgfepC9yFrKX53YVys40CcgG0q6EzVX6PFw/s1600/Gail+Purath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtmsxer8rGQQdJO8KMeJM8_LlK-6R3W-oK1o3OWF_wtbUztIxxfhIespHvoERu1MiqMM4Syk7WSAzSm2qvJS96aNmHId8t8PQh6Rf42JrXgfepC9yFrKX53YVys40CcgG0q6EzVX6PFw/s200/Gail+Purath.JPG" width="148" /></a></div>
Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog <a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/">Bible Love Notes</a>(<a href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/">http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com</a>) features one-minute devotions each weekday.Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-48571380420708141462012-10-08T06:00:00.000-05:002012-10-08T06:00:00.415-05:00Unhidden<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i>By Amanda T. (read her blog <a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“God sees everything.” We have
heard this concept, but do we really <i>know</i>
it? <st1:city w:st="on">Reading</st1:city>
through Psalm 139:1-16 helps to paint a clearer picture of this concept. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfT9u5Mc0diNhe6VjDc3rzlT8iXZwmKftmnEx33PQVseaQ4qvZebHAKiTahGaPQd7SpXEb_xXle8gr3o67wzl2TvQ8CJmaFutnjZG9_L5bf5LA4FrYXt5CKk57sJkwwmO8HDmsB219TY/s1600/freeimage-4811368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfT9u5Mc0diNhe6VjDc3rzlT8iXZwmKftmnEx33PQVseaQ4qvZebHAKiTahGaPQd7SpXEb_xXle8gr3o67wzl2TvQ8CJmaFutnjZG9_L5bf5LA4FrYXt5CKk57sJkwwmO8HDmsB219TY/s400/freeimage-4811368.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://freestockimages.com/">freestockimages.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Verses<i>: </i></b><i>O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my Thought
afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with
all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou
knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine
hand upon me.</i> (Psalm 139:1-5)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Truth:</b> The Lord knows everything about us. He not only knows who we
<i>say</i> we are, but also who we <i>really</i> are – better than we do
ourselves. Right now, He is around us seeing what we are doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Verses:</b> <i>Such knowledge is too
wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.</i> (Psalm 139:6)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Truth:</b> God, the Creator of the Universe, the Master of the seas,
the all-knowing, omnipotent Ruler, <i>know</i>
<i>my name!</i> He has bowed down from His
Majestic throne to take interest in <i>my
life!</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Verses: </b><i>Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy
presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell,
behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the
uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right
hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the
night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the
night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.</i>
(Psalm 139:7-12)</div>
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<b>Truth: </b>There is absolutely <i>nowhere</i>
that we can go to hide from God. He sees us wherever we are, at all times. Our
sins might stay hidden to those around us, but they are open and revealed
before God’s eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Verses:</b> <i>For Thou hast
possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise Thee;
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my
soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in
secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did
see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were
written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of
them.</i> (Psalm 139:13-16)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Truth:</b> From day one of conception, God saw us. He was working in
our lives to mold us how He saw best then, and is still working in our lives
today – spiritually and physically – to continually mold us as He sees fit.
Because God created us and molded us, we are a marvelous work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are some truths that you see
in these verses?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b>About Amanda:</b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amanda is a homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes. Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home economics. In the past few years, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Proverbs%203.5-7">Proverbs 3:5-7</a> has been a passage that God has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit her blog: <a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-10046241229536594602012-10-01T06:30:00.000-05:002012-10-01T06:30:01.074-05:00"Our" Talents?<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>By Amanda T. (read her blog <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a piano teacher, I have taught several children who have
what we call “musical talent.” Some of my students are very gifted and if they
continue lessons, they will advance to be very good pianists.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I read through Matthew 25, the parable about the
talents. Each servant was given a different amount of talents and each used
their talents differently. The servant with five talents doubled his talents.
Likewise did the servant with two talents. However, the servant who received
only one talent hid his. When their lord came back, he judged each servant
according to how he dealt with the talents that were given to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I read this familiar parable again, I suddenly noticed
something. The slothful servant “hid <b>his
lord’s</b> money” then later told his lord, “[I] hid <b>thy</b> talents in the earth.” Did you notice it too? The talents were
never the servant’s. <span style="font-size: large;">The talents were <i>always</i>
his lord’s</span> and the end result was that the lord – not the servant – received
the glory and the benefits (see Matthew 25:26-27).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God has given each of us talents. Some of us have only one
talent while others have five or ten or twenty. <span style="font-size: large;">It is not <i>how many</i> talents we have been given but <i>what we do</i> with the talents we have been given. </span>They are not ours
to develop and benefit from, but to use for God’s glory. One day, God will call
us to give an account of the talents He has given us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you a musician? A writer? A singer? A cook? A
seamstress? <span style="font-size: large;">Are you using the talents that God has given you for His glory or
for your own? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Xf48acE-5dK_XuYdTmT0wwRMFrOGisvnmj0gpqHJQsh_8Qw-0MIUyfbIzgCYYeEsJfVu5smzFFQ6ayAJlaZs_wxfc1gdDuUB8krufaEwNm6bZ1LIWNowAgNvBdHubdvgL4kWFRiQf4/s1600/freeimage-3912111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Xf48acE-5dK_XuYdTmT0wwRMFrOGisvnmj0gpqHJQsh_8Qw-0MIUyfbIzgCYYeEsJfVu5smzFFQ6ayAJlaZs_wxfc1gdDuUB8krufaEwNm6bZ1LIWNowAgNvBdHubdvgL4kWFRiQf4/s320/freeimage-3912111.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image from stockfreeimages.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have not read the parable of the talents recently, I encourage
you to take a moment and read it again:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew 25:14-30</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man
travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto
them his goods.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">15 And unto one he gave five talents, to
another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability;
and straightway took his journey.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">16 Then he that had received the five
talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">17 And likewise he that had received two,
he also gained other two.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">18 But he that had received one went and
digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">19 After a long time the lord of those
servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">20 And so he that had received five
talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst
unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou
good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will
make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">22 He also that had received two talents
came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have
gained two other talents beside them.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good
and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make
thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">24 Then he which had received the one
talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping
where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy
talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">26 His lord answered and said unto him,
Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not,
and gather where I have not strawed:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my
money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own
with usury.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">28 Take therefore the talent from him, and
give it unto him which hath ten talents.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">29 For unto every one that hath shall be
given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken
away even that which he hath.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant
into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (KJV)</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ~~~</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About Amanda:</span></b></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amanda is a homeschool graduate
living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings
together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes. Until
God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory,
hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home
economics. In the past few years, Proverbs 3:5-7 has been a passage that God
has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue.
You may visit her blog: <a href="http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-43145284593134247852012-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:002012-09-24T08:00:07.305-05:00Take a Break and ThankBy Ana Renee
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Too often, we get caught in the whirl of life. School, friends, work, chores, church, and other “good things” fill our life. We take time and ask God to protect us, provide for us, and work things out for us, <span style="font-size: large;">but we forget to stop and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">give thanks</i></span>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w7YKKUO10VUlJp9hlSDSCku1n6OE7_We08GRJ26CPbygscjj5hlHnEpCfi0B5J9OBZWhztorxZZx5wvq2qfdY2QzIN0x7vnWN9Z4xxwN2T1BXS4Hz9NqtHPhMAKk_7cevFdB2Jp4hPE/s1600/red-maple-tree-in-autumn-fall_w725_h544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w7YKKUO10VUlJp9hlSDSCku1n6OE7_We08GRJ26CPbygscjj5hlHnEpCfi0B5J9OBZWhztorxZZx5wvq2qfdY2QzIN0x7vnWN9Z4xxwN2T1BXS4Hz9NqtHPhMAKk_7cevFdB2Jp4hPE/s320/red-maple-tree-in-autumn-fall_w725_h544.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from copyright-free-images.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today, stop. Take a break – a complete break – from what you are doing. Go into a quiet place and list the many things that God has blessed you with and give Him thanks for what He is doing in your life.</div>
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In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.</div>
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1 Thessalonians 5:18<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-67696507185686779952012-09-01T09:00:00.000-05:002012-09-01T09:00:06.191-05:00Challenge . . .<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What shall we say then? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Romans 6:1</span></div>
<br />
What does this verse make you think of?<br />
What conviction does it hold for you?<br />
<br />
What sin do we hold onto, thinking, "Oh, God will forgive me?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do we love our sin . . . more than we love GOD?</span><br />
<br />
Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-30289330540968146312012-08-08T15:41:00.000-05:002012-08-08T15:41:21.742-05:00Content to Fill a Little Space<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Shared by Amanda T. (read her blog: <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a>)</i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2l8ie4VLU5ZI6v-e-rDILNA2AyE9uPlfUm7s-A9abNv4SSc6ln-t35zz2HufTJ2hO45hEGPxWcEYBkLRsCBljnNuj4HHjbj5xKw48BGRU-lJKX0Ka7VLwZ05QPaEnZCVQ8jGbGdc-DI/s1600/freeimage-4477825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2l8ie4VLU5ZI6v-e-rDILNA2AyE9uPlfUm7s-A9abNv4SSc6ln-t35zz2HufTJ2hO45hEGPxWcEYBkLRsCBljnNuj4HHjbj5xKw48BGRU-lJKX0Ka7VLwZ05QPaEnZCVQ8jGbGdc-DI/s320/freeimage-4477825.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from stockfreeimages.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would not have the
restless will</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That hurries to and
fro,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Seeking for some
great thing to do,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or wondrous thing to
know;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would be guided as
a child,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And led where’er I
go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I ask Thee for the
daily strength,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To none that asked
denied,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A mind to blend with
outward life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While keeping at Thy
side;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Content to fill a
little space</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If Thou be glorified.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Author Unknown<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">(verse from <u>Ester Ried</u>, by Isabella Alden)</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></div>Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-78329694704487939782012-07-28T07:00:00.000-05:002012-07-28T07:00:10.594-05:00Our Foundation<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which
is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxPBcmgpqFhTYelXmZa40mfzRqwMTqoLLR-BvdmLBdek5ZMeoexqKTy5Q_mqozrC9OGyr60iTH11LL1vXii_FZjonrbeQtdza6i6pscderOipirUmSdlDmmathDNojgeoNBqyXPjUjrU/s1600/_MG_5824+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxPBcmgpqFhTYelXmZa40mfzRqwMTqoLLR-BvdmLBdek5ZMeoexqKTy5Q_mqozrC9OGyr60iTH11LL1vXii_FZjonrbeQtdza6i6pscderOipirUmSdlDmmathDNojgeoNBqyXPjUjrU/s400/_MG_5824+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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What is our foundation set upon? What are we building our life on?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do we plant our feet in the fading, crumbling "foundation" of this world and its ideas?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do we cement our feet in the firm, everlasting <b>foundation</b> of God and His Word?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-81113604210011336462012-07-26T06:30:00.000-05:002012-07-26T06:30:04.311-05:00Friendship (part 2)<br />
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<b>To Be a Friend<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Though it is wonderful to be blessed with good friends, we
must also ponder what type of friend <i>we</i>
are being. Every relationship that we have in life will involve us not only
receiving, but also <i>giving</i>. Are we
being the type of friend that we would like to have?</div>
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<br /></div>
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It is a good idea to consider some questions, “Am <i><u>I</u></i> being the friend God would have
me to be? Am I encouraging others in the Lord? Am I living my life in line with
God’s Word? Am I a good example to my friends?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Broken Friendships</b></div>
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May I speak frankly for a moment? I do not believe that
“broken” friendships are Biblical. Before you judge me, let me explain. A
“broken” friendship is broken: it hurts, it brings pain, and it often cannot be
“stitched” back together.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There are, however, times when a friend that we have is
detrimental for our spiritual growth (Note: this does <u>not</u> include “she
offended me” or other emotional issues). Such friendships are mentioned in 2
Thessalonians 3:<i>“Now we command you,
brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves
from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which
he received of us.</i> <i>And if any man
obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him,
that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a
brother.” </i>(2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15)</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup3ClP5kA1F7rSMIoDpi13-JgBXV7ziLLwWRjhH7Rr0xxGtHP-ngB2bXcrZctms05Fibj7SwpYHj3v5anwKu_Jqnv9lo0XIbG7ItoltvllM2tpnBLEvmFPDM6n8Z-QvhMltfxMjeKtto/s1600/IMG_9948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup3ClP5kA1F7rSMIoDpi13-JgBXV7ziLLwWRjhH7Rr0xxGtHP-ngB2bXcrZctms05Fibj7SwpYHj3v5anwKu_Jqnv9lo0XIbG7ItoltvllM2tpnBLEvmFPDM6n8Z-QvhMltfxMjeKtto/s400/IMG_9948.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography by <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda T.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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No, this is not talking about “broken” friendships, but
“withdrawn” friendships. If you notice, though, it is not on just any terms.
This is talking of a friend who is not walking with God, not encouraging us in
Christ, and living according to the world. With such a case, there are several
things that we can do:</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->We
must talk with our parents about our concerns with this person and if they deem
best then,</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->We
must pray about how God would have us treat this person and ask Him to dissolve
the friendship</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->If
God so shows us, we must avoid their company when possible – without being rude</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have seen personal examples of how God can easily withdraw
a friendship, leaving no hurt feelings or scars. However, it must be done in a
Christ-like manner. This does <i>not</i>
mean:</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Speaking
badly of a person (look at James 4:11)</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Turning
others against them (look at Proverbs 10:12)</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Shunning
them completely (look at 2 Thessalonians 3:15)</div>
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<br /></div>
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When a friendship is simply withdrawn (in a Biblical
fashion), we can still love them and pray for them. We must realize that
withdrawing from a friendship is meant for our protection and their growth. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The end results of broken and withdrawn friendships are
significantly different. In a <i>broken </i>friendship,
the two “used-to-be-friends” generally do not resume a friendship. In a <i>withdrawn </i>friendship, God can bring the
friends back together years later when the “disorderly brother (or sister)”
decides to live their life in accordance to God’s Word.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Considerations</b></div>
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Who are our friends? Are they good, solid, Biblical friends?
Or are they worldly, wavering, detrimental friends? Are they friends with whom
we can have Godly conversations? Or are they simply friends that we laugh and
joke with? Do we grow by their friendship, or are we pulled away from what we
know is right?</div>
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<br /></div>
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We must also consider these in relation to who <i>we</i> are as a friend. God has given us
such a blessing in friendships, but we must choose to use His Word as a
guideline with these friendships.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" width="133" /></a><b>About Amanda:</b><br />Amanda is a homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes.<br /><br />Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home economics. In the past few years, Proverbs 3:5-7 has been a passage that God has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit her blog: <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3570959046631876086.post-17579000798471113032012-07-23T06:30:00.000-05:002012-07-23T06:30:06.150-05:00Friendship (part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white;">By Amanda T.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friends. </span>The very word sends our thoughts to a special group
of people that we tenderly call “friends.” At the same time, some of us might
feel a sting as we think of past friendships that are now dissolved.
Friendship, in all of its blaze and glory, is not without its bruises and
tears.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Bible has a lot to say about friendship. From good
examples (Jonathan and David) to bad examples (Samson and Delilah), to
blessings, to warnings, we see friendship woven throughout the Old and New
Testament.</div>
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<br /></div>
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People also have a lot to say about friendship. Our pastors
and youth pastors preach about it, our parents and grandparents fuss about it,
and our friends (obviously) encourage it! Is there really a need to look at it
any longer?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Not Just Any Friend</b></div>
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In the world today, girls are thrown together with many
different types of people. However, we do not need to befriend everyone with
which we come into contact. We must <i>choose</i>
our friendships carefully and wisely. One way to choose friends is through the guidance
of our parents. Though many girls do not care to have their parents “interfere
with <i>my</i> life,” God has given our
parents to us for this very reason! Perhaps if Samson had listened to his
parents’ counsel and desires, he would not have fallen into Delilah’s traps and
ultimately imprisonment and an early death (read Judges 14-16). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Another way to choose friends is through the guidance of
Scripture. <i>“A prudent man foreseeth the
evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” </i>(Proverbs
27:12) Consider wisely the choice of friends you have.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What is a Friend to
Be?</b></div>
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Friends laugh hysterically with each other at midnight;
friends share their dreams and desires; friends wear matching outfits; friends sing
duets; friends write notes and emails. Such glorious, happy-go-lucky types of
friendship are what a girl often has, but is that all there is to being
friends?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“And Jonathan Saul's
son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.”</i>
(1 Samuel 23:16) The last part of this verse struck me: <i>and strengthened his hand in God</i>. A valuable friend to have is one
who shares our beliefs and will strengthen our relationship with God. A true
friend will pray for us, share verses with us, share how God is growing them,
and . . . a true friend will even come to us and give us some (maybe unwanted) Biblical
advice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What types of people should we have as friends?</div>
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<i>Older friends to mentor
us (Titus 2:3-5)</i></div>
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Women such as grandmas, aunts, moms, our pastor’s wife, and
other godly ladies should be special friends. God has placed them in our lives
to help us live holy before Him. Older women have lived through the struggles
we live through, they have learned from difficult mistakes, and they are full
of wisdom that should be a treasure chest to any young lady.<br />
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmEO0lkBfqrqafA6SZJnTROes1EgF-AVqj4vOqrB5PpqvP4qLow5OFJzu_oK-Hv-jBLekLf_NzrwDtouVwUpfTxfwBBdElnHqvE8DjmqIxHMaJ47FofPS-9Uw-kvltbA3bNT7LWf2kjw/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmEO0lkBfqrqafA6SZJnTROes1EgF-AVqj4vOqrB5PpqvP4qLow5OFJzu_oK-Hv-jBLekLf_NzrwDtouVwUpfTxfwBBdElnHqvE8DjmqIxHMaJ47FofPS-9Uw-kvltbA3bNT7LWf2kjw/s400/IMG_0700.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography by <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda T.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<i>Friends that we can
learn with (Proverbs 27:17)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our peers are probably the friends we seek out the most. These
can be the “iron-sharpening-iron” relationships (those who are growing in Christ,
reading the Bible, and striving to live a Christ-like life) or detrimental
relationships (those who are living for self, without a thought of God). We
need to evaluate our friendships to be sure that they are building us up in the
Lord and not causing us to fall away.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
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<i>Friends that we can encourage
in the Lord (Galatians 6:1-2)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are special friends in our life that may not be at the
same maturity as we are (emotionally and spiritually). These are the friends that
we can encourage and build up. At the same time, we must be careful that these
“ministry friendships” are not pulling us down. It requires a lot of prayer and
discernment (as well as counsel from our parents and older friends) to have
this type of ministry friendship. Our younger friend must be growing, seeking
to learn, and maturing; if such is not the case, we must carefully weigh if it
is a friendship that God would have us to continue.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The Ultimate
Friendships</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I don’t have <i>any</i>
friends,” some might say. Please,
please, <i>please</i> do not count this as a
curse!!! This “friendless” time could be used in many ways by God. First, it
can cultivate a warmer relationship between you and God. Secondly, it can draw
you closer to your siblings (who are, in reality, your life-time friends). Thirdly,
it could be a way of God protecting you from a harmful friendship. Remember
that no friend at all is much more desirable than mixing with bad company.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{To be continued on July 26}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ontfuiq_xThZX0AU6CoP6dPKTOHicix2vq-6u0WzQur3K6tqAycifmbYa3_stElH_sSUgfPhygK21QoKv8LaH4yScrDl5OTDV-_TWilkbRIS625t42Jc24tq3o1jSO24BqKgv81neD0/s200/IMG_0017.JPG" /></a><b>About Amanda:</b><br />
Amanda is a homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes.<br />
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Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home economics. In the past few years, Proverbs 3:5-7 has been a passage that God has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit her blog: <a href="http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/">www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<br />Rubies Like Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351965334581693186noreply@blogger.com1