4 Obstacles to Discipleship

According to extensive Barna studies, self-identified evangelical Christians face four obstacles to spiritual growth/discipleship.

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1. Commitment ~ Only 18% admit they’re committed to their spiritual growth.

2. Repentance ~ Few admit to being deeply sorry for their sins.

3. Activity ~ Most confuse church activity with spiritual depth.

4. Spiritual Community ~Few are involved in relationships that hold them accountable.

I’ve searched my soul and found I’m weak in some areas listed above. What about you?

If we want our world impacted by Christ, we need to be:
     ~Determined and deliberate about becoming more like Christ.
     ~Aware of how our sins separate us from God’s purposes.
     ~More concerned with overcoming our sins that participating in church programs.
     ~Invested in the lives of others who will also invest in our lives.

Please join me in praying through these obstacles and taking steps to overcome them.

It’s important that we do these things so we can obey Christ's important command in Matthew 28:19-20.

Resource: 4 Aspects of Spiritual Growth http://www.barna.org/faith-spirituality/524-self-described-christians-dominate-america-but-wrestle-with-four-aspects-of-spiritual-depth

About Gail

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog Bible Love Notes(http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

Transformers

 By Gail Purath (read her blog here)

When I became a Christian, I couldn’t get enough of God’s Word.

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.

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The truths I was learning in God’s Word, Christian books, and Bible study groups were transforming my mind. This process, often called sanctification, is an integral part of our Christian life “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. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:12-13).

Transformation is a lifelong process, worth our best efforts.

This year let’s make a resolution to be more deliberate and serious about our sanctification. Let's give it our all.  

About Gail:

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. 

Her blog Bible Love Notes(http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

Unhidden

 By Amanda T. (read her blog here)

“God sees everything.” We have heard this concept, but do we really know it? Reading through Psalm 139:1-16 helps to paint a clearer picture of this concept.

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Verses: 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. (Psalm 139:1-5)

Truth: The Lord knows everything about us. He not only knows who we say we are, but also who we really are – better than we do ourselves. Right now, He is around us seeing what we are doing.

Verses: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. (Psalm 139:6)

Truth: God, the Creator of the Universe, the Master of the seas, the all-knowing, omnipotent Ruler, know my name! He has bowed down from His Majestic throne to take interest in my life!

Verses:  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. (Psalm 139:7-12)

Truth: There is absolutely nowhere 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.

Verses: 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. (Psalm 139:13-16)

Truth: 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.

What are some truths that you see in these verses?

About Amanda:

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: withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Happiness

By Ana Renee

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. But what is happiness according to God’s Word?

                                      

In the Old Testament, one form of being happy is esher, meaning “how happy!” What things does God consider adequate to make us happy? How can we truly be happy?

1) Have God as our Lord

          Psalm 144:15, “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”

2) Fear God

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          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.”

          Proverbs 28:14, “Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”

3) Trust God

          Proverbs 16:20, “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”

4) Keep God’s Law

          Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

5) Seek God’s Help

          Psalm 146:5, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:”

6) Accept God’s Wisdom

          Proverbs 3:13, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

7) Show Mercy to Others

          Proverbs 14:21, “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”

In the New Testament, the Greek Word for happy is makarios, meaning “Supremely blest, fortunate, well off.” Added to the Old Testament’s list for happiness, we can have happiness with the following:

8) Serve God and Others

          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.”

 

9) Suffer for Christ’s Sake

          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;”

          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.”

True happiness is not merely a mushy, warm feeling, but a secure faith and trust in Christ Jesus, a heart wholly dedicated to serving Him.  

Are you happy?

Why Are You So Far Away, Lord?

By Gail Purath (read her blog here)

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“Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” *

Psalms often begin like the one above. This tells us:

We can honestly share our feelings with God.

Even the best of God’s children have doubts and confusion.

The Psalms are good to read when we're troubled because the Psalmist always moves from doubts and confusion to faith and hope.

"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.” *

Psalm-like prayers will:

change our perspective

remind us of God’s past faithfulness

assure us of God’s present and future faithfulness

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.

*Psalm 10:1,14

(There is only one of the 150 Psalms that does not end with hope: Psalm 88.)

About Gail:

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog Bible Love Notes (http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

When Nothing Comforts

Image by Amanda - withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

By Gail Purath (read her blog here)

"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."

This is how the psalmist begins Psalm 77.

But the psalmist doesn’t stop there. He remembers God’s past faithfulness, reminds himself of God’s character, and remembers that God’s methods are not always visible.

So next time we feel abandoned and nothing helps, we can follow the psalmist’s lead:
     ~Write down ways God has helped and guided us in the past.
     ~Ponder God’s character: faithful, loving, holy, good, just, caring, all knowing, perfect.
     ~Reread the Red Sea account (Exodus 14) and realize how hopeless things looked up to the point where God revealed His “footprints.”
     ~And whether we’re discouraged or not, it’s a good thing to memorize this line:

“Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” Psalm 77:19

~~~

About Gail:

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog Bible Love Notes (http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

Water of Life (Part 2 of 2)

By Amanda T. (read her blog here)

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.

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Jesus said, “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.” (John 4:14)

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. Reading the Bible is not enough. It will not save us.

Let us revisit the passage where Jesus says He is the living water:

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

(For His disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

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.

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?

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

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.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

John 4:7-15

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. But when she met Jesus, she realized that He could fill her void – He could quench her thirst eternally.

John 3:16 says, “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.” Because of His great love for us, Jesus was willing to come down and offer us much-needed, life-giving water. “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.” (John 3:18) This water is offered to every man, woman, girl, and boy freely, but we must accept the free water. We must accept Christ’s gift (Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”).

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 kingdom of Christ.

Have you accepted God’s gift? Are you drinking from God’s Living Water?

~~~

About Amanda:

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: withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Soil for Life (Part 1 of 2)

By Amanda T. (read her blog here)

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.

Image from stockfreeimages.com

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.

Are we choosing wisely?

Let us do a quick test. Think through the following questions carefully and answer them honestly.

   ~Do I spend more time in God’s Word than I do in secular books, movies, or internet?

   ~Do I quote Scripture more often than movies?

   ~Are the people I look up to Heroes of the Faith or movie actors/actresses?

   ~Are my thoughts about love and romance Biblical or Hollywood?

  ~Do I rate sin according to God’s standard, or the world’s standard?

   ~Do I condone movies and books that go contrary to God’s Word?

   ~Do I desire to be like Christ, or do I desire to be like my favorite movie/book character?

There are many other questions one could ask, but the bottom line is: our thoughts and beliefs will be directed by what we spend most of our time with. 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 little time reading God’s Word (mixing a little of the good soil with our clay) our spiritual life will do okay, 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.

Where are your roots planted?

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. Colossians 2:6-8

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. John 15:1-2

~~~

About Amanda:

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: withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Unhidden

By Amanda T. (read her blog here)

“God sees everything.” We have heard this concept, but do we really know it? Reading through Psalm 139:1-16 helps to paint a clearer picture of this concept.

Image from freestockimages.com

Verses: 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. (Psalm 139:1-5)

Truth: The Lord knows everything about us. He not only knows who we say we are, but also who we really are – better than we do ourselves. Right now, He is around us seeing what we are doing.

Verses: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. (Psalm 139:6)

Truth: God, the Creator of the Universe, the Master of the seas, the all-knowing, omnipotent Ruler, know my name! He has bowed down from His Majestic throne to take interest in my life!

Verses:  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. (Psalm 139:7-12)

Truth: There is absolutely nowhere 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.

Verses: 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. (Psalm 139:13-16)

Truth: 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.

What are some truths that you see in these verses?

About Amanda:

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: withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Edifying Speech

By Ana Renee

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

(Ephesians 4:29)

How quickly do we “let things slip” out of our mouth without a thought? In Ephesians 4:29, we are challenged to use only words that edify (or “build up”), words that are gracious to the hearers.

Let us pretend that we have a pile blocks in front of us. Each time we spoke of others (especially those closest to us, like parents, siblings, spouses, and cousins) in a positive way, we would add blocks. But each time we spoke in a way that would tear them down, we would take away a block. What would our block pile look like after a day? 

Would it have a miserable few blocks left or none at all? May we all be challenged to use our words in a way that will build up those around us.

~~~
This was originally shared with our 52-verse challenge.

Praise - Stones or Me?

By Erika T.

Photography by Amanda T.

Welcome to the 21st Century.

It is 2012.

~This is the era of improving technology, of easy travel and of rapid communication.

~This is the time of passionate sinners and lukewarm Christians.

~This is the epoch in which loud unbelievers cry out their indignation while believers cringe in shame.

As I meditated on that today, I read Luke 19. The Pharisees asked Our Lord Jesus Christ to make people stop shouting His praises. He answered in verse 40, “if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” It made me think of our position today. I’m not saying Christians should be obnoxious and overly-sensitive activists. Also, I realize that this specifically refers to praising the Lord, not spreading the gospel, social change or any other message. It did leap out at me, however, as I thought of what we should be doing. I don’t believe we should be trying to outshout everyone who is not a Christian, but we should certainly not be embarrassed about praising our God.

The above sentences should read like this:
~This is the era of improving technology, where we can more quickly share the Bible; of easy travel where we can more generously support missionaries; of rapid communication, where we can more freely speak the gospel.

~This is the time of passionate sinners and yet more passionate Christians.

~This is the epoch in which loud unbelievers cry out their indignation while believers quietly live out praise for their Lord.

Will you live so that the stones have no need to cry out and praise Him?

~~~
Read Erika's blog here: http://thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com/

Self-Defense

By Gail Puruth

“Please forgive me for what you think I did.”

We’re excusers, defenders, and egotists by nature—our fallen nature. Our knee-jerk reaction is self-defense. And as Christians we often Christianize it with "un-apologies"—some as creative and meaningless as the one above.

Image from reusableart.com

But there’s more:

• “I’m sorry you were offended” — a way to apologize without admitting blame.

• “ I’m sorry if I did anything to offend you”— vague enough to keep our ego intact.

• “Please forgive me, but….” — giving us the ability to tack on excuses and accusations thus voiding the apology.

• "You misunderstood" — allowing us to justify rude or selfish acts by explaining our motives (i.e. it's not what I did, it's what I thought that matters).*

We can’t do anything about others' un-apologies, but we can ask the Lord to free us from the bondage of our own self-defense.

Capture us by your love, Lord, so we can honestly repent of sin.

See James 4:8-10 and 1 John 1:8-10.

Unfortunately, all of these un-apologies I've heard or used myself.
* There are times when explanations are in order, but we often use this excuse to explain away things we've done wrong. Just because we didn't mean to be rude doesn't mean we weren't rude!
~~~
About Gail Puruth
Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog Bible Love Notes (http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

All Our Needs

But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I love the simplicity of this verse: God will supply all that I need in life – not necessarily what I categorize as “needs,” but what He knows are true needs in my life. He sees the largest and the smallest needs I have in my life – both physically and spiritually. He has the resources to provide for these needs – after all, my God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (see Psalm 50:10)!! How blessed I am to be the child of such a loving King!

~~~

Originally shared with our 52-verse challenge.

Sweet Dreams!

By Ana Renee

My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

Psalm 104:34

How often do we snuggle down to sleep and spend that “before sleep” time planning, worrying, day-dreaming, etc.? What if, instead, we thought on the promises of God? Promises such as:

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (Psalm 103:12-13)

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3b)

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)

Photography by Amanda T.

When we pillow our minds with such beautiful thoughts, then we can truly have “sweet dreams!”

Don't . . .

By Amanda T. (read her blog at withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com)

Compromise:

(from Webster’s New World Dictionary)

       ~an adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. in which part of each is given up

       ~to surrender or give up

Choices surround us daily. Darts are thrown at us, tempting us. Will we compromise? Will we swerve from our convictions? Will we surrender to the world? Or will we stand firm where God has placed us?

Image from reusableart.com

Compromise does not happen suddenly, but gradually by small, daily choices. Choices such as:

“My parents used to say we couldn’t watch this, but I’m probably old enough now.”

Don’t!

“This is a special occasion. I don’t dress like this on a regular basis.”

Don’t!

“Maybe this dress is a tad bit too short . . .”

Don’t!

“Oops! This book has a curse word. Oh well, I’m already half-way through.”

Don’t!

“Just once won’t hurt.”

Don’t!

“What would my friends think if I don’t join them?”

Don’t!

“I just couldn’t tell them ‘no.’”

Don’t!

“I don’t feel very comfortable doing this, but that’s just my personality.”

Don’t!

When we are tempted to make a compromise, our choices lead us to do one of two things: be conformed to the image of the world, or be transformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2, And 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.).

As a young girl: stick to the convictions and standards set by your parents. Do not sway from them – even if “everybody else does it this way.” Honor their obedience to God. (see Ephesians 5:1-3)

As a young woman: stick to the convictions and standards that God has placed in your life. Do not second-guess yourself because of what others are doing, but return to God’s Word to see what He says about each issue. (see 1 Corinthians 7:34a)

As a married woman: stick to the convictions and standards that God has led your husband to take. Do not try to persuade him to change, but encourage him to follow what God would have him to do. (see 1 Corinthians 7:34b)

Girls and ladies, let us not be conformed to this world by following the patterns of those around us, but be transformed to our Lord, renewing our minds daily by the Word of God.

Daily Choices

Photography by Amanda T.

By Ana Renee

We have a daily choice before us: Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Daily we must choose between self and Christ. Daily, we must choose whether we will pick up our cross or leave it lying by the side. Daily we must choose whether we will follow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:17) or follow Christ.

Today, will we deny ourselves?

Today, will we take up our cross?

Today, will we follow Christ?

Time Management

By Ana Renee

When we skim through the qualities of the Virtuous Woman, it can almost be overwhelming to see everything she was able to accomplish! The virtuous woman had two qualities that enabled her to manage her time well: she “worketh willingly with her hands” (vs. 13) and “eateth not the bread of idleness” (vs. 27). I believe that by applying these to our lives as well, we can better manage our time. But how do we get there?

When trying to change any area in our life, we should apply two important things: prayer and work. God always hears our cry for help, but He does not always just hand us our desire – He often wants us to work on changing. If we start our days armed with prayer and a mind to work willingly, we will be one step ahead in our day.

Photography by Ana Renee

There are several other things we can do to help us manage our time wisely. Here are just a few ideas:

~Write a list

       In the morning, we should make a list of “things to do today” and check that list for projects to do during free time.

       If we are not a list-writer, we can keep things going by planning the next project to do while we are in the middle of our current project.

~Prioritize

     Before doing fun things first, we should look through our list and realize what must be done first.

~Keep our eyes open                          

       We need to look around and see other needs around the house to do, not being blinded by, “it’s not my job.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 says “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;” Whatsoever includes things outside of “my job.”

~Ask others

       Before doing our pleasure, we should practice a servant’s spirit by asking a parent or sibling, “Can I help you with anything right now?” We will most likely get an answer!

~Schedule pleasures

       Sometimes, our pleasures drown our desire to do what we need to do. If such is the case, we need to set goals (such as: do not check email until ____ is done, do not call friends until after 2:00, etc.). Part of the joy of doing pleasures is knowing that we have all of our duties finished and are truly enjoying “free” time – not stolen time.

~Keep the top priority

       Above all other projects, pleasures, and duties, we must remember to give part of our day to God. Bible reading, Bible memorization, Bible study, and prayer are all necessities that must never be neglected. If we are having a hard time squeezing them into our schedule, then we need to rearrange our schedule.

What are some things that have helped you to manage your time more wisely? Please share them in a comment!

Before Our Eyes

By Ana Renee

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

Deuteronomy 6:6, 8

God’s Words, God’s laws, God’s commandments, and God’s precepts are given to us throughout the Bible. They are not there merely for us to skim through in our daily reading or devotions and set aside, but for us to carry with us throughout the day and meditate (think) on.

“Thou shalt bind them” is an act that we are responsible to do. We must make an effort to have God’s Word before us throughout the day.

What's a Girl to Be?

 By Ana Renee

As we grow up, we begin to see the opportunities of life unfold. Some of our dreams wander to college, working in an office, teaching an instrument, teaching children, babysitting, writing, starting a home business, working in a restaurant, and the list goes on. God’s plan for each girl is different and is manifested in many ways. However, I believe that the Bible clearly shows us the route that each girl should take spiritually to become the woman God wants us to become.

Photography by Amanda T.

Titus 2:3-5

“The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.”

Let us take a look at what we are supposed to learn:

     1. Sober

               Sober means “to make of sound mind” (Strong’s Definition) This is the only time that this particular word of “sober” is used in the New Testament.

               Are we sober? Do we have a “sound mind?”

     2. Love their Husbands

               “Fond of man, affectionate as a wife”

               Instead of asking “How can we apply this verse, if we are unmarried?” ask, “How can we apply ourselves to learning this for when the time comes?”

               Are we loving our husband when we dedicate our time to any young man that crosses our path? Are we loving our husband when we spend our unmarried years without preparing?

               A few applicable things we can do while unmarried: stay pure for our husbands, save our heart and first kiss for our husband, teach our tongue not to gossip, learn to serve others, and pray for our husband (even though we may not know him!).

     3. Love their children

               “Fond of children, maternal”

               How maternal is it to constantly push aside “nagging” little brothers, sisters, cousins, or friends? Is this helping or hindering our attitude towards our children?

               I have seen many examples of young women with their children who see them as a bothersome package instead of a blessing. Begin now to bond with the children that you know, loving them, and serving them. Begin now to learn how to raise children – whether it is changing a diaper or bandaging up a “boo-boo.”

     4. Discreet

                “Safe, sound in mind, self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion)”

               Are my opinions quickly formed, or do I form them based on sound, Biblical doctrine? Do I have complete control over my tongue, or do I sometimes talk and offend?

     5. Chaste

                “Properly, clean, innocent, modest, perfect.”

               Are my actions and attitudes in check? Do I act towards young men in a proper, clean, innocent, modest, and perfect way? Do I act towards my family in a proper, clean, innocent, modest, and perfect way? Are my thoughts proper, clean, innocent, modest, and perfect?

     6. Keepers at Home

                “A stayer at home, domestically inclined (a “good housekeeper”)”

               Am I content with staying at home? Do I know how to keep house? To cook, clean, mend, etc.? Am I diligent with the tasks set before me? Can I be trusted to keep a house in order?

     7. Good

                “Good”

               Do I constantly fight with others? Do I gossip? Do I enjoy things that are not pleasing to the Lord? Am I content with being ‘good’?

8. Obedient to their own husbands

               Obedient – “reflexively, subordinate, obey”

                (Note: reflexively means automatic, immediate, and involuntarily)

               Their Own – “private, separate, one’s own”

               Husbands – “A man, husband”

               Once again, being unmarried, we should not neglect the practice of this phrase. Until God places a husband to be our leader, our focus to please should be given to our father. Do we immediately obey the wishes of our father? Does he have to ask us to do something? And when he does, do we reply with an “I don’t want to” attitude? Do we submit to his authority, or do we buck his authority? Remember: the way we treat our father (and brothers!) will eventually funnel down to how we will treat our husband.

Other passages a young lady can look at as she begins this journey of preparing her heart for service to the Lord and men are Proverbs 31:10-31 and 1 Peter 3:1-6.