Womanhood (pt.2): Virtuous Woman

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
(Genesis 2:18 KJV). A man is not an all powerful being; therefore, there come times when he needs help. God created a woman to help a man. While in this context there is mention toward creation for companionship, in 1Peter 3:1-2 the woman/wife is a help to a man/husband in times when he may not be in the Word as needed of him. Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.(1 Peter 3:1‭-‬2 KJV)

In the natural flow of things, a godly man will by example teach his family the way of godly success. It is not his way, but yet the ways of He who taught him. If at any point in time a man loses his way, it is imperative that he regains his Christian leadership, and that should be done by his wife, without opposition and challenge hinging from his failure. Therefore, this process should be done with the proper level of respect and discretion similar to the address given to the wives of deacons, which required that they be not slanderers (1Timothy 3:11). She should reflect, not the behavior of her own desires and discernment, but those of God. And by this, she will not shame him, but she will be the crown of her husband and a virtuous woman(Proverbs 12:4).

Womanhood: Professing Godliness

Throughout history we have been given definitions of what and who a woman should be. Celebrities, news anchors, politicians, teachers, moguls, and even preachers tell us what a real woman is. But unless these people derive their opinions from a Biblical basis, they and all who follow them are sadly mistaken and do not know the truth. Proverbs 31 gives examples of some of the workings of a woman. She fed and clothed her household and was respected by her children. She was called blessed by her family.

1 Timothy 2: 9-10 said in regards to her appearance, that she "adorned herself in modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but with good works (which becometh women professing godliness.)"
She dresses such that her clothes, hair, and jewelry do not take precedent for her or others with whom she comes into contact, over her dedication to God. And to be clear, the text warns of the unnecessary focus and not against the action of her adorning herself. Shamefacedness means being modest while showing reverence to God and self-control. Therefore, she would have regard for her husband or father and not want to shame him because her head is her father or her husband, and his is Christ, and Christ's is God. Following this line, to respect herself would be honoring her father or husband, then Christ and then, above all, God. Doing so makes her “the glory of the man.”

In regards to sobriety, this simply refers to control over the desires of the flesh dealing with promiscuity. So, in this instance, such as in sobriety referring to alcoholic beverages for example, she would be “fighting the urge” of promiscuity and not allowing it to control her thoughts of the flesh before those thoughts of God.

These examples of what a woman should be, can also refer in some regards to us as Christians toward the Lord Jesus Christ. In a long line of what we should and should not do, these have strong bases. However, these are not the only things that we as Christians, or in this regard a woman, should take into consideration. There are other things that are important and in time we will review those things….

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Sacrifice (pt.3): Willing Sacrifice

When following the will of God, total submission of ourselves is necessary to truly begin to realize the potential that He has presented to us. We must step away from what we understand with our own mind as being beneficial and step into God's promise, which has never changed, that He will provide for us. When God calls us to a place, He has already planned out every step. Aligning ourselves with this plan aligns us with God and his holy power. And with a combination like this, we are tied to infinite possibilities!

In Genesis 22, God required a sacrifice of Abraham, once again, of his best, which was his son Isaac, “whom he loved”(v. 2).  Then early the next day, though uncertain, Abraham set out to do what God required of him with his faith guiding him.

Many times this element of sacrifice is forgotten. Abrahams human nature as a father did not want to make the sacrifice, but in his spirit he knew that he had to obey God. His faith took over his human nature and Isaac was nearly sacrificed. Nearly only because, as mentioned before, Abraham, with faith, aligned his actions with God's plan and was privy to God's power and deliverance. God saw that Abraham would faithfully follow him and make a willing sacrifice, so He be dispatched an angel to stop him and sent a ram in the stead of Isaac.

God chooses us for his own reasons, some of which we may not understand. But as seen in this example, the bottom line is to respond as Abraham did and tell God “I am here.” Complying with God will not go unseen. God sees and He will Provide (Jehovah-jireh).

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.  And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah–jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

Genesis 22:13‭-‬14 KJV

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Sacrifice (pt.2): Right Reasons. Right Heart.

SACRIFICE (pt.2): Right Reasons. Right Heart.

As with anything that we do for God, others and even ourselves, we must be cautious to be sincere and true in our intentions. In other words, we must do so honestly and with a good heart. G. Batiste said, “Sacrifice means nothing if you are doing it for the wrong reasons.” In relation to this, it is perhaps best if first we establish the “why” and determine further if the course of action is pleasing to God.

In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel gave a sacrifice to God from the best that they had to offer. But reading this passage, we find that God rejected Cain's sacrifice (v.3-5). It was not said exactly why God rejected Cain's sacrifice, but no doubt, it had something to do with his heart. Perhaps his intentions on some level or another were not righteous. In later verses, we see God warning Cain to guard his heart from evil, lest it consume him (v.7). His intentions at that moment were about himself, and he slew his brother. Perhaps his heart had already been tainted with a self-serving drive even before giving his sacrifice. We do not know for sure, but God knew. And He still knows now the longings and intentions our our hearts today. It is great to follow God's commands, but it is empty unless we have our hearts in the right place. Our service is useless without substance.

Later in the Old Testament, the wise King Solomon stated, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” (Proverbs 21:27)
An abomination is something that God detests or makes him want to turn his face from. If God were to turn from us, we would have no hope of peace and no substance. We need God. Therefore, all that we do should be for him. All sacrifices should be modeled after the sacrifice given for us- with not only good intentions but aided with a righteous heart. Good intentions are not enough, but acting also, with good Christian thoughts will bring good intentions to a righteous destination. God wants our sacrifice. And when done with the right reasons and the right heart, God will accept it and favor us.

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Sacrifice (pt.1): The Example

As we have recently been discussing value some things in life are so because we have worked hard for them or hard to become them. But when we have things that we cherish or we give that value too it is very difficult for us to let them go. When we give those things up, whether willingly or under difficult circumstances, this is considered to many to be a Sacrifice.

Jesus's sacrifice was given to atone for our sins and, as such, it is not only a sign of reverence, but our duty to show thanks to God for that sacrifice. When something is given to us, our thanks shows respect to the person that gave it to us, and when this giving is done sacrificially then, accordingly, the thanks should be that much more. In regards to the sacrifice given to us from God, a reciprocity is necessary for us to complete that process of being given a blessing and saying thank you. We should give our lives to God as the life of the God-Son was given for us. We are not being told to give up life and our bodies necessarily, but we are called to do what is necessary to honor and praise God and bring others into a relationship with him as well.

There are many things that are around us that may hinder us from doing this. But the bottom line is that we should only focus on the things that will bring others to Christ and we should sacrifice the satisfactions and the entertainment of our own bodies and our own minds to bring others into a close relationship God. We may have to sacrifice our time for God, but this is something that He has already done. He takes his time to properly build up the blessings that we need. We may need to sacrifice the things that we say, but this is something that God has already done for us, because in the beginning God spoke all things into existence. And in the Bible, which is his a compilation of his powerful Words, He has promised on so many occasions, that He would look out for us. We may have to sacrifice the things that we think for God. But this is something also that he has done for us because he was thinking of us when he gave up his precious Son. He is giving us a blueprint of things that we also should think on, so as to praise him and grow our relationship with him in thought, to be privy to the blessings that He has promised that are waiting for us. God sacrificed Jesus and Jesus sacrificed his relationship with his family and friends here on Earth, so that we could strengthen ours with the Father up in Heaven.

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Value (pt.4): Valuing Ourselves

For those of us who believe and know God we realize that God values us. And because He values us we should value ourselves. It is when we put value on other people around us first that we begin to make our mistakes. When we value them over ourselves and what they believe as right for us or good for us, we agree with it because they are the center of our universe. It has been said that because the universe is infinite the center of our individual universes are ourselves, because it is infinite from a starting point, which is dependent upon our own individual perspectives physically. I would like to take that further and say that the center of the universe is that which is within ourselves. Having God as the center of our lives makes him the center of our universe and just like an atom we can bring unto ourselves that Catalyst that will bring us the energy that will change potential and possibility into action and reality!

God says that He values us, and He proves it and shows it daily. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Perhaps the greatest example of his showing his value for us, is when He sent his Son on a mission to free us from the debt of sin-to die as our sacrifice. His child, who was perfect and substituted for imperfect and severely flawed people, was sacrificed. But it was all a result of love. Romans 5:8 reminds us ,“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” How much does He value us and love us if He sent Jesus, though we did not deserve him! And because of this, we should obviously love him, and also love ourselves! We should Value ourselves!

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Value (pt.3): Our Testimony

There may be many reasons to engage things to which we assign value, but if in any way we believe within our hearts that God would not approve or perhaps simply say "Wait", then we should first not engage and second, reevaluate why/if it is truly important to be experienced. Being mindful of the former, not engaging those things held in a questionable high regard, there is a scientific yet simple approach. Reciprocity. Not engaging may lead to an idle mind, so there should something set in place to busy the mind. And what or who better than God.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV

This verse explains that we are ambassadors for God. Simply put, we are physical embodiments or representatives of God. We are what people see and interpret God’s love from. As we were told when we were children, we must be on our best behavior. If not for us, then for those who may be watching. And thus, this should not be due to the nature of others opinions of us, but that of God. What truly matters, or is of value, is how our testimony will lead others toward the cross, as opposed to pushing them away. Kind words, understanding, and truth in its purest form used to combat resentment, judgmental thoughts, and deception, will yield optimum results. Whether it be an eternal decision or the fact that God was reflected, God’s will be done. That is what is important. That is what has Value.

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Value (Part 2):God's Regard

The word value refers to those things or ideals that we deem important or give a considerate amount of worth to; something that we hold in high regard. As followers of Christ, if we are truly following, we will strive to be of one mind with the Lord. And being in a relationship, as such, will lead us to want to fulfill the desires of our hearts, satisfying also those of our Heavenly Father as they will be the same.

Without a relationship with the Father, we are destined to try to give value to or reach for something higher. But upon realizing that there is none higher, we dangerously revert back and seek the next best thing and hold it in high esteem. For a true understanding of life and how to obtain peace, we should seek to find those things that God values and value them also. This could perhaps mean that we may have to disregard the things that we hold close to us, in order to follow God and value those things that He values. But He will never leave or forsake us as promised. Instead, He will provide us with what we need.

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.[Mark 10:29‭-‬31 KJV].

This promise held true for Job when he refused to curse God, even in the lowest point of his misfortunes- losing family, friends, possessions, and health. Because he saw value in staying true to God, he was blessed with what he lost in even more abundance. And should we develop a close relationship with God, we too may lose, but in the same regard will regain and do so in multiples. This relationship can be attained by:

Acknowledging God and his power, love, and grace- simply who He is!

Praying to talk to Him, revealing shortcomings and requesting strength,and

Reading the Bible to “hear” what God has to “say”

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Christ's Compassion (pt.3): Acting Out Love

The greatest aspect of Jesus's compassion could be perhaps his actions taken to help others. When suffering was around him, his love caused him to act (Feeding the hungry multitude and restoring sight to the blind). As Christians, we must realize that our Christianity is a decision to follow Jesus Christ. In that, we should, at any given opportunity, do what Jesus did. Simply making decisions to be a better person is not enough;it is only the beginning. And in actuality, we should enter into this Kingdom life with others in mind. Jesus exemplified this attitude to the letter. The J.O.Y. acronym defines this for the Christian perfectly- Jesus, Others,and Yourself.

Ephesians 4:32 says, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Jesus did this. This is another example of compassion exemplified by Christ because He himself was kind to all people. Even when some were not kind to him, once again, He saw the grip of darkness on their hearts and showed compassion and challenged that darkness by showing a positive attitude. He thought about others and their infirmities rather than how much He deserved praise or respect. He knew who He was and that was enough to secure him in his mission for God the Father and not allow him to be swayed. Yes, He was perfect, but we too can embark on a mission for God and find a strong security. We have but to submit to Gods will for our lives and pray to God when we need help, which Jesus did also.

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Christ's Compassion (pt.2): Reciprocated Love

Jesus so desperately desired that his followers be alleviated of the pains and sufferings that they had to encounter on a daily basis. The compassion aspect of it all took shape when He acted to cease that suffering. How glorious it must have been to have the God-Son in all his omnipotence, concerned but planning to help as well. In Matthew 15, as in other instances, Jesus had a multitude of people following him.Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. [Matthew 15:32]

He saw that they were suffering from hunger and did not think of sending them away. He rather told his disciples, in not so many words, that because these people were dedicated to following him while disregarding their own needs, not only did He recognize this, He decided to take care of the needs of the the crowd. He likened the multitude and himself to the image of sheep needing the shepherd. And with the five loaves of bread and two fish the shepherd fed the flock, and nurtured them also with his words. He came to earth out of love, the multitude followed, and the Savior reciprocated with compassion.

Oh How I love Jesus, because He first loved me! -Frederick Whitfield

Christ's Compassion (pt.1): Valuing Others

The word compassion can be defined as a strong sympathy felt for a suffering people and an equally strong feeling to alleviate that suffering. Upon hearing this definition of the word compassion, one can easily and quickly argue that this is a rather appropriate definition of Christ's entire life before, during, and after his time here on Earth. In spite of all the degradation taken upon himself, inflicted by those He came to save out of love, He suffered even before his death and was not given the proper acknowledgement for who He was. Knowing this, before and during his life here on Earth, He still chose to fulfill the destiny set before him by his Father. It was nothing but love and true friendship that caused him to do what he did. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:11‭-‬13) He ultimately gave and gave until he could give no more but his life… and He did.

Paul explained to one of his favorite churches, found in Phillipi, that we should follow the example of Jesus and be compassionate. Paul gave an example of compassion being one who “in humility values others above themselves.”(Philippians 2:3). He encourages them by telling them that God rewarded Jesus for his compassion and, as such, He would reward the followers of Jesus if they follow the example that Jesus gave with his own life. 

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Renewed (pt.3): Prepared for God's Will

God can and will renew our strength because in doing so we are prepared to do His will. God will not send us out to do any task ill-prepared or without the proper tools. Romans 12:2 says 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. One definition of the word transform is retool. Adhering to the social mindset or standards of the world disarms us, for in this instance, we are becoming part of what we should be avoiding or even fighting. But if we change our thoughts to desire fulfilling the works of God, we will be retooled and once again be prepared to move forward in God.

There is no situation that could keep us from being renewed. The broken and the weak are still capable of the redemption and transformation of God. There are many in the Bible who were broken and weak but became whole and become kings queens, advisors, and chosen people.  It is when the decision to put God first is made, that we will be changed into the person that God will have us to be. He has placed everything, and even everyone that we need in our lives.

We are never disqualified from God's grace or mercy. Though we do not deserve it by any means, the price was paid so many years ago, all flaws considered, all words considered, all acts, all thoughts, all sins considered. To receive change we must seek change. Renewal, revitalization, regrouping-a great restart for the day, year, or life in general begins with God. We are His children and He loves us and wants us to be successful. He wants us to know that we can come to him to ask for the tools necessary to grow spiritually.

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Renewed (pt.2): Provision In God's Presence

As Christians, we should be constantly seeking to renew our minds and our spirit to grow a relationship with God. As is the theme in the discussions of The Deception and the Truth, we should pray to converse with God, read the Bible to hear His answers, and then implement what we have learned to do those things that would cause us to grow. But in some instances we are asked to simply wait. Not necessarily doing nothing, but staying where we are in expectancy for a move of God in our lives, and then taking our cue and taking action. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.(Isaiah 40:31 KJV)  

God knows that we get faint and weary and tired sometimes. In the earlier verses of Isaiah 40, Isaiah asks the people basically, “Do you not know that God never gets faint himself? So imagine what he can do for you!” Isaiah assured us what God would do, back in chapter 35:

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you.  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.  And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.  And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.  No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:  And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:4‭-‬10

Thank you for reading part 2 of the New Year Renewal lesson. May God bless you and your reading! Share with us on social media and let us know what you think! God bless! Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

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Renewed (pt.1): Putting on the New Man

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24

For some, December and January mark a time period of change in light of the new year. More so it marks a time of newness or renewal. As I am not one to fully agree with making New Year's Resolutions, I do however agree that there is a time for everything. So if this time of year gives birth to reflection and a desire to better or grow oneself, than perhaps it is beneficial.

The Bible speaks about spiritual renewal in Ephesians [chapter 4]. The apostle Paul informed the Christians in Ephesus of the importance of putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man”. He even explained to them how to do it. He declared that they should put off lying, stay composed while angry, not steal, and speak healthy words. In other words, "Give no place to the devil", [verse 27], and "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God" [verse 30]. Furthermore, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you [verses 31-32].

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God's Glory: Darkness to Light

When life beats you down and you become upset, just think of how Jesus, in all his glory, was the Savior, the Lord, the Christ, and He was literally beaten down as well as being verbally abused. Think of how He must have felt knowing that He was to save all people, even those who were putting him down; to know that He has the power to help or to destroy them, yet He chose to be one of the lowly and to walk with those as well.

During times of being put down, because Jesus knows how we feel, He extends his hands to you so that He can help you. Some may get lost in the alliteration of the situation but what this means is by taking Jesus' hand we are following His way and when we follow His way, we have His power in us. Power over death, power over sin, power over the devil.

As we receive this power and allow it to grow by continuing to walk in His way, we receive glory that is brighter than the Sun. Glory that is so contagious that it will spread to others. Glory that is so intense that those who do not understand will have to look away and hide their faces, because then they will have to realize that they are in darkness. But what is in the darkness must come to the light eventually. Weeping and pain may endure for the night [in the darkness], but joy comes in the morning [with the Light].(Psalm 30:5)

God’s glory is all around us. We may have difficulty discerning it, but it’s there always. If we have ever seen it, we should know it’s power and how great it is. When times are difficult and the Light is hard to see, we should let faith “kick in”, for it is the “substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1)

Therefore, if we do not have a solution in sight for a problem, we must trust faith to define and/or give us confidence that there will be a way for us to make it through. Look to God for his love and his glory in expectancy that His grace and mercy will be sufficient to bring us out from the muck and mire of life and into His glory, into his marvellous Light...the Joy in the morning! This Light...this Glory is there! Seek and ye shall find!

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Judge Not

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." -Matthew 7:1

To judge someone is to form an opinion about them or to come to a firm conclusion. Judgement tends to be dangerous because it is not always based on factual information but “formed opinions” which could very well be wrong. And furthermore, others may translate the opinions as fact. The truth is that we should not judge anyone. Our human minds are flawed and incapable of fair discernment. Only God can and will judge perfectly.

In the gospels, Jesus clearly says that whatever criteria you use to judge someone, you will be judged  in the same way. Opinions about people are translations of temporary encounters, and unless we know all the events and thoughts of a person, there is no acceptable criteria for judgement. Therefore, instead of addressing questionable situations with judgement, let us use the well-known “Golden Rule”and treat all people as we would like to be treated [Luke 6:31].

In addition, we should treat others as our brothers and sisters, and seek not to put a stumbling block [that the limitations from judgement cause] in their way. Instead, we as Christians should realize that we all will have our day of judgement with the only True and Fair Judge. And on that day we all will have to give account to God for our actions and thoughts, good or bad [Romans14:12-13].

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Product of God

“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.” Romans 12:2

A recent conversation caused me think about my position on the assumption that a person's environment influences their thoughts and in turn their actions, and little by little changing the environment for the better or worse. While there is some truth to the aforementioned claim, as my father said before, “Ultimately, it is your choice.” What we decide, we decide and no one else. Therefore, we are not so much a product of our environment, as much as we are a product of our own mentalities. Furthermore, our lives become a composite reflection of our hearts.

The disciples gave accounts of Jesus speaking to the fact that “where your treasure is, therein also will be your heart” (Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:34) . Many times the world wins out in the realm of influence toward our hearts because there is physical evidence complying with the claims of the world all around us. In regards to a more spiritual influence coming from a desire to please God, we must rely on faith which requires more self-discipline. Be that as it may, it is a process that can most certainly be achieved. A mindset to make decisions based on what God will have us do is not only attainable, but to the Christian it is mandated. The very essence of what it means to be a Christian requires that we accept Jesus Christ and follow his example. Therefore, when faced with temptations that may cause us to pause, we should either “flee the temptation” or “recite Scripture” as He did. This will help us to keep our focus where it belongs-on God's way. When we are focused, we can then guide ourselves back to God, and in doing so use a spiritual discernment when faced with decisions that have heavy consequences.

Our lives are a sum total of our experiences and decisions. The situations that are out of our control are not always ideal, but it is what we do with our decisions that make a lifelong impact. Allowing the enticements outside ourselves to dictate our thoughts, and hence our actions, is a very deadly game to play. God's way will not steer us wrong and will ultimately lead us to the true intent of our lives.

We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. It's up to us to make it good or bad. Who and what we encompass around ourselves will either make life easier or harder. Life is already destined for some difficulties, but who or what we find ourselves depending on will be the deciding factor between bending and breaking or bending and moving on. God does not desire for us to go through “ unnecessary foolishness." If we simply adhere to the ways set before us, we will see that God wants to protect us, keep us, and hold us.1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Bottom line, if we look to God, we will find what is of true value and be able to make decisions that God, through Jesus has already shown us the answers to. Then no longer will we fall to the cliche of being a product of our environment, but we will rise rise to the honor of being a product of our God! God bless! Be blessed and be a blessing!

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Train Up A Child

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6    

Children must be trained during a young age. Having taught young children, I've seen how important the responsibility of this is. The mind is most impressionable in childhood; therefore, it is crucial that our young are not only exposed to, but strictly held to the standards of God's way. Hard is the recovery of one who wavers from the way of the Father. So if we truly prepare them early, then they are much more likely to adhere to God.

As with athletic training, the process may be anything but comfortable at times, but looking ahead to what lies before us will reveal a better life, because we are in actuality reaching out to God and seeking to draw nigh high to him, the results of which will draw God closer to us. Through the hard times perseverance will strengthen us for the the next situation, and build “thicker skin” toward adversity and adversaries. Our young are constantly facing new challenges without the proper weaponry, but if they are prepared they will know not to look for man-made solutions to  man-made problems.

We as Christians, must tell and show our children that they are special. But we must do so before they are too exposed. Exposed to the world's definition of special, because they are definitely different. The love of God and his mercy bestowed upon us makes us special. When it is finally realized how much an honor it is to know God, then it will be self explanatory how this is so. To give the life of his child for the life of another who is undeserving is quite a feat in itself, but to then offer a perfect love and a perfect relationship afterward is mind blowing.

If then the realization of God's love is truly comprehended, there will be a yearning to please him and to follow his way. It will not be hard to show how to follow, because the ultimate example can be found in the Bible in Jesus Christ, the God-Man. Not only did we receive a blueprint on how to be adults but also how to be children. Honoring our parents, being about the Father's business, teaching God's way, and so on.

God has on many occasions proven himself to be a fair, and merciful parent. In this case, God has given us incentive in a promise. Exodus 20:12 is one of the Ten Commandments in which God specifically tells children to honor their parents so as to receive long days from the Lord. Parents are one of the first gifts to children and should be cherished and respected. It is a sign of respect toward God as if to say thank you directly to honor and respect them.

Part of the foundation of a child's  relationship with God must be understanding his infinite unconditional love toward us, as best as it can be explained. The importance of the Bible and God's promises must be taught. If “Because I said so” can be a powerful phrase, image saying “Because God says so”...and it having an impact!

It is said that we are the sum total of our life's experiences. So, let us not waste our time or our children's time. The sooner we teach them about following God, the sooner they will recognize true peace and fulfillment, that the world will never understand or be able to contain. Come what may, but God will bless a child with a steadfast faith and those who instilled it!

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Jesus' Words from His Heart

Sometimes actions speak louder than words. They are the results of decisions made. We make decisions based on how we think. And finally our thoughts are directly tied to what we allow to saturate our hearts.
Jesus had a heart full of love for us. He always thought about and did what was in the Will of God so His actions spoke volumes for Him. As a teacher, He taught many things, and spoke of the wonders of God the Father Who sent Him. He directed 12 men, healed those who were broken and did so with words. There was a reputation that preceded Him due to the actions He would be known for. This is an ultimate proof that we will be remembered for the things that we do more so than what we say. 

Many say that talk is cheap. This means that to simply speak about something means little in comparison to actually do something about it. Another phrase is, "Don't talk about it , be about it!" All these phrases ultimately mean the same thing. Talking about change is easy and meaningless in comparison to making or even being the change that you seek in the world as stated by the philosopher Ghandi himself. Jesus spoke of the Will of God and intricately became the Will and the Way of God by living the example that we are to follow! Henceforth becoming the Way, the Truth, and the Life! [John 14:6] Jesus the Christ, the God-man, lived to die for us. His heart was so intent on saving us that He literally became a physical sacrifice for us. His actions were a result of what He was thinking, and His thoughts were in direct correlation to what was in His heart. We were His original intent. He loved, and is still loving us and He needs to know that we live mostly to die for him as well. We must die to the flesh in order to be raised in the Spirit! Glory be to God, because we were the reason He came...to save us. By words were we created and by the Word were we saved! God bless!!!

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Praise and Deliverance

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

This verse is a wonderful blueprint toward how a  Christian’s attitude should be, in regards to acknowledging God’s goodness. Written by the man after God’s own heart, this entire chapter of Psalms [34] reflects on the solid belief and example of God being there for us. The psalter makes sure to always include God’s workings in his life, no matter the situation he finds himself in or coming out of. Perhaps the approach that David takes toward revealing God’s divine intervention causes him to remain or at times, return to being of the description given- being righteous. Blessing the Lord at all times, and continuously praising God no doubt increased the relationship of David and God.

Verse 19 mentions the righteous in that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous:but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” David surely had his fair share of afflictions, but one in particular is believed to have been the source of his penning these profound words declaring his praise.

Before the poetry of this chapter, is a partial explanation making reference to an incident involving David and his confrontation with Abimelech. In the incident, David, in fear for his life, plays the role of a man gone mad, on the ground in the dirt, drooling in his beard. This image is shameful, to say the least, but it worked. His life was spared and he was sent away. God had saved him, once again. His life was spared and he explains further, “ I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (v.4). He realizes his shortcomings, referring to himself in verse 6 as “This poor man” crying, when once again “the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” The commonality here is that when in distress, the Lord will hear his righteous, and deliver them out…of them all.”

Thousands of years after these events,we too can find ourselves on the receiving end of God’s deliverance. We have but to ask, and in the words of Jesus himself, “it shall be given; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) In almost a mirroring of the image that David set forth in Psalm 34, Paul’s Epistle of Ephesians [5:20] reminds us to always give thanks to God for all things. We must remember who he is and what he is capable of. He hears us and delivers us from all that might oppose us. This deliverance is available by believing and consistently praising God’s name -always. David stated it perfectly in an earlier chapter. Psalm 9:10 says, “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Beautiful poetry!

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