1 PETER 3:3-4
"Do not be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should cloth yourself instead with the BEAUTY THAT COMES FROM WITHIN, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."
This is a subject that can cause anxiousness or outright hostility by many women. Even so, Stop and listen to the truth that is contained in this scripture. We all know that beauty is fleeting and that aging is inevitable. Many, however, dig their heels in and are willing to do whatever is needed to keep their outer appearance young looking. Many undergo unbelievable surgeries and injections and cover up preparations as they go from one expensive promise to another. Have you seen a grey haired women recently? How much time and attention do you devote to your outward beauty at the expense of the beauty that comes from within?
There is a beauty that never fades and in fact grows and increases. It is the inward beauty of an adoring women's heart. This kind of beauty is incorruptible. It is the unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is not anxious, nor is it caught up in this world. This beauty is looking forward to another life, that is without blemish or imperfection. This is the beauty that comforts her husband as it grows and matures. It will never fade. This is the beauty that is precious in the sight of God.
If you love the Lord and do His will you will understand why this beauty is so precious and unselfish. Attending to your husband and family is a shining light to the Lord. Set an example to your children by were you apply your energy and time and money. In particular your daughters need to look to you and see a shining example of the Lord's Word. They are looking to you and how you handle your inward beauty in comparison to your outward beauty. What should be most important to you is your INWARD BEAUTY!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
BORN AGAIN
1 PETER 1:23
"For you have been BORN AGAIN, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living Word of God."
The scriptures tell us that people are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field, the grass withers and the flower fades. The Word of the Lord, however, remains forever and ever.
After you birth into this world, your time on earth was limited. Like a flower, you are here one minute and gone the next. You were condemned to die as a result of your sinful nature and death is inevitable. Many ask the question, "is that all there is?" Your challenge during your life here on earth is to learn to know, love and fear the Lord God. When you believe in Him and ask Him into your heart you will be BORN AGAIN. You will become a new person with a new spiritual life.
This second birth is not of flesh, but of the spirit, and it is everlasting. When Nicodemus asked if being born again means to go back into his mothers womb a second time, the answer was No! The second birth is of the water and of the spirit. By being born again you are not subject to the second death and eternal separation from God. Like the Lord, you will have eternal life and be present with God forever. You will have been regenerated and not from a mortal seed, but one that is everlasting and immortal. This is the "GOOD NEWS", that God has proclaimed in His Word. You can be assured that if you believe in Him you will be BORN AGAIN, and live forever!
"For you have been BORN AGAIN, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living Word of God."
The scriptures tell us that people are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field, the grass withers and the flower fades. The Word of the Lord, however, remains forever and ever.
After you birth into this world, your time on earth was limited. Like a flower, you are here one minute and gone the next. You were condemned to die as a result of your sinful nature and death is inevitable. Many ask the question, "is that all there is?" Your challenge during your life here on earth is to learn to know, love and fear the Lord God. When you believe in Him and ask Him into your heart you will be BORN AGAIN. You will become a new person with a new spiritual life.
This second birth is not of flesh, but of the spirit, and it is everlasting. When Nicodemus asked if being born again means to go back into his mothers womb a second time, the answer was No! The second birth is of the water and of the spirit. By being born again you are not subject to the second death and eternal separation from God. Like the Lord, you will have eternal life and be present with God forever. You will have been regenerated and not from a mortal seed, but one that is everlasting and immortal. This is the "GOOD NEWS", that God has proclaimed in His Word. You can be assured that if you believe in Him you will be BORN AGAIN, and live forever!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
RIGHTEOUS PRAYER
JAMES 5:17
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The earnest PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON has great power and produces wonderful results."
What is the first thing you should do when you have any problem? Who should you turn to, every time, for help? What is the essence of the first commandment of God? The answer to all these questions is to put the Lord first in everything in your life! Love the Lord your God with all you hear, mind, body and soul and keep Him first in everything. If you have a problem, sickness, or concern, it should be brought to the Lord first. Do not be tempted to seek answers from fallible men first as the substitute for the Lord's wisdom.
You must always confess your sins to the Lord. It is helpful to hold yourself accountable to others by confessing your sins to a righteous brother or sister in the Lord. They can then join you in prayer. As this scripture teaches us the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and can produce wonderful results. By confessing your sins you make yourself right with God. You and those who join you then can be heard by God and your prayer will be answered.
No man is an island unto himself and by joining with other believers and righteous Christians we see a dynamic and powerful increase in the results to our prayers. Do not neglect the gathering together of the brethren. This is one example of why it is important to be with other believers. THE EARNEST PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON HAS GREAT POWER AND PRODUCES WONDERFUL RESULTS!
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The earnest PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON has great power and produces wonderful results."
What is the first thing you should do when you have any problem? Who should you turn to, every time, for help? What is the essence of the first commandment of God? The answer to all these questions is to put the Lord first in everything in your life! Love the Lord your God with all you hear, mind, body and soul and keep Him first in everything. If you have a problem, sickness, or concern, it should be brought to the Lord first. Do not be tempted to seek answers from fallible men first as the substitute for the Lord's wisdom.
You must always confess your sins to the Lord. It is helpful to hold yourself accountable to others by confessing your sins to a righteous brother or sister in the Lord. They can then join you in prayer. As this scripture teaches us the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and can produce wonderful results. By confessing your sins you make yourself right with God. You and those who join you then can be heard by God and your prayer will be answered.
No man is an island unto himself and by joining with other believers and righteous Christians we see a dynamic and powerful increase in the results to our prayers. Do not neglect the gathering together of the brethren. This is one example of why it is important to be with other believers. THE EARNEST PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON HAS GREAT POWER AND PRODUCES WONDERFUL RESULTS!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
PLANNING TOMORROW
JAMES 4:13-14-15
"Look here, you who say, today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog, it is here for a little while and then it is gone. What you ought to say is, IF THE LORD IS WILLING, we will do this or do that!"
Have you planned out your whole life? Do you know who you will marry and how many children you will have? What kind of job or profession will you enter? Where will you live and what kind of home will you have? How long will you live and what will be your cause of death? You may have plans or goals for the future, but they are just that. Whenever we make a plan or set a goal for the future we had better include the fact that it must be IF THE LORD IS WILLING!
No one knows what will happen tomorrow. How many times have you been surprised by the events that dramatically changed your life? If you look back you will see that you are not in control of this world. What is the real nature of our life? We are but a vapor, a fog, a puff of smoke that is visible for a little while and then disappears in to thin air. Life, fame and fortune are fleeting, here for a little while and then gone.
What we ought to say about tomorrow and our future plans is, IF THE LORD IS WILLING WE WILL DO THIS OR THAT THING. This is a simple acknowledgement that the Lord God is in control of our world and only if our plans are in concert with His Will they happen. We can not predict the future and we must not be presumptuous or full of self conceit and boasting. So when you are making plans for the future make sure that you add, GOD WILLING!
"Look here, you who say, today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog, it is here for a little while and then it is gone. What you ought to say is, IF THE LORD IS WILLING, we will do this or do that!"
Have you planned out your whole life? Do you know who you will marry and how many children you will have? What kind of job or profession will you enter? Where will you live and what kind of home will you have? How long will you live and what will be your cause of death? You may have plans or goals for the future, but they are just that. Whenever we make a plan or set a goal for the future we had better include the fact that it must be IF THE LORD IS WILLING!
No one knows what will happen tomorrow. How many times have you been surprised by the events that dramatically changed your life? If you look back you will see that you are not in control of this world. What is the real nature of our life? We are but a vapor, a fog, a puff of smoke that is visible for a little while and then disappears in to thin air. Life, fame and fortune are fleeting, here for a little while and then gone.
What we ought to say about tomorrow and our future plans is, IF THE LORD IS WILLING WE WILL DO THIS OR THAT THING. This is a simple acknowledgement that the Lord God is in control of our world and only if our plans are in concert with His Will they happen. We can not predict the future and we must not be presumptuous or full of self conceit and boasting. So when you are making plans for the future make sure that you add, GOD WILLING!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
TAME YOUR TONGUE
JAMES 3:7-8
"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue! The tongue is restless and evil and full of deadly poison."
Can you hold your tongue? Do you bless and then curse with the same mouth? Have you been able to stop swearing and using the Lord's name in vain? Do you say things that you wish you could erase and reverse because of the harm they have done? Did you know you can kill someone and do great bodily harm by what you say about another? A great forest fire begins with a single spark. Have you started any fires lately?
Even though the tongue is a small member of the body, like the ruder of a large ship, or the bridle in the mouth of a large animal, your mouth can change the direction and be controlling in a time of stress. One of the tests of being an obedient child of God and demonstrating the wisdom that comes from the fear of God, is learning to tame your tongue. If you do not do it, all kinds of evil will set fire to your whole life. How have you been doing with your tongue?
We should not send out sweet, fresh, heavenly thoughts and then evil, poisonous vitriol from the same mouth. If we are wise and seek the help of the Lord and His wisdom, we can learn to control our mouth and tame our tongue. If we are capable of taming all kinds of animals and other creatures it should show that we are capable of taming our tongue. Yes it is hard, and yes it can be dangerous if we do not succeed, but we are to try! How about you, have you been able to TAME YOUR TONGUE?
"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue! The tongue is restless and evil and full of deadly poison."
Can you hold your tongue? Do you bless and then curse with the same mouth? Have you been able to stop swearing and using the Lord's name in vain? Do you say things that you wish you could erase and reverse because of the harm they have done? Did you know you can kill someone and do great bodily harm by what you say about another? A great forest fire begins with a single spark. Have you started any fires lately?
Even though the tongue is a small member of the body, like the ruder of a large ship, or the bridle in the mouth of a large animal, your mouth can change the direction and be controlling in a time of stress. One of the tests of being an obedient child of God and demonstrating the wisdom that comes from the fear of God, is learning to tame your tongue. If you do not do it, all kinds of evil will set fire to your whole life. How have you been doing with your tongue?
We should not send out sweet, fresh, heavenly thoughts and then evil, poisonous vitriol from the same mouth. If we are wise and seek the help of the Lord and His wisdom, we can learn to control our mouth and tame our tongue. If we are capable of taming all kinds of animals and other creatures it should show that we are capable of taming our tongue. Yes it is hard, and yes it can be dangerous if we do not succeed, but we are to try! How about you, have you been able to TAME YOUR TONGUE?
Monday, June 16, 2008
YOUR FAITH- DEAD OR ALIVE?
JAMES 2:17
"So you see, faith by itself is not enough. Unless your faith produces good deeds, it is DEAD and useless."
In the old west they had posters for criminals, "WANTED- DEAD OR ALIVE". The Lord wants His children, "ALIVE AND NOT DEAD". Faith that is not alive is dead and useless in God's kingdom. When you came to the Lord, you became a new person with a new spirit. That is the natural consequence of believing in Jesus Christ. You were filled with the Holy Spirit that lead you in a new holy way, filled with hope and faith. As a new man you abandoned your old ways. It is not enough to believe God without demonstrating through your actions that you also have the kind of faith that inevitably produces good deeds.
Have you demonstrated your faith by doing good deeds? Are you actions obedient to the Lord? Faith by itself is limited in its power. Faith that does not produce good deeds is inoperative and useless. Is your faith dead and useless, or is it producing good deeds? That is how we know you are alive in Christ, by your deeds! Faith that is unproductive and spiritually deficient is inactive, ineffective and worthless.
You will be shown to be justified and acceptable to God by the actions and works you do as a result of your faith. An example is Abraham, when he brought Isaac to the alter in obedience to God. Abraham's action spoke volumes about his faith. When your faith is in co-operation with your works it is a complete and full expression of your true belief. A man is justified and pronounced righteous by God through what he does and not alone by faith. We must do works of obedience as well as believe and have faith. Is your faith, DEAD OR ALIVE?
"So you see, faith by itself is not enough. Unless your faith produces good deeds, it is DEAD and useless."
In the old west they had posters for criminals, "WANTED- DEAD OR ALIVE". The Lord wants His children, "ALIVE AND NOT DEAD". Faith that is not alive is dead and useless in God's kingdom. When you came to the Lord, you became a new person with a new spirit. That is the natural consequence of believing in Jesus Christ. You were filled with the Holy Spirit that lead you in a new holy way, filled with hope and faith. As a new man you abandoned your old ways. It is not enough to believe God without demonstrating through your actions that you also have the kind of faith that inevitably produces good deeds.
Have you demonstrated your faith by doing good deeds? Are you actions obedient to the Lord? Faith by itself is limited in its power. Faith that does not produce good deeds is inoperative and useless. Is your faith dead and useless, or is it producing good deeds? That is how we know you are alive in Christ, by your deeds! Faith that is unproductive and spiritually deficient is inactive, ineffective and worthless.
You will be shown to be justified and acceptable to God by the actions and works you do as a result of your faith. An example is Abraham, when he brought Isaac to the alter in obedience to God. Abraham's action spoke volumes about his faith. When your faith is in co-operation with your works it is a complete and full expression of your true belief. A man is justified and pronounced righteous by God through what he does and not alone by faith. We must do works of obedience as well as believe and have faith. Is your faith, DEAD OR ALIVE?
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