Grace & Salt

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

2010-03-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

words by Fanny J. Crosby

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

Reasons to Go to Church

2010-03-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

Reasons to go to church....
1. God commands it. Hebrews 10:24-25
2. You teach your children that God’s house is important. Deuteronomy 6:4, 9
3. To be more fruitful. Matthew 13:23
4. Jesus went to God’s house weekly. Luke 4:16
5. To grow in obedience. If we are obedient in the small matter of church, we’ll be obedient in bigger things
6. To lay up treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19
7. The Lord is coming soon. I John 2:28; Romans 14:12
8. To be part of the lighthouse for the truth of Christ to the community.
9. So you can notice and encourage any new or struggling people.
10. So you can get encouragement and advice from Godly Christians regarding problems you may be having.
11. So you can honor the Lord with your tithes and missionaries can be supported and sent out. Malachi 3:7-12

Attitude Determines Attitude

2010-03-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

ATTITUDE DETERMINES ATTITUDE

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do

before the clock strikes midnight.

I have responsibilities to fulfill today.

I am important.

My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy

or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money

or I can be glad that my finances encourage me

to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health

or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents

didn't give me when I was growing up

or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns

or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends

or I can excitedly embark upon a quest

to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work

or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school

or eagerly open my mind and fill it with

rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework

or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided

shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.

And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me.

I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a Great Day...Unless you have other plans?

—Author Unknown

Titus 2: What does "becometh" mean?

2009-06-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"

Titus 2:1

From dictionary.com:

become:

–verb (used with object)

3.	to be attractive on; befit in appearance; look well on: That gown becomes you.

4.	to be suitable or necessary to the dignity, situation, or responsibility of: conduct that becomes an officer.

From the verse and the meaning of the word, I understand that Titus 2 is a discussion of things that are "suitable or necessary to the dignity" of sound doctrine.

I want to be suitable, so I think the chapter deserves my attention.

All That Night

2009-06-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

This originally appeared in Streams in The Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman. It was a real blessing to me this morning and I wanted to share it.

Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: Exodus 14:21

God Works in the Dark

"The Lord caused the sea to go back…all that night"

(Exod. 14:21).

In this verse there is a comforting message showing how God works in the dark. The real work of God for the children of Israel, was not when they awakened and found that they could get over the Red Sea; but it was "all that night."

So there may be a great working in your life when it all seems dark and you cannot see or trace, but yet God is working. Just as truly did He work "all that night," as all the next day. The next day simply manifested what God had done during the night. Is there anyone reading these lines who may have gotten to a place where it seems dark? You believe to see, but you are not seeing. In your life-progress there is not constant victory; the daily, undisturbed communion is not there, and all seems dark.

"The Lord caused the sea to go back…all that night." Do not forget that it was "all that night." God works all the night, until the light comes. You may not see it, but all that "night" in your life, as you believe God, He works. --C. H. P.

"All that night" the Lord was working,
Working in the tempest blast,
Working with the swelling current,
Flooding, flowing, free and fast.

"All that night" God's children waited--
Hearts, perhaps in agony
With the enemy behind them,
And, in front, the cruel sea.

"All that night" seemed blacker darkness
Than they ever saw before,
Though the light of God's own presence
Near them was, and sheltered o'er.

"All that night" that weary vigil
Passed; the day at last did break,
And they saw that God was working
"All that night" a path to make.

"All that night," O child of sorrow,
Canst thou not thy heartbreak stay?
Know thy God in darkest midnight
Works, as well as in the day.

--L. S. P.

Grace

2009-05-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Unmerited Favor
The grace of God
Abundant grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
Sufficient grace
Saving grace
Grace with you
Hope through grace

Amazing

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,"

2 Thessalonians 2:16

Titus 2: Some Questions

2009-03-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

1. Who wrote this? (the man, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit)

Paul
"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;"

Titus 1:1

2. Who was it written to?

Titus
"To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour."

Titus 1:4

3. What was the purpose?

Instruction for Titus to set things in order and ordain elders.
"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"

Titus 1:5

4. What is the expressed purpose of chapter 2?

It is an explanation of sound doctrine as indicated by the colon at the end of verse 1.
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"

Titus 2:1

Read it again

2009-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Read Titus chapter 2 again as we prepare to study it. Think about it. Who is it talking to? What do the words mean? Do they remind you of other verses?

Read It!!!

2009-02-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.
—Mark Twain

I think that the Bible has to be one of the most talked-about, analyzed, and least read books. Many times, even when we read it, we read it in snippets. I heard one person call it the "fortune-cookie Bible." We draw one-liners and feel good statements from its pages and we don't read it enough to even know what it really says, let alone live by it.

Over the coming days, I want to do a simple study through Titus, chapter 2. I'm not going to reveal any new doctrine or epiphanies, I just want to look at what the Bible says in light of the Bible. In order to get ready for the study though, I need to read it.

If you want to read it with me, here it is.

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

Titus 2

Things to think about

2009-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

We often have choices. Should I or shouldn't I? There are many things in the Christian life that we sometimes refer to as "questionable." (Personally, I don't think as many things fall into the questionable category as we would like to believe.)

So how do we make a choice when faced with things questionable? Viewing a choice in light of Scripture is the wisest thing.

This is not an exhaustive list of questions to ask when faced with a decision but it is a start. It is also not in any particular order.

❏ Is it right?
“All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.” 1 John 5:17

❏ Will this bring me near some temptation?
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14

❏ Does this give place to the devil?
“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27

❏ Am I trusting God or depending in my own strength?
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6

❏ Is it doubtful?
“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:23

❏ Will it cause someone to stumble?
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Romans 14:21

❏ Does it appear evil to anyone?
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

❏ Would the Lord Jesus Christ do this?
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” 1 Peter 2:21
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

❏ Will it please God?
“And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” John 8:29

❏ Am I trying to impress others with my spirituality?
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” Acts 5:1-11

❏ Do I hope somebody notices me?
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:26

❏ Does it edify?
“How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

❏ Am I being selfish?
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:3,4

❏ Am I denying the flesh?
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

❏ Am I putting Christ first?
“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18

❏ Is it expedient?
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” 1 Corinthians 10:23

❏ Will it bring glory to God?
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

❏ Am I deceiving myself or being deceived?
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” 1 Corinthians 3:18

❏ Do I know better?
“For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;” 1 Corinthians 8:10

❏ Am I searching for an excuse to justify what I want to do?
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

❏ Do I have to hide it from anyone? sneak around?
“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2

❏ Did I handle the word of God deceitfully?
“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2

❏ Will this in any way defile God’s body?
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:17

❏ Can I sincerely thank God for it?
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

❏ Can I do this in Jesus’ name?
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17

❏ Can I go all the way with it?
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

❏ Have I prayed about it?
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalms 66:18
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

❏ Will it increase or hinder my prayer life?
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7

❏ Am I breaking one commandment in order to keep another?
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” Jeremiah 48:10

❏ What does my pastor think about it?
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Hebrews 13:7
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

❏ What do my church brethren think about it?
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Proverbs 15:22

❏ Would I like to be doing this when Jesus Christ returns?
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28

❏ How will it appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:10-12
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Hope this helps.

I want MY way!

2009-02-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

"And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread."

I Kings 21:1-4

When I read about King Ahab, I can just see him flinging himself across his bed and refusing to eat. Ahab wanted his way and if he couldn't have it, he was going to pout. If it weren't so sad it would be funny.

Even sadder is the idea that we have an entire culture that acts the same way when God doesn't give us our way. My husband preaches against the idea of a "vending machine God." So many people have the idea that if they put in the right combination of actions and prayers and push the right buttons then the blessing of their choice will surely spew forth.

That's not how it works. That very mindset is not a mature Christian mindset.

When I was a kid, I was pretty good in school. I had a couple of years when I didn't try as hard and my grades slipped from straight-A's to A's & B's. I was working again to bring my grades back up and someone said I should claim the verse:

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Psalm 37:4

As a 13-year-old, that sounded pretty good to me. If I just did what God wanted, I could have anything I wanted. Then I started looking closer. Did that mean God would give me anything I wanted? Would He give me the object of my desires, or would He give me the desires themselves?

Even as a child, I knew that the better thing was to have God-given desires. So that was how I prayed.

Through the years, those people I have known who focused on the objects of their desires, their WAY, haven't fared well. Those who wanted God to give them the desires themselves have grown in the Lord and are the happiest people I know.

Don't be like Ahab.

Hope Deferred

2009-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."

Proverbs 13:12

It was the summer of 1969. I was an eight-year-old little girl and I went to summer camp for the first time. Like all little girls, I was in love with horses and the main reason I wanted to go to camp was to ride the horses. It was a Bible camp and I would enjoy the classes and the crafts but my whole week was focused on riding the horse. My parents had given me the $2.00 for the horse ride and I treasured that money like it belonged in Fort Knox.

Finally, the day for the ride came. I ran down to the barn and waited in line for my turn. I would be on the second ride of the day, so I had to wait about 45 minutes. I paced. I craned my neck to search the trail for the returning horses. I kicked the dirt. Then the terrible thing happened. Fooling around, I stepped on a board with a nail in it. The nail went through my tennis shoe and stuck in my foot. One of the horse hands had to pick me up while another on pulled the board loose from my shoe and foot.

As the horses returned, instead of fulfilling my dreams, I was being carried to the first aid station. Thankfully, I had received my tetanus shot the month before, but I still had to sit in the bunkhouse and soak my foot in Epsom salts.

It was horrible. There I was, a little girl, alone and in pain. Worse yet, the trail ride passed right below the windows of the bunkhouse. All the lucky kids were having the time of their lives riding the horses I should be on!!! Woe is me!

Two days later, I got to ride the horse and once again, all was well in my world. But, for a couple of days I was absolutely heart sick. I had looked forward to that ride for weeks and my hope was deferred.

It would be just a funny little story about a little girl who stepped on a nail and didn't get to ride a horse, except that something else happened that week. Remember the brief mention of Bible classes? During one of those Bible classes, the Lord spoke to my young tender heart and I committed my life to serve Him full time.

I still love horses and ride anytime I get a chance, but every single day of my life, I serve the Lord. I may have despaired over missing a horse ride, but the desire that began that week in July in 1969 has been a tree of life since.

Motivation

2008-12-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

There is a reason to live right, be nice to people, and "proselytize" or share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you really believe there is a heaven and hell? Do you really believe that people die and go to an everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels? Do you believe there is a heaven and that everlasting life is really possible?

Shouldn't you tell someone?

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus saith unto him, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, "How can these things be?"

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

John 3:1-21

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 6:23

Wordle

2008-11-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

Commitment

2008-08-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.

"When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God."

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

I've been meditating on commitment for many days now. We seem to live in a culture that has abandoned the concept. When I was young, quitting was a shame — not any more. Husbands and wives quit. Parents quit. Children quit. Christians quit.

I've said before that I've been in church almost my whole life. I started out in the church nursery and I've been everything from a deacon's kid to a bus kid to the preacher's wife. Through the years, I have seen literally thousands kneel at an altar and make a commitment to the Lord. Sadly, without a scientific study, I would say that near 90% of those commitments are abandoned. The person who keeps a vow is the rare exception.

But why?

That question is the base of my meditation and I don't know that I have any answers yet.
What do you think? Why do folks not keep the commitments that they make to the Lord.
I know the basic answers like "the cares of this world," "decisions made in haste," "peer presure." But are those the root reasons?

Tell me what you think.

Something is on my heart

2008-08-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

And I'm still trying to articulate it. I haven't posted in a few days because I really want to convey the thoughts I have.

In the meantime, think about this:

When you made that commitment to the Lord, did you mean it?

"I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end."

Psalm 119:112

As Mount Zion

2008-08-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

"They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever."

Psalm 125:1-2

It is such a comfort to me that the LORD is round about me. Today, I want you to meditate on His care and His presence.

The answer

2008-08-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

The question:

"How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved."

Psalm 13:1-4

The answer:

"But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."

Psalm 13:5-6

Don't worry about how long. Just trust in His mercy. Rejoice in His salvation. Sing to Him because he has dealt bountifully with you.

Do you ever?

2008-08-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those moments when, no matter how grounded you are in your faith, you waver?

So I remind myself.

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."

Psalm 90:2

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail."

Hebrews 1:10-12

Never Alone

2008-08-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Words by Ludie D. Pickett

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain
No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!

He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they piercèd His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Do you know Him?

2008-08-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Do we know God?

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"

Philippians 3:10

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

1 Corinthians 2:14-16

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not."

John 1:10

"And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart."

Jeremiah 24:7

Do you know my Hero, my husband?

Where was he born?
How many sisters does he have?
How many brothers?
Hold old is he?
When he was in high school, what career did he want to pursue?
When did he get saved?
What is his favorite color?
What is his favorite pastime?
What is his favorite food?
What is his favorite drink?
What was his first job?

I, of course, can answer all these questions, why?

Because I have spent time with him, listening and talking to him.

Do you spend time with God, listening (Bible reading) and talking (praying)?

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."

1 John 2:3

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."

1 John 4:7

What can we know about God?

His knowledge of us

"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?"

Galatians 4:9

"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

2 Timothy 2:19

His care and love of and for us

"And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

Ephesians 3:19

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

Romans 8:35

His control in our lives

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."

2 Timothy 1:12

Holy, Holy, Holy

2008-08-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."

Isaiah 6:3

Holiness is probably the overarching attribute of God. He is Who He is because He is holy. And yet, it is probably the hardest attribute for our sinful human minds to comprehend. I've read many, many attempts at explaining the meaning of holiness and yet no one seems to be able to wrap up the meaning of Holiness in human language.

He is the antithesis to sin. Nothing in the human experience equals the complete absence of something. Light is the antitheses of darkness and yet, even in the light there are shadows. Life is the antithesis of death but life is subject to death in any given moment.

God's holiness banishes the very essence of sin. The two things cannot coincide.

And in the midst of this incomprehensible concept, God says

"Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God."

Leviticus 20:7

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

1 Peter 1:15-16

As much as is possible, we should strive to live apart from sin. That will keep us busy for some time to come.

Who is He?

2008-07-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

"…but the people that do know their God shall be strong,…"

Daniel 11:32

I love taking walks. I think it is so romantic just to take a walk. Imagine walking hand in hand with the one you love down a tree-lined path, his hand warm in yours.

Now imagine you don’t know the guy! Yikes! We have a relationship with someone based on a knowledge of that person. That seems simple and obvious doesn’t it?

I believe the primary reason we struggle in our relationship with God is that we don’t know Him. Far too often, we base our Christianity on how we “measure up” to the Christians around us, especially those Christians we feel are more spiritual.

Then we are left feeling empty and disillusioned when one day, we find out our measuring stick—that so-called spiritual person—isn’t who or what we thought she was.

Our emptiness and disappointment comes from the fact that we were trying to find fulfillment in the practice of the religion and not in the Person of the relationship.

So, who is God? Why does He care about me? And how do I get to know Him?

For thousands of years, philosophers and theologians have pondered and debated the concept of God. Go to the philosophy or religion section of any bookstore and there will be shelves full of man’s musings on the person of God.

When I first met my husband, I heard others talk about him—some good, some terrible. But I didn’t get to know him based on the opinion of others. When we started dating and were engaged, he began writing to me and I read those letters over and over. We would sit and talk for hours about nothing. (Now we think that if we get 10 minutes alone to talk we have had a special treat!) I got to know him and his heart through his words.

It’s the same with God. We get to know Him through His Word. God has personality, attributes, and feelings and He conveys all that to us through His Word.

When I think of God, one of the first things I think of is His Holiness. The other thing I think of is how much He must love me.

I took a doctrine class in Bible College and it was b-o-r-i-n-g. It seemed so mechanical to memorize:
God is holy.
God is omnipotent (all powerful).
God is omniscient (all knowing).
God is omnipresent (everywhere at one and the same time).
God is immutable (never changing), etc.

However, that boring class gave me a starting point from which I could take my Bible and get to know God.

What does it mean that He is holy and how does that effect me? One of my girls was taking doctrine in her homeschooling and I gave her an assignment that she found difficult at first. She had just read about the attributes of God and I asked her to write me a one-page essay on the subject of “How one of God’s Attributes effects me.” She had never thought about how the person of God had anything to do with her. When I made the assignment, it seemed like a no-brainer to me. But, I’ve been saved for 42 years and I’ve been through some minor fires and I’ve had to get a glimpse of who God was and what that meant to me.

All of that was an introduction to what will be a series of articles on who God is.

Lift up someone else today

2008-07-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Christians are like the flowers in a garden, that have each of them the dew of Heaven, which, being shaken with the wind, they let fall at each other's roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.”

John Bunyan
1628-1688

Be still

2008-07-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

"But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him."

Habbakuk 2:20

"Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation."

Zechariah 2:13

"That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."

Psalm 83:18

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."

Psalm 100:3

"Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them."

Exodus 18:11

"This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel."

1 Samuel 17:46

"And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word."

1 Kings 18:36

"Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power."

Psalm 21:13

"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth."

Psalm 57:5

"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all."

1 Chronicles 29:11

"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."

Isaiah 2:11

"And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."

Isaiah 2:17

"But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness."

Isaiah 5:16

"Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 38:23

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."

Revalation 15:3-4

A Thousand Generations

2008-07-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

"Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;"

1 Chronicles 16:15

In my last entry on the thought of "Be ye" I posted this verse. That phrase "a thousand generations" really caught my attention. That's a long time.

In the genealogy of Christ listed in Matthew chapter 1 and Luke chapter 3, we can calculate that the time from Adam to Jesus was 63 generations. A time period of roughly 4,000 years covered only 63 generations.

I have often sat bewildered trying to understand a generation that assumes that God should adjust Himself for the times. But He said He commanded his word to a thousand generations.

I for one am immeasurably grateful that I have a God who never changes.

We Have an Anchor
by Pricilla Owens

Chorus:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love."

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables, passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy that blast, thro’ strength divine.

It will surely hold in the Straits of Fear—
When the breakers have told that the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.

It will firmly hold in the Floods of Death—
When the waters cold chill our latest breath,
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the Veil.

When our eyes behold through the gath’ring night
The city of gold, our harbor bright,
We shall anchor fast by the heav’nly shore,
With the storms all past forevermore.

Be ye mindful

2008-07-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

"Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;"

1 Chronicles 16:15

We live in a world where mindless seems to be okay. One of the late-night talk shows has a segment where they randomly interview people on the street and ask them questions that seem to have obvious answers. I guess the answers aren't quite so obvious.

Question: "Who is the president of the United States?"

Answer: —blank stare—

This happens more times than we want to think.

Mindless eating … mindless entertainment … mindless violence … mindless work … mindless behavior … (you get the picture.)

But God wants us to be mindful — mindful of His covenant: His covenant which He commanded to a thousand generations.

How much of His covenant are you mindful of? Did you read your Bible today? Have you studied it this week? this month? this year?

Are you passing His covenant on to the next generation?

Be mindful.

Be ye thankful

2008-07-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Colossians 3:15

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

Ephesians 5:20

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Philippians 4:6

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;"

1 Timothy 2:1

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

Hebrews 13:15

"Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen."

Revelation 7:12

Be ye kind

2008-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:32

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Proverbs 31:26

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."

1 Peter 3:8-12

Whatever happened to kindness? We live in a culture that prides itself on being in your face! Rude is the rule rather than the exception. But God said "be ye kind."

Kind just means pleasant and gracious. This really is one of the easy be ye's. Do you know if you cultivate kindness in yourself, you will be much more likely to behave yourself as a Christian showing God's love to those around you? A kind woman will speak pleasantly to the checker at the grocery store who may be speaking rudely to you. You never know, maybe she is having a terrible day and your kindness can make all the difference. I have experienced that many, many times.

If you are a kind person, you will act with kindness towards those around you.

Be ye kind.

Be Ye & Be Not

2008-07-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Many years ago (more than I would like to admit) I was reading through Romans and came to Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 I read the words "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed" I remembered something I had heard a pastor say:

If you will be what you are supposed to be, you will do what you are supposed to do.

And it got me to thinking … how many times did God say, "be ye." This all happened so long ago, that the Bible program I had on my little Mac SE was limited and would not search common words like "be" and "ye." So, I got out my trusty Strong's Concordance and that was a no go, too. Do you know how long it took me to look up just 5 or 10 occurrences of the phrase "be ye"?

So the thought was placed on the back burner for a while. Then we got a more powerful computer and Bible program and viola!! I could look up the phrase!

There are so many times God says "be ye" that it will take a while to cover it. I may cover a few, take a break and revisit the study but over the coming weeks and months, I hope you find the study as interesting as I do.

For today, think on this one:

"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

Luke 12:40

In my observation over the past 40+ years of salvation and church attendance, it is, I think, when Christians forget that the Lord is returning; earth is temporary; there is a life in heaven ever after that Christians struggle more with serving the Lord.

If we "be ready" then we will be compelled to serve Him.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

2008-07-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

“His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness"

Lamentations 3:22-23

Words by Thomas O. Chisholm

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Take a walk with God

2008-07-18T07:46:00.001-07:00

Walk in the ways of the Lord

"They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways."

Psalm 119:3

Walk in the light of the Lord's countenance

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance."

Psalm 89:15

Walk in the ways the Lord commands

"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."

Jeremiah 7:23

Walk in a perfect way

"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me."

Psalm 101:6

Walk at liberty

"And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts."

Psalm 119:45

Take a Walk With God

2008-07-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Walk worthy of the Lord

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

Colossians 1:10

Walk by faith not by sight

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"

2 Corinthians 5:7

Walk in the light of the Lord

"O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD."

Isaiah 2:5

Walk after His commandments

"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it."

2 John 6

Walk in the way of good men

"That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous."

Proverbs 2:20

Take a Walk With God

2008-07-16T08:34:00.001-07:00

Walk in integrity

"But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me."

Psalm 26:11

Walk circumspectly

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,"

Ephesians 5:15

Walk after the Lord

"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him."

Deuteronomy 13:4

Walk after the Spirit

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Romans 8:1

Walk in newness of life

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Romans 6:4

I'm humbled

2008-07-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

(Rough translation: Wow! What Art!)

Deborah, from Songs From My Journey gave me this wonderful award! Deborah is another adoptive mother and our paths have crossed several times on the web. I love reading and hearing the songs she has written

Here are the rules for those who receive this award:

Pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, contribution to the blogging community.

Name each nominee and link to his/her blog.

Show the award and the name of the person who presented you with this award, and link to their blog.

Link to Arte Y Pico, the originator of the award.

Post these rules.

Here are my nominees for this award:

The Preacher's Wife I met Starr on a fellowship board and was so excited when she began blogging. Her thoughts always bless my heart.
My Life and Ponderings Michelle is an amazing sweet Christian who's insight has always challenged me to think.

Time with Tami This is one of the very first blogs I started reading. Since then Tami and I have become very close friends and my family even took a vacation to visit hers. Tami is also a pastor's wife and posts some amazing devotions.

A Home Away From Home I've known Tori since before there was an Internet that people blogged on. Tori is a devoted missionary wife and she shares her life on the mission field. I have always had a burden for missions (I wish God would send me!) and I look forward to Tori's posts.
ByGrace Someone else I've known since before we connected in cyber-space. When my husband first started our church in Kansas City, Susan's husband came with a group of young men to knock doors and hold a revival service. They were such a blessing to us. Susan shares her daily life on the mission field in Canada.

Take a Walk with God

2008-07-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Walk before God

"…I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect."

Genesis 17:1

Walk in the light

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

1 John 1:7

Walk in the truth

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

3 John 4

Walk in the Spirit

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

Galatians 5:16

Walk in His paths

"…and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths…"

Micah 4:2

Take a Walk With God

2008-07-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Walk in Love

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"

Ephesians 4:1-2

Walk Honestly

"That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

1 Thessalonians 4:12

Walk Uprightly

"He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly."

Proverbs 2:7

Walk in Wisdom

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

Colossians 4:5

Walk in the Law of the Lord

"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD."

Psalm 119:1

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

2008-07-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS
Haldor Lillenas, 1918

“The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

Romans 16:20

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost,
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven,
For all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Are You Wise or Otherwise?

2008-07-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Do you know what it really means to be wise?

Wise people listen to instruction, especially the Word of God.

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 1:5

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Proverbs 22:17

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 23:23

Wise people fear the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:7

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 8:13

Wise people associate with wise people.

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Proverbs 2:20

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 9:6

Wise people preserve what they’ve gained and they use it.

Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Proverbs 10:14

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 13:4

A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

Proverbs 9:13

Wise people flee from sin.

A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Proverbs 14:16

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Proverbs 16:17

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 22:3

Wise people discipline their speech.

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

Proverbs 16:23

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 10:19

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 15:28

Wise people are diligent in their work.

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Proverbs 27:23

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Wise people seek to influence others to trust the Lord.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:30

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Proverbs 12:18

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Proverbs 15:4

Has the Word of God shown you to be wise, or otherwise?

Be Prepared: The Body

2008-07-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of quotes that people attribute to the Bible that aren't there. One of them is "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." That is not in the Bible.

However, having a clean, healthy body is part of the preparation for serving the Lord. Not only is our strength increased if we are clean and free from germs, but our testimony is also increased. Don't you hate it when the dirty, scary guy is holding up a Scripture sign? It's not a great testimony.

This is a pretty simple concept, but in order to prepare yourself to serve the Lord, take a shower!

Be Prepared: The Body

2008-07-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you, my friends, are just comment shy or if this topic of caring for the body has us all stumped. Just in case it's the latter, I thought I'd share a few verses on the importance of care for our body, the temple.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

1 Corinthians 3:16

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

1 Corinthians 6:19

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

This body is the only vessel we have with which to serve God. Are you caring for it in light of that?

Come on People!

2008-07-02T09:51:00.001-07:00

Give me some suggestions for eating right in order to maintain your strength to serve the Lord!

Be Prepared: The Body, part 2

2008-07-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

Mark 12:30

In part one, we talked about getting enough rest. This time, I want to talk about getting proper nutrition. I want to talk about it, but I struggle with it. I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and I take a good supplement, but I still don't feel like my diet is optimum for serving the Lord. I've even begun preparing two meatless meals a week for the family, but this is one area of real struggle for me.

So I'm going to do something different. I'm going to ask you. If you have any ideas, Scriptural and or practical for supporting your strength for serving the Lord with the things that you eat, post a comment and let me know.

Be Prepared: The Body

2008-06-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

Mark 12:30

We are supposed to love the Lord with all of our strength. To better serve the Lord, we should maintain our strength. I believe the number one cause of women not having the strength to do the things that would please the Lord is that we do not get enough rest.

The Lord never intended for us to wear ourselves out serving the Lord while neglecting our bodies. Even to the disciples he said:

"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (emphasis mine)

Matthew 6:31

The disciples were so busy that "they had no leisure so much as to eat." Sounds like a busy woman, doesn't it. When their lives reached this point, the Lord called them apart to rest a while.

The things we should do in order to get enough rest to serve the Lord with all our strength are simple things that we often forget.

Go to bed.

I know it sounds simple, but it is so easy to want to do those few extra things after the rest of the household had gone to bed. It seems productive to work while everyone else sleeps, but it will catch up to you. The living room may be dusted and the laundry may be put away but your strength will not be such that you can love the Lord the way you should.

Pace yourself.

It has been said many times but life is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan those things you must accomplish in such a way that you do not destroy your strength.

Take time to come aside and rest.

I try to take a short break once an hour. For 10 minutes or so, I stop … drink some water … maybe step outside and enjoy the weather … just something to restore my strength before continuing on with the task at hand.

Prepare yourself to serve the Lord by getting enough rest.

The Love of God

2008-06-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

by Fredrick Lehman

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Monday, I will return to the series on Preparing to Serve the Lord and we will look at the preparing our bodies.

Back to Basics

2008-06-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not afraid to say that I am 47 years old. The number doesn't mean much to me. I laugh when someone turns 30 and thinks that they are getting old.

I am amazed though, that at 47 years old, I find that my thoughts often dwell on lessons I learned when I was four. I teach two- to five-year-olds in Primary Church every week and I am very aware that many of the Bible principles that sustain me, I learned in Primary Church.

This week, I found myself walking around singing

Faith is just believing
What God said He would do.
He will never fail us,
His promises are true.
If we but receive Him,
His children we become.
Faith is just believing
This wondrous work is done.

The song comforted me and I realized that I first learned this song when I was but four. Never underestimate the basics, or the things that you teach your small children.

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: Conclusion

2008-06-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

So, can anyone name the six things?

It’s okay to cry.
Keep God real.
Remind yourself of the good.
Focus on the good—not the bad.
Look for something every day to remind you God loves you.
Look to the future.

I had no idea why God let me suffer the things I suffered. There are some things we will never know. But I do know that I have been able to comfort others. And I can tell you there IS hope when everything seems hopeless.

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

Psalm 27:13-14

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: Look to the future

2008-06-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, quick what are the first 5 things to remember when all seems hopeless?

It’s okay to cry.
Keep God real.
Remind yourself of the good.
Focus on the good—not the bad.
Look for something everyday to remind you God loves you.

And finally

Look to the Future

Remember, this too shall come to pass. Believe me, I know how hard it is to look ahead when the present is so overwhelming. I have been through trials that I was sure would never end, and yet, the sun came up the next morning and I moved on.

Know that God is doing a work in you for a purpose.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 1:6

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13

You may not know this side of heaven what that purpose is, but He is working.

Pillow your head tonight with the assurance that the sun will rise in the morning and you will move forward.

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: Remind Yourself of God's Love

2008-06-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to keeping hope when all seems hopeless is to remind yourself constantly that God loves you. Look for things to remind you.

I love ladybugs. I decided a long time ago that every time I see a ladybug, I would remind myself that God loves me. Then, I surrounded myself with ladybugs. There is not a room in my house that does not have at least one ladybug in it. My little grandson knows about my ladybugs and every time he finds one, he runs to me to tell me about it.

And all those ladybugs around me make it impossible for me to forget that God loves me. There is so much hope in that one thought.

I have friends who have chosen redbirds, or hummingbirds, or even sand to remind themselves that God loves them. Try it! But above all, remember that God loves you!

"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."

John 3:16

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

I John 4:10

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"

Ephesians 2:4

Having Hope When All Seems Hopless: Don't focus on the bad

2008-06-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

Psalm 107:9

Along with reminding yourself all the good things God has done you must

Be mindful of the good and don't focus on the bad!

It is in our nature to see the bad. When all seems hopeless, you have to force yourself to look away, especially if the bad is something that you cannot control. Illness can't be controlled. The actions of others can't be controlled. Natural disasters can't be controlled. When those things are overwhelming you, you must find the good and quit dwelling on the bad.

Imagine a hedge around you, don’t look at the gap—look at the protection!

Between December of 2006 and September of 2007, I spent 39 days in the hospital. I was very ill and experienced multiple complications from my surgeries and my treatments. I couldn't control that. Instead of despairing, I learned to be thankful for the marvelous medical treatment that I had access to. If I had not had that care, I certainly would have died. Because I did not dwell on the illness, I laughed my way through the trial.

If the bad is in the past, keep it there!

I know so many people who suffer because they can't get over the past. You cannot do anything to change what has already happened. If you continually "play the video" in your mind, you will never undo the past, you will only re-live the pain. Put the past where it belongs. Look to the Lord and the future.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: Remember the Good

2008-06-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

When all seems hopeless,

Remind yourself of all the good things God has done!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

Psalm 103:2-6

His benefits are numberless! Every last one of us has so much to thank the Lord for. Even in the depths of trials, God has given us breath. That is a blessing!

Do you have someone who loves you? A friend? A sister? A parent?

God had done GREAT things for you! When all seems hopeless, take your mind off of the bad and think on Him.

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: Keep God Real

2008-06-19T09:24:00.001-07:00

One of the most important things to maintain hope is to remember to

Keep God Real!

This is one of the hardest ones, because when all seems hopeless, the devil wants us to think that God is a fairtale—He’s not really there. If you begin to doubt God, you will lose hope.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Hebrews 11:6

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."

Psalm 73:28

Some ways to keep God real are:

Walk with God, page after page, verse after verse, day after day.
Read your Bible according to a plan. Read a Proverbs every day and complete the thought: “A wise woman will . . ."
Keep a prayer list and check off answered prayer

A relationship with a real God will give you hope regardless of the circumstances. Keep Him real!

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: It's Okay to Cry

2008-06-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

First I want to tell you

It's okay to cry!

"Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?"

Psalm 56:8-11

It's even a good thing to cry unto the Lord. He wants to comfort you. It's a good thing physically because a good cry washes stress out of your body.

"My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God."

Psalm 56:8-11

The Lord is with you even when everyone else has left. He wants us to throw ourselves into His loving care and pour out our grief. Because He cares for you so much that he knows how many hairs are on your head.

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Matthew 10:30

Sometimes we get to thinking that tears are a sign of weakness. They are not. They are a sign of grief and the strongest among us suffer grief. Sometimes we just need someone to tell us we can break down and cry. I'm telling you it's okay. So first, when all seems hopeless, go ahead and cry. You'll feel better. The Lord is waiting to hear from you.

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless: Intro

2008-06-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

After a short break, I will continue our series on Preparing to Serve the Lord. In the meantime, I want to share a few thoughts with you on Having Hope.

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Romans 15:4

I wasn’t always a 44-year-old grandmother. Long ago, when dinosaurs walked the earth, I was a 13-year-old girl who thought all was lost. My mother suffered from serious mental illness. From the time I was eight until I was nineteen, she spent more time in mental hospitals than she did at home with us. I was the oldest of five children and it fell to me to care for them. Don't get me wrong, I love them all dearly, but children aren't the best choice for raising other children. As I entered puberty, I faced not only the usual fears and struggles of a 13-year-old girl, but I faced those things alone with more responsibilities than many grown women shoulder. I thought all hope was lost.

I'd been in church since I was two. I had been saved when I was only five. I had surrendered my life to the will of God shortly after I turned eight. It was only my relationship with the Lord that carried me through.

Since that time, I have experienced many trials during which I found myself clinging to the Lord.

Over the coming days, I want to give you 6 things that will help you have hope, when all seems hopeless.

Those things will be:

It’s okay, and even a good thing to cry.
Keep God real.
Remember all the good things God has done.
Be mindful of the good things in your life and don’t focus on the bad.
Look for something everyday to remind you that God loves you.
Look to the future.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

Psalm 42:11

Be Prepared: The Mind, Part 5

2008-06-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Philippians 2:5-8

Ultimately, the mind prepared to serve the Lord belongs to a person who strives to have the mind of Christ.

The mind of Christ is the mind of a servant.

"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."

Mark 10:44

The mind of Christ is humble.

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."

Proverbs 15:33

The mind of Christ is obedient.

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love."

John 15:10

In review, a mind prepared to serve the Lord will be

A Renewed Mind
A Willing Mind
A Mind Stayed on God
A Mind That Recalls
The Mind of Christ

"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself."

Luke 10:27

I haven't forgotten

2008-06-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

The weather events here have just had me a bit distracted. I will be posting part 5 to Preparing the Mind tomorrow.

Be Prepared: The Mind, Part 4

2008-06-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

Lamentations 3:21-26

A mind prepared to serve the Lord recalls some things.

God is compassionate.
Great is His faithfulness
He is our portion.
He is good.
We can hope in Him.
We should wait quietly for Him.

Aren't those all wonderful things to recall? When you are hurting, He is compassionate. When you feel alone, He is faithful. When you feel destitute, He is your portion. When it seems as if only bad things surround you, He is good. When all seems hopeless, you can hope in Him.

Quiet your mind. Recall and wait for Him.

Be Prepared: The Mind, Part 3

2008-06-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Isaiah 26:3

In preparing our minds to serve the Lord it is important that we learn to keep our minds stayed on the Him. One of the biggest hurdles in serving the Lord is avoiding worry. We worry when we look at our circumstances instead of our God.

I don't have a lot to say about this. When you worry, just quit it! My mom was the queen of worriers. Once when my husband was teaching a Bible study on this subject he said, "Do you realize that 90% of what you worry about, never happens?" My mom piped up and said, "See how good it works!"

It was funny, but she was wrong. It is not worry that protects us, it is the Lord.

Keep your mind stayed on God!

Be Prepared: The Mind, part 2

2008-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."
2 Corinthians 8:12

In order to prepare our minds to love the Lord and serve Him, we need to develop a willing mind.

Have you ever asked someone to do something and though that person agreed, she did it unwillingly? Doesn't that drive you crazy? My grandson is four. Almost always when I ask him to do something, he jumps up and does it right away. Every once in a while, he doesn't. Just last week, he decided to see what happens at bedtime if he takes very slow baby steps on his way to his room. He was not going willingly. (By the way, he did not like what happened.)

God delights in a willing servant. So how do we develop a willing mind?

To begin with, the verse says our willingness is based on what we have, not on what we don't have. To develop a willing mind, we should

Asses our abilities.

What are we good at? What are we capable of? Now this is not necessarily what we like to do, but what we can do. For example, I really am a shy person. Very few people who have met me get that. I don't act shy. I don't act shy because I am capable of speaking to others. It's not something that I like naturally, but I am capable of it. I reached a point in my life where I needed to be willing to allow the Lord to use that ability.

On the other hand, I am not a musician. I can sing, but I cannot play an instrument. I even took piano lessons as an adult because I wanted to have that ability for God to use. It is just not one of my abilities. I suppose I could have continued lessons and devoted massive amounts of time to practice in order to become marginally competent, but I came to a point when I had to assess my time and decide what was good stewardship of my talents and abilities. Instrumental music is not one of them.

So assess your abilities, and then

Thank God for your abilities.

If you realize that your abilities came from God, it is easy to be willing to use them for Him.

Finally,

Look for ways to use your abilities.

There is so much to be done for the Lord that no ability, no matter how insignificant you think it is, will go unused if you are willing.

Be Prepared: The Mind, Part 1

2008-06-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

Mark 12:30

Last week we looked at preparing our hearts to serve the Lord. This week, I want to take a look at preparing our minds. When I began searching my Bible for what God says about our minds, I was actually surprised at how many things there were. Sometimes in Christianity there seems to be an attitude that “if your heart is in it” you’ve done all you could. That’s not always true. We have a responsibility to serve the Lord with all our minds.

So where do we start? According to the Bible, we should have a renewed mind. That would be a good place to start.

A Renewed Mind

A renewed mind is a renovated mind. Let’s talk for a minute about renovations. There is a difference between remodeling and renovating. In this house, we remodeled our bedroom. We repainted and redecorated and repaired some things, but we kept the same basic structure of the room. A remodel is a makeover. To renovate literally means to make new. In our last house we renovated the kitchen. We stripped the room all the way down to the studs and the subfloor and started all over again with new floor, new walls, new fixtures — the whole enchilada. We made a new kitchen.

Too many times, we try to remodel our minds — keep the same basic thoughts but do a makeover. That’s not enough.

We need to start over and that begins at salvation. Before we are saved, when we are lost, our minds are blinded.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 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 4:17-24

Once we have received salvation, we have to begin the daily job of building our minds up in Christ.

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:7-9

Concentrate on the thoughts of God. This is why it is so very important to read the Bible every day. The Bible is God’s written record of His thoughts. In our frail humanity, we will never fully grasp His thoughts, but Scripture is the only place to begin.

So read the Bible every day.

In Sunday School we sing the little song:

Read your Bible
Pray every day
Pray every day
Pray every day
Read your Bible
Pray every day
And you'll grow, grow, grow!

Tomorrow, we will begin looking at the characteristics of a renewed mind — a mind prepared to serve the Lord.

The Good Ol' Gospel Train

2008-06-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't mentioned it on here before, but my grandson lives for trains. He loves trains. He eats and breathes trains.

Some Sundays, when our church attendance is down, he is my only student in Primary Church. I found a song to teach him and had the opportunity today.

It goes like this:

I am traveling on the Hallelujah track
On the Good Ol' Gospel Train.
I am on the right track
And never will go back
To the station of sin again.

I need no fare
I'm traveling on a "pass"
Tis' the blood for sinners slain.
I am traveling on the Hallelujah track
On the Good Ol' Gospel Train.

Many, many times, when I am teaching my little ones, my heart is blessed beyond measure by the lesson. That was the case today. When we came to the line, "I need no fare, I'm traveling on a pass, tis' the blood for sinners slain," my heart welled within me once again in remembrance of the awesome gift of salvation.

Since I was a little girl myself, sitting in Children's church, singing Jesus Loves Me, it has never ceased to amaze me what Jesus did for me!

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"

1 Peter 1:18-19

Every Day With Jesus

2008-06-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Every day with Jesus,
Is sweeter than the day before.
Every day with Jesus,
I love Him more and more.
Jesus saves and keeps me,
And He's the One I'm living for.
Every day with Jesus,
Is sweeter than the day before.

Walking with Jesus,
Walking every day,
Walking all the way.
Walking with Jesus,
Walking with Jesus alone.

Walking in the sunlight, walking in the shadow,
Walking everyday, walking all the way.
Walking in the sunlight, walking in the shadow,
walking with Jesus alone.

Be Prepared: The Heart, Conclusion

2008-06-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

So how do we prepare our hearts?

Meditate on your state.

"Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah."

Psalm 39:5

Meditate on the awesome God!

"Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."

Psalm 40:5

Commit yourself to Him that judges righteously.

"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"

1 Peter 2:23

Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only.

"And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

1 Samuel 7:3

Be Prepared: The Heart, Part 3

2008-06-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

To prepare our hearts, we can't be critical of ourselves or God. The next thing?

Don’t be critical of others!

"Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."

James 4:11

We are blessed beyond measure and yet we complain.

Complaining about the price of Christian things.

I don't want to get off track here, but why do people often think that Christian things should be cheap? We pay full price for quality things of the world and then want Christian things to be a bargain. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Complaining about who does what and who doesn’t.

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

1 Thessalonians 4:11

I used to repeat over and over to my children, "You answer for you. Don't worry about them." Too any times we find ourselves cheering Martha on: "Yeah! Why isn't Mary working?! I'm busting my chops here and she's just taking it all in!" This isn't a lesson about Mary vs. Martha, but too often we identify ourselves with Martha in more ways than just the working.

You answer for you. Don't worry about them.

Complaining about . . .

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

Philippians 2:14-15

If all you knew of the Christian life was the words that came from your own lips, would you want to be a Christian? Do you know that your own complaining can affect you? If you complain enough, your own heart will become discouraged.

Instead of complaining, suffer yourself to be defrauded! Esteem other better than yourself! Give up your way and live for others!!

"Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?"

1 Corinthians 6:7

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Matthew 5:39

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

I Peter 2

Instead of complaining, commit yourself to Him that judgeth righteously. It's good for your heart.

Be Prepared: The Heart, Part 2

2008-06-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

In preparing our hearts to serve the Lord, the first thing is to not be critical of ourselves.

Then, don’t be critical of God!

Now, you might say, I would never be critical of God. Most of us cringe at the very idea, but we have our ways.

Sometimes it takes the form of “Well I don’t see why…”

You know what? We never will understand why. I have a four-year-old grandson. Any of you who have ever had a four-year-old will know that his favorite word is "why."

This is how the conversation goes:

"Elisha, it's bedtime."
"Why?"
"Because you need your sleep."
"Why?"
"Because you are a little boy."
"Why?"
"Because that's what God made you."
"Why?"
and so on and so on…

And when we ask God "why" it's the same conversation.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

Sometimes, our criticism of God takes the form of “I just don’t think that (a loving, a just, a fair) God would. . .” Thank God we ain’t God! We try so hard to define the God who created us. Isn't that backwards?

"Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

Romans 11:31-36

Instead of being critical of God, meditate on the awesome God!

"Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."

Psalm 40:5

Be Prepared: The Heart, Part 1

2008-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

Mark 12:30

In order to serve the Lord, we need to prepare our hearts, our souls, our minds, and our bodies.

This week, we are going to begin by looking at how to prepare our hearts. First, let us look at some things the Bible has to say.

1 Samuel 7:3

"Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God …"

1 Chronicles 22:19

"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."

Ezra 7:10

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."

Psalm 57:7

David said, "I’m READY! I’m PREPARED!"

Sadly the Bible says of Rehoboam, "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD." 2 Chronicles 12:14

How do we prepare our heart?

To begin with, don’t be critical of yourself! Far too often, it is our own view of ourselves that stands between us and loving God with all of our hearts. Some of the things we think are:

"I’m not worthy to serve God in that capacity." Of course you aren’t! None of us are! God does not use us because we are able, He uses us because we are availABLE.
"If people really knew me . . . " Listen, we know some really bad stuff about King David. We've got some real dirt on the apostle, Peter. In spite of what we know about those people, God used them. And regardless of what people may or may not know about the deep dark secrets of our hearts, God wants us to draw nigh to Him.

Instead of being critical, meditate on your state.

"Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah."

Psalm 39:5

"What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?"

Job 15:14

And yet, in spite of our state, God loves us and wants to be close to us!!! Begin to prepare your heart by meditating on that instead of being critical of yourself.

Imperatives From Psalm 37, Part Six

2008-06-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." Psalm 37:7

Rest. We all long for rest. This is the rest that comes when he have trusted and committed so fully that we can sleep while God is driving.

We've all seen a sleeping baby in arms. This is my grandson sleeping in the arms of his Pops. This is trust. This is commitment.

Rest in the Lord.

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

On December 13, 2006, I was lying in a hospital bed. I had undergone surgery five days earlier and that evening, I took a turn for the worse. My fever had gone up and I couldn't keep anything down. A technician came and took an x-ray.

A few minutes later, my doctor entered the room and told me I was in need of another surgery. She handed me the consent form to sign and I asked "When are you going to do this?" She told me they were taking me right away because otherwise I wouldn't make it until midnight. My bowel had perforated and was poisoning me internally.

On the operating table, as they prepared to sedate me, I was fully aware of the fact that I might not wake up on earth. Like my precious grandson in the arms of his grandfather, I committed to the Lord and rested, trusting Him.

Obviously I woke up. But it forever changed me. At the end of the day, rest awaits if I only trust.

Imperatives From Psalm 37, Part 5

2008-05-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

There is a difference between trusting and committing. Committing is rolling it all on God— giving your way to Him and letting Him carry it. When I commit my way to the Lord I allow Him to lead me as if I am blindfolded and gagged. Too often, we allow God to lead us only when we can see where the road is going. As soon as the way becomes uncertain, we start running our mouths like an obnoxious backseat driver.

That is not committing.

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Matthew 6:25

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

That is committing.

Imperatives From Psalm 37, Part 4

2008-05-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

Most of the time I have heard this verse taught or preached, it is given in reverse. Essentially, if you want the desires of your heart, then delight in Him. As a teenager, that was my focus on this verse. There were things I wanted — not even bad things. I tried to delight in the Lord so that I could have those things my heart desired.

Now, as a middle-aged grandmother, I have finally realized my error. It is not about the things my heart desires, it is about the Person I delight in! It is so very important that the LORD should be my delight, my joy, my life.

It is imperative.

Imperatives From Psalm 37, Part 3

2008-05-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

In review, the Lord has told us not to worry about evil doers and not to be envious of those who work iniquity.

Verse three begins some positive imperative commands.

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Psalm 37:3

God commands us — don't worry about those other people — what's important for you is trust Me and do good! Sounds simple, huh? Try it. It's not as simple as it sounds but the Lord uses the imperative to emphasize the importance of it.

I think, that for many Christians, the one thing that we find the hardest is trust — trusting the Lord. We find it hard to trust Him to do the best thing for us. We find it hard to trust Him to care for us. We find it hard to trust Him to take care of our enemies. So we skip the trust part and attempt the "do good" stuff. That makes us feel better.

However, we can't properly do good until we Trust in the LORD.

Trust and Obey
Words by John H Sammis

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Imperatives From Psalm 37, Part 2

2008-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity." Psalm 37:1

The second imperative in verse one, says "neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity." Oh, my! I am more guilty of this one than the first. I'm sure you've never done this, but there have been times when my sinful self has asked the question, "Why does that person seem to be doing so well when she isn't even trying to life for God? Here I am trying to do right and I'm struggling!"

I blush to admit that I've ever thought this way because I'm sure none of you ever have. God looked through time, saw what I was going to do and wrote a verse just to tell me, "Don't do that!"

"Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long." Proverbs 23:17

The problem is, I focus my thoughts on the wrong thing. Instead of focusing on God, I look at the people around me. If I concentrate on my relationship with the Lord, I have plenty enough to keep my busy without becoming envious of the workers of iniquity.

These first two were the negative commands. Now that we've looked at a couple of things God told us not to do, tomorrow we will begin looking at those things God told us to do!

Imperatives From Psalm 37, Part 1

2008-05-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Psalm 37:1 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity."

Do you remember your grammar? Do you remember the four types of sentences? Let’s review: there are declarative sentences or sentences that state a fact; there are exclamatory sentences or sentences that express strong emotion; there are interrogatory sentences or sentences that ask a question; and there are imperative sentences or sentences which express a command as distinguished from the discretionary. The imperative is important. When one uses the imperative, the implied meaning is that the command should be followed.

As moms, we use the imperative all the time. “Go clean your room. Wash your hands. Stop tormenting the cat.” God also uses the imperative often in Scripture. I’ve been watching for imperatives when I read my Bible. The first seven verses of Psalm 37 have several imperatives in it.

For today, I’m only going to point out one of them. In verse one, God says, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” I know that if I allow myself, I can really fret because of evildoers. I worry about what evil people are doing. I worry about people who don’t like me and if they could, would do evil against me. I worry about the wicked people trying to take God out of my country. I worry about evil people. Much to my shame, I sometimes envy the workers of iniquity — not because they work iniquity but because they seem to prosper doing it. God looks down and says, “Don’t do that.” It’s imperative.

Are you worried about or envious of evildoers? Don’t be.

Water!

2008-05-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

"And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

Isaiah 12:1-3

I love it when I read God's Word and a passage jumps off the page and grabs hold of my heart! I was saved as a five-year-old little girl on Palm Sunday in 1966. My Sunday School teacher taught the crucifixion using paper flannelgraph pictures. I remember being the feelings that rushed through my little soul as I realized that Jesus went to Calvary for just me! I bowed my head and asked Him to forgive me of my sinful state and thanked Him for taking my place. Even as a little girl who hadn't even started kindergarten, I remember the joy!

Now, more than 42 years later, that same joy sprang up in my heart when I read the words, "he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

Do you remember the joy you felt when you first asked Jesus to be your personal Savior?

If you can't remember a time when you realized you were a sinner in need of salvation, let me take just a moment to share some things with you:

You Can Know You
Will Go to Heaven

I John 5:13 says “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

There are Four Things You Must Know To Have Eternal Life

1. Realize You Are a Sinner

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

2. God Has Placed an Awful Penalty on Your Sin

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death”

Luke 16:23 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments,…”

3. Jesus Died to Pay the Price for Your Sins and Offers Salvation as a Free Gift

Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23b “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

John 3:16 “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.”

4. You Must Receive the Gift of Eternal Life the Bible Way

Romans 10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

You Can Pray and Trust Christ as Your Savior Right Now

If you will come to Christ as a sinner, you can be saved. Pray this simple pray and call on Jesus as your Savior.

“Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for me on the cross and rose again to pay for my sin. I am trusting you as my personal Savior. Forgive me of my sin and save me as the Bible promises. Amen.

Join my in my joy!

Today

2008-05-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Attitude Determines Attitude

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.
I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important.
My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy
or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money
or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health
or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up
or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns
or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends
or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work
or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school
or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework
or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a Great Day...Unless you have other plans?

—Author Unknown

Always Remember

2008-05-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, we were leaving a church that my husband had started and we had nursed for thirteen years of our lives. I had one last time that I needed to speak to my ladies. I had cried with these ladies. I had laughed with these ladies. I loved every single one of them. The lesson that I gave was the five things that I hoped I had taught them that I always wanted them to remember. This is that lesson.

1. Always remember God is in control.

"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Proverbs 21:1
"Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
"A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 124:8

My daughter Wendy wanted to ride a roller coaster when she was very young. But she was terrified of losing control. Finally, her desire was so great that we did a unit study on roller coasters. We studied how they were engineered. We studied the science behind them. We looked up the safety standards. We researched the history and the various kinds of roller coasters. At the end of our study, we went to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, and rode the Orient Express. After all of our reading, she still had to sit down in the car and trust someone else to throw the switch. And she had the time of her life. She loves roller coasters now.

We can try our very bests to control our lives, but ultimately we have to trust God to control the ride. When we do, we can enjoy the ride.

2. Always remember God is real.

I've been in church now for over 45 years. I've been accepted Christ as my Savior when I was five, over 42 years ago. I've seen Christians suffer and triumph. I've seen Christians suffer and give up. The reason some Christians make it through the grievous storms of life and others run from the sprinkles is that to the first group, God is real.

We serve a real God. He has a real will for our lives. He really will work in your heart and in your life.

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works." Psalm 73:28
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Hebrews 3:12
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Walk with God page after page, verse after verse, day after day.

3. Always live with eternity's values in view.

"Only one life, so soon it is past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

An inconvenience today is worth a victory tomorrow.
Nothing on this earth outside of the souls of men is anything more than temporary to God.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21
"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" Proverbs 16:16
"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven." Proverbs 23:5
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15-17

4. Always remember: I must decrease and He must increase.

God's purpose is infinitely more important that my preference.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18

5. Always live simple.

Fear God and keep His commandments.

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13

Be a good wife.
Be a good mother.

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young 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." Titus 2:2-4

Have a good testimony.

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." Hebrews 11:5

That's really the bottom line, isn't it, that we have a testimony that we please God.