The past few days have been a bit tumultuous in my household. This Mommy put her foot down and my little one no longer gets milk in a bottle or in her crib. Needless to say, she is not very happy. Bedtime used to be carefree and easy. That has become a fleeting memory. As I rocked her and sang a few songs last night, she snuggled in. She clasped onto me as her safe haven. When she realized that I wasn't, you could see her heart breaking. The tears rolled, the feet stomped and the cries began. I sat outside her room crying alongside of her. I hurt for her. While the cries echoed down the hall, I turned to His word.
Then I pray to you, OLord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life.
He is my refuge. He is my comfort, my place of peace. He is always there, not down the hallway, not even on the other side of the door. He is with me. He is my place of refuge. When I am hurting or not understanding, He is there. When any of us seek Him, we will find Him. We are so blessed girls. Only our Father can be a place of refuge. As moms we desperately want to be there for our children, but we cannot compare to what Our God can be. One day as my girl grows up she will come to know our Father, our Protector, our place of Comfort. Seek Him and you will find Him. Turn to Him and He will always be there.
~Andrea W.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
God's Timing Not Mine
I know the saying God's timing is best and have said it to myself and others on several occasions. Lately it has been one that I have been repeating to myself maybe trying to convince myself it really is best. We had our house on the market last year for several months with no bites and finally realized that God was telling us No, not yet. So this summer we felt after time in prayer and discussions we would try again. We listed it and hit the ground running. We had several showings our first week and several people came through our Open House. So, I began to get excited even though I was trying to hide it. Surely we would have an offer soon with all those people coming through our house and only positive feedback. To no avail we waited and waited with no word and the showings stopped. This is when I began to start doubting whether or not we should just take it off once again. After time in prayer asking God to show me if we should take it off or not, we had a lady that was going to meet with her lender to make an offer. So, of course I got excited and wouldn't you know she disappeared. Although I began to get frustrated I didn't feel the move to take the house off the market. That's when it happened out of the "blue" last Monday we received an offer, I found a home on craig'slist that had dropped its price a substantial amount, there was an offer on the home but the realtor couldn't meet with the seller until the next day which gave us time to make an offer, our realtor was able to present the offer to the seller and Wed night our offer was accepted. Now if you told that story to someone they might say what a coincidence, I just smile and say no God's timing! I could never have created a more perfect time frame than He did and the only reason it worked was because of Him! Now I know that we haven't signed papers and received the keys but I feel this home is where our family needs to be next.
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Although I was anything but anxious for nothing I brought my requests to God time and time again. I knew that His time was best and that He would provide far more than I could ever ask or imagine. So, next time you are getting discouraged or frustrated with things not going quick enough or just the way you thought, remember God's timing is best and He will be faithful. Take your requests to your Father in Heaven who can do far more than you could ever imagine!
~Missy D
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Although I was anything but anxious for nothing I brought my requests to God time and time again. I knew that His time was best and that He would provide far more than I could ever ask or imagine. So, next time you are getting discouraged or frustrated with things not going quick enough or just the way you thought, remember God's timing is best and He will be faithful. Take your requests to your Father in Heaven who can do far more than you could ever imagine!
~Missy D
Friday, August 26, 2011
Use It or Lose It
After buying my kids snow cones during a visit to the zoo, we promptly sat down with our friends to enjoy the treat. Unfortunately the baby became increasingly upset in his "My morning nap was cut very short for this place" stupor, and the kids and I headed for the exit with snow cones in hand. My 2-year-old son, who was riding in the double stroller with the baby, was adamant that he should hold his snow cone while in the stroller. I could picture how badly this would turn out, but I allowed him the pleasure.
The older girls walked along beside me, happily munching on their snacks. The 2-yr-old, however, gripped his snow cone tightly to his chest, refusing to eat it. Each time I would stop and attempt to pry the cold mess from his little grubbies, the result was screaming and clutching the snow cone tighter, all the while spilling more red ooze down his shirt and onto his shorts, legs, arms, stroller, etc.
I found myself quite amused at his insistence that he hold onto that snow cone despite his absolute unwillingness to eat it. Then God brought this to my heart as a truth of our Christian lives. Aren't there many of us who do this very same thing with the blessed Holy Spirit? Upon receiving the Spirit in the refreshing waters of baptism, we clutch the Spirit tightly to our chests, just sure that someone is going to attempt to take him from us. Yet in our comfort of that understanding - "yes, I have the Spirit!" - we often choose to do nothing with him. And this allows us to be nothing but stagnant Christians, just making big messes of our lives all while ignoring the Counselor that God blessed us with to help us fight through those very messes!!
1 Thess 5:19 tells us not to "put out the Spirit's fire." The longer I allow the Spirit to be unused in my life, the less obvious His voice will be to me. Soon after that, He is gone. Now where would that leave me?
I will be praying today that you and I, my Soul Sisters, have clarity to hear the voice of the Spirit - that we will be strong enough in the Lord to go where the Spirit leads us- and that the more we listen, the stronger His voice will be to our hearts!
Love to you all, dear Soul Sisters!
-Kelly T
The older girls walked along beside me, happily munching on their snacks. The 2-yr-old, however, gripped his snow cone tightly to his chest, refusing to eat it. Each time I would stop and attempt to pry the cold mess from his little grubbies, the result was screaming and clutching the snow cone tighter, all the while spilling more red ooze down his shirt and onto his shorts, legs, arms, stroller, etc.
I found myself quite amused at his insistence that he hold onto that snow cone despite his absolute unwillingness to eat it. Then God brought this to my heart as a truth of our Christian lives. Aren't there many of us who do this very same thing with the blessed Holy Spirit? Upon receiving the Spirit in the refreshing waters of baptism, we clutch the Spirit tightly to our chests, just sure that someone is going to attempt to take him from us. Yet in our comfort of that understanding - "yes, I have the Spirit!" - we often choose to do nothing with him. And this allows us to be nothing but stagnant Christians, just making big messes of our lives all while ignoring the Counselor that God blessed us with to help us fight through those very messes!!
1 Thess 5:19 tells us not to "put out the Spirit's fire." The longer I allow the Spirit to be unused in my life, the less obvious His voice will be to me. Soon after that, He is gone. Now where would that leave me?
I will be praying today that you and I, my Soul Sisters, have clarity to hear the voice of the Spirit - that we will be strong enough in the Lord to go where the Spirit leads us- and that the more we listen, the stronger His voice will be to our hearts!
Love to you all, dear Soul Sisters!
-Kelly T
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesdays in His Word
This weekend my little family traveled to Arkadelphia, Arkansas so my husband could compete in a triathlon. The race ended around 8:00 that night and we had already planned on traveling to Branson, Missouri to sleep. So, I was the elected driver. No problem! Quickly into the journey I found myself sitting upright, two hands on the wheel rather tightly and my nerves became a mess! The roads between point A and point B were nothing I had ever driven on. They were twisty and turny and just plain awful! Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, the rain began to fall, lightning crashing in front of us and thunder scaring me out of my whits. Whew! This was a four and a half hour drive and I was ready to give up within half an hour. I kept telling myself, "you can do this", "take it slow", "take a deep breath". And then the fog moved in. Can't a girl catch a break??? I battled that road for quite some time before my husbands calm voice spoke up, "Andrea, turn your fog lights on, it will help." What? Fog lights? Oh yeah, fog lights! I definitely had an ah-ha moment in the middle of nowhere Arkansas. Those fog lights made the remainder of the journey much easier. My husband let me do it my way for a while before speaking up. My way wasn't working!
Sisters, we have fog lights to get us through this world and we don't use them! God is a whisper or a cry away! He gave us everything we need to get us there but we forget to use them! We become so focused in on "our way" or on the journey that we forget to turn the fog lights on! Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." God lets us maneuver our way through this life, our way. Time and time again, I hear Him calmly remind me to turn my fog lights on. The question is, do you listen? I guarantee you, after my frightening journey to no mans land, my fog lights are on! Are your fog lights on Sisters?
~Andrea W.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesdays in His Word
Last night my daughter (nearing 2 years old) and I were in Target shopping. My incredibly sweet and adorable daughter decided to throw one of her very large and ugly temper tantrum. Recently she has also decided that she enjoys swinging at mommy. Unfortunately for her, when she does that she also gets a good spanking and a talking to. So as the screaming is commencing an employee of Target decided to join the party. She looked at me incredibly concerned and asked if my daughter was alright. I smiled and said "oh the terrible two's!" I am not exaggerating when I say that she looked at me like I was being ridiculous and possibly abusive. I was waiting for 911 to be called at any moment!
What has this society come to? I was raised in a time where a "switch" was always on top of the refrigerator (at my grandma's house), we had to choose which leather belt we wanted to be swat with and we truly feared our parents. We had chores at home and had to actually save our money to purchase things we wanted. Children have no chance anymore. They are raised in a world where parents give them what they want and WHEN they want it! Chores? What are those? The love that we have for our children has begun to smother them into rotten kids!
Sisters, we have hope! Our loving Father gave us instructions as parents. Proverbs 13:24 reads, "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." Toady's society wants us to believe that spanking or disciplining our child is abusive. That way of thinking is why our society is in such distress! We have children our of control, and they eventually grow up into adults out of control!
Children are a gift from God. Cherish that child, love that child and guide that child Sisters!
~Andrea W.
What has this society come to? I was raised in a time where a "switch" was always on top of the refrigerator (at my grandma's house), we had to choose which leather belt we wanted to be swat with and we truly feared our parents. We had chores at home and had to actually save our money to purchase things we wanted. Children have no chance anymore. They are raised in a world where parents give them what they want and WHEN they want it! Chores? What are those? The love that we have for our children has begun to smother them into rotten kids!
Sisters, we have hope! Our loving Father gave us instructions as parents. Proverbs 13:24 reads, "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." Toady's society wants us to believe that spanking or disciplining our child is abusive. That way of thinking is why our society is in such distress! We have children our of control, and they eventually grow up into adults out of control!
Children are a gift from God. Cherish that child, love that child and guide that child Sisters!
~Andrea W.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Unlikely Choice
When you think of choosing someone to be the captain of the team, or leader of the group what do you look for? Most the time we will choose the one who looks like they will fit the part well, at least most the time. Well, luckily for us God doesn't. He uses the unlikely to do His work. He uses the ordinary Joe to complete His task for that is when His glory is shown.
The last couple of Sundays we have been studying about Esther. Now she was an unlikely choice for God. The King chose her to be Queen because of her looks, so she looked the part but she definitely felt ill equipped for the task of saving her people. There were a couple of things that stuck out to me as I was studying her again. In Esther 4:14b "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” God used her where she was at, He used her position to save her people. God can use me where I am at, whether it is at my job, or at my child's school or at church, He can use me.
Second, in 4:16 " “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” She didn't take lightly what was being asked of her. Mordecai told her to go before the King and she knew there was danger in doing this without being called. Once she decided that she had to do this she asked them to fast for her and she would do the same. It was a serious thing she was getting ready to do and she wasn't taking it lightly. At the end of the verse she says "And if I perish, I perish" she knew there was great risk but she knew she had to try.
Another amazing thing to me about Esther is that it is the only book that doesn't mention God yet His providence is at work throughout the book. God used Esther where she was at and when the time was right she knew she had to be serious about the task at hand. God chooses the unlikely so that no one can boast on what they have accomplished, but that His glory will be seen!
~Missy D
The last couple of Sundays we have been studying about Esther. Now she was an unlikely choice for God. The King chose her to be Queen because of her looks, so she looked the part but she definitely felt ill equipped for the task of saving her people. There were a couple of things that stuck out to me as I was studying her again. In Esther 4:14b "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” God used her where she was at, He used her position to save her people. God can use me where I am at, whether it is at my job, or at my child's school or at church, He can use me.
Second, in 4:16 " “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” She didn't take lightly what was being asked of her. Mordecai told her to go before the King and she knew there was danger in doing this without being called. Once she decided that she had to do this she asked them to fast for her and she would do the same. It was a serious thing she was getting ready to do and she wasn't taking it lightly. At the end of the verse she says "And if I perish, I perish" she knew there was great risk but she knew she had to try.
Another amazing thing to me about Esther is that it is the only book that doesn't mention God yet His providence is at work throughout the book. God used Esther where she was at and when the time was right she knew she had to be serious about the task at hand. God chooses the unlikely so that no one can boast on what they have accomplished, but that His glory will be seen!
~Missy D
Friday, August 12, 2011
It's Gouging Time
My tooth hurts. It is causing me to have headaches, and jaw aches, and even aching under my eye. The longer I let it go, the more it's spreading. This morning as I was thinking about how I don't want to go to the dentist today, God helped me to focus on His truths in my life. This tooth is just like sin. If I don't take care of it when it's a small problem, it quickly becomes a big one.
Matthew 5:29 says, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than fo ryour whole body to go into hell."
Christ is making a blatant point here - TAKE CARE OF YOUR SIN before it takes care of you! Ladies, the Word of God tells us that Satan is the father of lies. He is so good at convincing me that my sin is small and harmless. It's not a big deal to say this one thing about that other friend to this friend - after all, I'm concerned about her! It's just fine to go see that movie - I'm a big girl and I know how to handle myself! I'm just going to tell this one off-color joke - it will be good to make everyone laugh. I know these things and many others like them have found their way into my head in the past but they are all LIES!
If I don't gouge these things from my life, they will find me with a much bigger problem in the future. I may miss some blessings from God, I may find myself in a huge sin, or I may find that my children are reaping what I've sown - they see how I act, after all!
Today I desire to be a woman just like 1 Peter describes - to have a life of such purity and reverence that I can win over unbelievers. To shine that beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit - this is of great worth in God's sight!
Love to you, my dear Soul Sisters!
Kelly T
Matthew 5:29 says, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than fo ryour whole body to go into hell."
Christ is making a blatant point here - TAKE CARE OF YOUR SIN before it takes care of you! Ladies, the Word of God tells us that Satan is the father of lies. He is so good at convincing me that my sin is small and harmless. It's not a big deal to say this one thing about that other friend to this friend - after all, I'm concerned about her! It's just fine to go see that movie - I'm a big girl and I know how to handle myself! I'm just going to tell this one off-color joke - it will be good to make everyone laugh. I know these things and many others like them have found their way into my head in the past but they are all LIES!
If I don't gouge these things from my life, they will find me with a much bigger problem in the future. I may miss some blessings from God, I may find myself in a huge sin, or I may find that my children are reaping what I've sown - they see how I act, after all!
Today I desire to be a woman just like 1 Peter describes - to have a life of such purity and reverence that I can win over unbelievers. To shine that beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit - this is of great worth in God's sight!
Love to you, my dear Soul Sisters!
Kelly T
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesdays in His word
If. Such a tiny word that is packed full. It's full of fear, doubt, worry, and on and on.
A few summers ago I did a summer Bible study. We did a Beth Moore study on Esther and it was a powerful study for me. She asked the question of "If"....and it forever changed me.
So, i ask you. If "this" happens, then...?
What is your "if"? What causes your worry, your doubt, your fear? Ask yourselves. Fill in those scary blanks. If I lose my job. If my marriage falls apart. If I get sick. If I go broke. If. If. If. What is your if? Now, ask yourself. If......then what? No matter what your question is, there is one answer.
THEN GOD.
If I lose my job, then God.
If my marriage fails, then God.
If I become Ill, then God.
Sisters, we allow the "ifs" in our lives to consume us. We allow the fears and anxieties of the "ifs" to take our thoughts over when the outcome is always the same. If the absolute worst happens in our lives....then God! If the absolute best happens in our lives...then God! If the mediocre happens...then God! Our mighty and powerful Father is the answer, He is the constant.
Matthew 6:33, 34, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
THEN GOD.
~Andrea W.
A few summers ago I did a summer Bible study. We did a Beth Moore study on Esther and it was a powerful study for me. She asked the question of "If"....and it forever changed me.
So, i ask you. If "this" happens, then...?
What is your "if"? What causes your worry, your doubt, your fear? Ask yourselves. Fill in those scary blanks. If I lose my job. If my marriage falls apart. If I get sick. If I go broke. If. If. If. What is your if? Now, ask yourself. If......then what? No matter what your question is, there is one answer.
THEN GOD.
If I lose my job, then God.
If my marriage fails, then God.
If I become Ill, then God.
Sisters, we allow the "ifs" in our lives to consume us. We allow the fears and anxieties of the "ifs" to take our thoughts over when the outcome is always the same. If the absolute worst happens in our lives....then God! If the absolute best happens in our lives...then God! If the mediocre happens...then God! Our mighty and powerful Father is the answer, He is the constant.
Matthew 6:33, 34, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
THEN GOD.
~Andrea W.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The heart of a child
Since we have finished up Ephesians for the rest of the month we will be doing our own readings until we start a new study in September. As I was trying to figure out what to share God gave me a moment with my son that went along with a scripture that one of my Soul Sisters shared and wanted to pass along.
This morning it began to rain (praise God) just before my mom was coming to pick up the boys. As the boys looked outside and saw the rain falling Caleb, who is 4, said I'm going to pray that it stops before Memaw gets here so we don't get wet. I tried to explain to him that we needed the rain, his response, "sorry it's too late I have already prayed 3 times." Now although the rain didn't completely stop it did let up so they didn't get soaked as they walked to the car.
Now, I tried to explain to him that even if it didn't stop raining God still heard his prayer but told him how happy I was that he wanted to go to God with his concern. My soul sister's verse this morning was from Mark 10:13-15 " 13 (A)And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; (B)for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, (C)whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Oh to be like a child, to have a heart of a child that seeks God. I thanked God for this "God-sighting" that He gave me today with my 4 yr old. Let us seek God with our concerns, our praises and everything because He is our Father and wants us to seek Him!
Have a great week!
~Missy D
This morning it began to rain (praise God) just before my mom was coming to pick up the boys. As the boys looked outside and saw the rain falling Caleb, who is 4, said I'm going to pray that it stops before Memaw gets here so we don't get wet. I tried to explain to him that we needed the rain, his response, "sorry it's too late I have already prayed 3 times." Now although the rain didn't completely stop it did let up so they didn't get soaked as they walked to the car.
Now, I tried to explain to him that even if it didn't stop raining God still heard his prayer but told him how happy I was that he wanted to go to God with his concern. My soul sister's verse this morning was from Mark 10:13-15 " 13 (A)And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; (B)for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, (C)whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Oh to be like a child, to have a heart of a child that seeks God. I thanked God for this "God-sighting" that He gave me today with my 4 yr old. Let us seek God with our concerns, our praises and everything because He is our Father and wants us to seek Him!
Have a great week!
~Missy D
Friday, August 5, 2011
Ageless Love
I remember it vividly: I saw them just as I was walking through the doors into the lockdown unit at the nursing home I worked at. (This is the unit where they keep those residents who might try to wander off.) They were sitting in the dining area. One of them was a frail whisp of a woman: grey and white hair intermingled, flat against her sweet, wrinkly face. She wore a bright red dress with white dots. This lady was a regular; I had seen her often sitting in that same chair at the nursing home, staring blankly at the opposite wall, occasionally calling out some unintelligible words to whoever was nearby to listen. That day was different, though. On that day, sitting to her right was a man. I could not see his face. He was in a sport jacket, and white hair rimmed his balding head. He sat ever-so-close to the woman, and he had his arm placed gingerly around her, pulling her close to him.
I stood, unbeknownst to them as I invaded their corner of the world, while fixed to my one square tile out in the hallway. Something about the way he sat, the way he held her, just made my insides fall to pieces. Yet as I watched, the man pulled his dear one close yet again, and gently placed a kiss on her precious, aging, dying face. As my heart sank deeper in my chest, I closed my eyes and turned to leave them to themselves. They never knew what a beautiful moment they had left etched in my mind, yet I will never forget.
As I walked that hall I found myself wondering: what is it that causes a man, still with all his physical and mental capabilities, to return day after day, in devotion and tenderness, to this woman who may not even know who he is? In that moment, I could hear God whispering to my soul: "Child, is that not what I have done for you?" He is always so good to remind me. When I chose not to know Him, when I wanted nothing to do with Him, when I asked Him to leave me be and let me do what I wanted, still He stayed, holding me close, longing for the day when I would turn to Him, with recognition lighting my eyes, and say, "My love, My King!"
As I finish Ephesians, I am praying that someday it may be said of me that I loved "our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love." (Eph 6:24, NASB) A love that doesn't die, it doesn't end, it cannot be corrupted, no matter what the cost. When I look at my life, and how He waited, and how He forgave, and how He continues to forgive me and love me... incorruptible love is the best I can give in return. For that, I cannot wait to hear him say, "Well done."
I stood, unbeknownst to them as I invaded their corner of the world, while fixed to my one square tile out in the hallway. Something about the way he sat, the way he held her, just made my insides fall to pieces. Yet as I watched, the man pulled his dear one close yet again, and gently placed a kiss on her precious, aging, dying face. As my heart sank deeper in my chest, I closed my eyes and turned to leave them to themselves. They never knew what a beautiful moment they had left etched in my mind, yet I will never forget.
As I walked that hall I found myself wondering: what is it that causes a man, still with all his physical and mental capabilities, to return day after day, in devotion and tenderness, to this woman who may not even know who he is? In that moment, I could hear God whispering to my soul: "Child, is that not what I have done for you?" He is always so good to remind me. When I chose not to know Him, when I wanted nothing to do with Him, when I asked Him to leave me be and let me do what I wanted, still He stayed, holding me close, longing for the day when I would turn to Him, with recognition lighting my eyes, and say, "My love, My King!"
As I finish Ephesians, I am praying that someday it may be said of me that I loved "our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love." (Eph 6:24, NASB) A love that doesn't die, it doesn't end, it cannot be corrupted, no matter what the cost. When I look at my life, and how He waited, and how He forgave, and how He continues to forgive me and love me... incorruptible love is the best I can give in return. For that, I cannot wait to hear him say, "Well done."
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesdays in His Word
We have our armor. Belt, shoes, shield, helmet and sword. We are ready for battle. Each and every day we must clothe ourselves. Our days get busy and we might overlook putting our belt of truth on, or not take our sword with us because its hard to open the word of God daily. Sisters, there isn't a day that goes by that we are not attacked in one way or the other. We have been given the full armor of God, it's up to us to put it on!
Continue reading on into verse 18 and it gets better. God equips us with one more weapon, the weapon of prayer. The Message version reads, " In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out".
This verse is full of good news! It tells me that we aren't alone either! We are not a one woman army. Each of us that gets ready with Gods armor is heading into battle together! Sisters, pray hard and long! We have to stay alert and pray for others so that no one is left behind! Guard yourself in all that the Lord has given us, carry (and use) the sword which is the word of God, stay alert and remain in prayer, and the evils of this world have no chance. Each morning when we each take the time to properly clothe ourselves, I can just hear the devil cursing under his breath! Equip yourselves sisters and prepare for battle!
Continue reading on into verse 18 and it gets better. God equips us with one more weapon, the weapon of prayer. The Message version reads, " In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out".
This verse is full of good news! It tells me that we aren't alone either! We are not a one woman army. Each of us that gets ready with Gods armor is heading into battle together! Sisters, pray hard and long! We have to stay alert and pray for others so that no one is left behind! Guard yourself in all that the Lord has given us, carry (and use) the sword which is the word of God, stay alert and remain in prayer, and the evils of this world have no chance. Each morning when we each take the time to properly clothe ourselves, I can just hear the devil cursing under his breath! Equip yourselves sisters and prepare for battle!
~Andrea W.
Reading this week
M-6:14-15
T-6:16-17
W-6:18
Th-6:19-20
F-6:21-24
Monday, August 1, 2011
What are you wearing?
As girls we like to look cute, right? Also we like to wear something that is fitting for what we are doing. If we are going to be at home with the kids all day we don't pick an evening gown and if we are going out with our husbands we don't pick out the big t-shirt and sweatpants. In the same regard most of us like to look our best especially when going out. Nothing is worse than running into the grocery store your hair a mess, no make up and sweats and you run into your child's friends mom who looks like she just walked out of a magazine ad, or maybe that's just me.
We worry or spend so much time on our physical appearance but how much time do we spend on our spiritual wardrobe? I am ashamed to say that I spend much more time on my physical appearance everyday compared to my spiritual, but I want to get better and being in the word daily is a big step. Today's reading is Eph 6:14-15 NLT "Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."
Girls we can look as cute, stylish or sporty as we want but if we don't dress ourselves with truth, God's righteousness, and peace we are an easy target for the evil one. He is looking for anyone he can get to and when we aren't dressed in our armor he will surely attack and we will not be prepared.
So, spend time working on your spiritual appearance too because in the end that is all that God cares about! Have a great week as we finish up Ephesians. I pray that this study has been a blessing to you!
We worry or spend so much time on our physical appearance but how much time do we spend on our spiritual wardrobe? I am ashamed to say that I spend much more time on my physical appearance everyday compared to my spiritual, but I want to get better and being in the word daily is a big step. Today's reading is Eph 6:14-15 NLT "Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."
Girls we can look as cute, stylish or sporty as we want but if we don't dress ourselves with truth, God's righteousness, and peace we are an easy target for the evil one. He is looking for anyone he can get to and when we aren't dressed in our armor he will surely attack and we will not be prepared.
So, spend time working on your spiritual appearance too because in the end that is all that God cares about! Have a great week as we finish up Ephesians. I pray that this study has been a blessing to you!
Reading this week
M-6:14-15
T-6:16-17
W-6:18
Th-6:19-20
F-6:21-24
~Missy D
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