There is nothing like knowing that God is with you or should I say that you're with God.  This past week I went through a pretty intense trial.  Actually, I'm not "through" it yet, but I trust God.  God has assured me HE will take care of the situation.  I just need to not get in the way - can anyone relate?  As I'm going through this trial, I am feeling pain and disappointment - but at the same time I sense God is soooo near.  

Recently, I noticed that there was a callousness to my heart that concerned me.  I love being sensitive to God and to His voice.  Usually hardness of heart is indicative that I'm not in the Word or prayer - sad to say.  Well, when this trial came, I have been finding comfort in God's arms.  His arms are my favorite place to be.  I do welcome the trials when I know we're in this together and "He's got my back."  There is nothing that compares!

For so long I've known that I am His and He is mine.  When I was a teenager I went through a tough time.  My parents divorced and I was breaking up with my first real boyfriend.  God met me in that place of distress and I've never been the same!  Our love only grows deeper.  He only gets SWEETER!  Like the Scriptures say, O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

For a short time, while we were there, I couldn't help but notice the faces of the people who were walking past.  (Again, I am a people watcher.)  I looked into their eyes and they seemed soooo lost, I began to sigh with heaviness.  I saw people wandering.  I asked my husband how many people he thought were lost and wandering without answers for life.  He said he remembered feeling that way, before he came to Christ.

His response sent my thoughts in a new direction.  That moment I realized that I have never felt "lost."  I know we're all lost until we're saved, but I mean a different kind of lost.  My mother was baptized into Christ when she was 9 months pregnant with me.  Even though my family had many serious issues, I always knew God and I also knew He was the Way, the Answer to everything! 

Since the Irish Fest, I've had such a different kind of appreciation for God's faithful presence throughout my entire life.  Like I said earlier, He only gets sweeter.  He is more wonderful than I could ever try to express.  In fact, my words are so inadequate when it comes to praising God.  Really.

As a teenager, I wasn't always faithful to God, BUT I could always feel Him drawing me with HIS LOVE.  I love Him because He first loved me.  There is nothing I can take credit for.  I merely responded to His perfect love that was just what I needed.  He's so good to me.  He's been my father, mother, husband, friend, comforter and counselor.  He's everything I need and more.

Even in these years of my life, I find myself taking for granted His goodness.  Lord, help me to understand your grace - unmerited favor.  I want a thankful heart, never to forget my first love.  Draw me close and never let me go...

Good night.

It's been a long weekend.  My sister, niece, and I did a rummage all day Friday and Saturday.  Sunday we were rained out.

I found this interesting and maybe you will, too.  Sunday morning in church I heard a message about how to be a good witness for Christ.  I enjoyed it and again was amazed at how God will confirm things through the preaching. 

One of the points in the message was how "born-again Christians" are most often perceived by people who are not born-again.  Sadly, we're often put into an unfriendly and a judgmental category of people.  I know plenty of friendly Christians, but I wonder if most of us are only friendly with our circle of friends.

Anyway, I enjoy sitting and watching people and I had plenty of that this weekend. 

During our rummage, I saw a family come through.  They obviously belonged to a conservative church.  There was a father, mother, and two teenage daughters.  The mother and daughters had long hair and long jean skirts that almost touched their ankles.  The mother without a smile walked with good posture, and was unfriendly.  The father seemed the most open to conversation and interested in rummaging.  

I approached the teenage daughters and kindly informed them we had many skirts at the end of one particular table.  They never thanked me or even acknowledged my presence.  They and their mother walked over to the table I recommended, searched the skirts through, looked over a few other things, and walked away with their noses lifted high.  They smiled among themselves, but they wouldn't even make eye contact with us.  The father stayed and tried on another coat and kindly smiled as he left.

What is it about these three "Christian" women that makes them so unattractive?  They don't have to speak a word and yet you get a clear message by their body language and facial expressions.  The message received is "You're not worth my time."  Are we worth Jesus' time?  If so, why wouldn't we be worth theirs?  

I know this may sound like I'm over analyzing the situation, but it did stick with me.  Then, honestly this is only one of many, many experiences I've had with Christian women.

How unfortunate they would give my unsaved family such a poor impression of Christian women.  My sister is not in church and neither is my niece.  Do these kinds of experiences draw unbelievers to Christ - absolutely not! 

What's sad, is I even experience this among the ladies in my own church.  Maybe I'm being judgemental, but I feel like starting to confront this behavior.  Just "maybe" they don't realize they're so unfriendly, unkind and just plain rude.

Any comments?

I'm thankful for the privilege of another year to homeschool my children. 

God is renewing my vision for "train up a child."  About two weeks ago we were having a prayer meeting at our house and God spoke to me.  I have been asking Him to make me fruitful in His kingdom.  That particular evening, I felt like Hannah praying for a child (in my case, souls for the Kingdom) - lest I die!  Hannah prayed the Lord to give her a child and when the time had come to wean her son, she brought him back to the Lord to abide there forever. 

God used her story to renew a vision He had given me about three years ago.  It came after I learned of a friends “calling” to be a nurse.  This was evident by the way she cared for the sick - it was her passion.  I was so impressed after listening to her talk about her calling and passion, that I asked myself if I ever felt such a “calling” to a particular ministry.  The Lord brought to mind the passion He placed in my heart for the family, in particular my role as a mom.   

God then made it clear to me that it was in HIS plan to give me children.  It is HIS passion placed in me to raise children who will fear the Lord and serve Him.  It was HIS plan that my husband and I would accept the challenge and privilege to homeschool.  At that point, He told me in some detail how I should start to train/prepare them for their destiny.  It is a privilege to be a part of HIS Kingdom.  We as mothers have one of the most important roles that exists, and like Hannah we need to give our children back to God.

There are times, more than I'd like to admit, when I have a need for God to renew this passion and calling to train my children for His Kingdom.  Being the God that He is, He is faithful to provide those needs.  I'm glad I serve a God who loves and is merciful!

I would like it if most of the ministries I participate in would be ministries I can do with my children.  So not only am I reaching the lost and ministering to people, but at the same time I am also training my children to be Kingdom minded. 

I do participate in two ministries that they are not involved in.  One is a prayer group on Saturday mornings, before the sun comes up (they’re still sleeping).  The second is our Adult Bible study, and my mom takes care of them while we're there.  During our evening prayer on Saturdays, they usually come and go as they wish.  Though, Angelena stays and prays with me at my prayer pillow, under what has become my prayer blanket.  She likes the tent-like prayer and it keeps her busy without disturbing others - what a blessing this is to me.. 

I'm looking for more ministries to do together with our children.  I'm making arrangements to take them to a homeless shelter once a month to serve food.  I think there is some value in having them be a part of what we do, like the prayer or simply being hospitable to our guests.  However, I do want to give them more hands on training, like maybe meeting the needs of elderly people and/or of needy children. 

   *******If there are ideas that you can share with me, please do!*******

Well, that’s it for now.  I’m really trying to manage my time better and so with that I hope to get on line on a regular basis and start visiting other homeschool blogs again.  I really miss the encouragement I found sharing our uniqueness as homeschooling moms.

In Christ ~ Vetta

Well, we're getting nearer the end of 2005-06's curriculum.  There's something good about completing what you've started.  Maybe it's merely a sense of accomplishment, but it's still a good feeling.

I'm thinking of taking about a month off before starting the new school year.  Although, I don't feel tired or like I need a break right now - so maybe I'll save that for a time when I think we could use it.

Lately, I've been impressed with many thoughts.  One is how my husband has been such a "rock" in my life.  He's careful in making decisions or commitments.  His decisions are well thought out.  He just keeps a steady pace and has for the past 11 years.  What a blessing to be married to such a consistent, stable man!

I've seen this steady pace work for Rob.  He has earned such respect in our home and family because of his consistency.  He is slow to anger and does not react to people's lack of character.  I've watched him deal with difficult situations through out the years with managing our business and leading people.  I couldn't do it!

God knew exactly the kind of husband I needed.  Rob's example has kept me steady when I felt either a burst of energy or when I felt dead tired.  During the school year when goals are high and energy is low, "slow and steady" is good advice for me. 

I'm not sure why I shared all this, maybe it was just for me.  Sometimes I need to be more thankful for Rob.  When I get tired or frustrated, I can pick at his few weaknesses and not be appreciative of all the goodness that he brings into our lives.  He is a great man!  Thank you Jesus for blessing me.

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My small ladies group is going well, we've been getting together weekly to discuss the book Boundaries.  It has benefited all of us.  No exaggeration, I am DAILY using the principles I've learned in Boundaries. 

I read this book about 3 years ago and since then I've made some changes in my behavior, with God's help.  This time I'm feeling a change in my heart and mind.  So, it's getting deeper and becoming a part of my character - thank you Jesus.

                              **********************************

This has been just another day, nothing extraordinary - just "slow and steady"

I've decided to not keep notes on everything I'm learning in Boundaries, it would be too big of a task.  I will hit on some significant principles that are helping me to grow.

Boundaries defines what is me and what is not me.  It's like knowing where your yard begins and ends.  To take ownership and be responsible for your yard, it's essential to know where the property lines begin and end. 

Sometimes emotionally and spiritually we get confused because we're just not sure where the "lines" are.  

We are responsible to others and for ourselves. 

Galatians 6:2-5

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

The word burdens in verse 2 is not the same as the word burden in verse 5.  This is very beneficial to know for those of us who have a difficult time knowing just how far to bear someone else's burdens.  The word burdens in verse 2 are "excess burdens" - similar to huge boulders that you can't carry by yourself -- those times of crisis and tragedy in our lives.  These are the times when we are responsible to others - Bear ye one another's burdens.  The word burden in verse 5 is like "cargo" - similar to a knapsack.  These knapsacks are our own responsibilities - we are responsible for ourselves - For every man shall bear his own burden.

We should accept help when we are trying to carry a huge boulder by ourselves.  However, we should NOT expect others to carry our knapsacks.  The authors of Boundaries express it this way, "Problems arise when people act as if their "boulders" are daily loads (knapsacks), and refuse help, or as if their "daily loads" are boulders they shouldn't have to carry.  The results of these two instances are either perpetual pain or irresponsibility." 

This is so good for those of us who have felt responsible to jump at every request for help.  I remember a friend, who was a single mom, requested I clean her apartment after she moved out (she wanted to make sure she got her deposit back).  She forwardly said I had more time than she did, because she had a "regular" job and I was "just" a stay-at-home mom.  I struggled for a while, wondering if it was really something I should have done. 

Her attitude seemed to say - it was my responsibility and I almost believed it.  Let it be known, she WAS NOT asking me to assist her in cleaning her apartment, she was suggesting pretty boldly that I do it all. After work, her time was consumed with "ministries".  She was very involved with helping the youth and I respected her passion for ministry.  So, I'm not trying to be sarcastic, nor am I saying that I wouldn't have helped clean HER apartment - it was the attitude of "entitlement" that threw me.  There was a shifting of responsibility.  Being who I am, I know I would have helped her clean.  I can't remember why or how I told her I wasn't available, but I did choose not to clean her apartment.  

Some of the things that ARE within my boundaries and which I AM responsible for are my own feelings, attitudes and beliefs, behaviors, choices, values, limits, talents, thoughts, desires, and love.  It is also true that I AM NOT responsible for other people's feelings, attitudes and beliefs, behaviors, choices, values, limits, etc....

The book defines a few basic boundary problems.  There are people who can't "say" no - the Compliant; those who can't "hear" no - the Controller;  those who can't "say" yes - the Nonresponsive;  and those who can't "hear" yes - the Avoidant.  These are all people with boundary problems.

We can also make a distinction between "Functional and Relational Boundary Issues".  Here are two excerpts from Boundaries: 

 "Functional boundaries refers to a person's ability to complete a task, project, or job.  It has to do with performance, discipline, initiative, and planning.  Relational boundaries refers to the ability to speak truth to others with whom we are in relationship."

"Many people have good functional boundaries, but poor relational ones; that is, they can perform tasks at quite high levels of competence, but they may not be able to tell a friend that they don't like their chronic lateness.  The reverse can also be true.  Some people can be absolutely honest with others about their complaints and dislikes but be unable to get up for work in the morning!"

These few principles have given me much clarity.  I'm thankful to God for people who share this wisdom with those of us who were not raised with good boundaries.  When I first read this book several years ago, it was as though scales fell from my eyes.  I began to see boundary problems that were always there, but I never recognized before.  It was life changing for me.  My life will never be the same.

This is all for tonight.  I'm tired.  Tomorrow morning is Sunday - we will be getting up early for Sunday worship.  I hope this made sense, if it has helped anyone - just leave a comment.

In Him I live,

Vetta

A small group of ladies and I are going to be starting a book club.  We're beginning with the book Boundaries - when to say YES, When to say NO, To take control of your life. 

I'm going to use the work book to bring up good questions and get us thinking.

My intentions are then to summarize, on this blog, what I'm learning.  This will be good for me to remember more of what I've read and learned.  

I've read this same book about 3 years ago and I refer to it on a regular basis.  Reading it has changed my life, and of course that has bettered all of my relationships.

To give you an idea of what Boundaries contains, I'll share the following, excerpt.

**************************************************************

BOUNDARIES

Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.  A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible.  In other words, boundaries defines who we are and who we are not.

Boundaries impact all areas of our lives:

Physical boundaries helps us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances.

Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions.

Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others.

Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator.

Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations.  When confronted with their lack of boundaries, they ask:

* Can I set limits and still be a loving person?

* What are legitimate boundaries?

* What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries?

* How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy or money?

* Aren't boundaries selfish?

* Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries?

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Rom 14:16

16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  KJV
Rom 14:16

16 Do not therefore let what seems good to you be considered an evil thing [by someone else]. [In other words, do not give occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you.]   AMP

Something that is good and well could be mistaken for evil by others.  We should be aware of the effects a particular action, we take, could have on those around us.  This being said, we are not to use our Christian liberties in such a way that would cause contention and strife. 

We have been given the ministry of reconciliating others to Christ.  If we're causing offense and worse, how can we be effective?  In fact, we could destroy the work of the ministry.

The Strong's defines "Let be evil spoken of" as:

blasphemeo

NT:987 blasphemeo (blas-fay-meh'-o); from NT:989; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously:

KJV - (speak) blaspheme (-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.

Barnes' commentary gives the following.  "In such a case we should yield our private, unimportant personal indulgence to the good of the cause of religion and of peace."

How many of us have allowed the "unimportant personal indulgence" to steal the peace we and our neighbors together share?

Rom 14:17

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  KJV

Rom 14:17

17[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  AMP

I've read that the righteousness is in respect to God, the peace - is in respect to our neighbor, and the joy is in respect to ourselves.  I've noticed this to be a common thread in the Gospels -- God, our neighbor, and ourselves.  This is just something to ponder.

Rom 14:18

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
KJV

Rom 14:18

18 He who serves Christ in this way is acceptable and pleasing to God and is approved by men.  AMP

He that conducts his life in service to Christ (in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost) will please God.  I also believe men will have no occasion to accuse or blame this kind of person of wrong doing.  Neither will this person's conscience condemn him.

Rom 14:19

19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  KJV

Rom 14:19

19 So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.  AMP

Verse 19 reminds me of another Scripture - Rom 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  KJV  Another thought, it is very possible to tear down a good thing with one irresponsible action.  For instance, one lie can tear down trust that has taken years to build.  We all have to give an answer to a higher authority for our behavior.  God is requiring us to build up one another and not to tear down.  We need His wisdom and guidance (blueprints) for the building of HIS church - His people.

This is all still new to me having a little girl and all that goes with it.  The other day I shared with Rob how I'm getting even more excited about my relationship with her.  I've been thinking about how neat it will be to teach her how to be a little lady.

I've had two sons for some time now, but I've obviously never had the desire to teach them what it's like to be a lady in Christ.  This is so new.  I've always thought it my responsibility to teach our children to be Christians, but this is different.  We have something in common - we're daughters of the King.

We walk hand in hand through the house and it is just too sweet!  I enjoy walking down our long hall with her hand in mine, stopping everytime she sees one of her toys to pick up.  I get all mushy inside.  I love having this little girl of mine - I know she belongs to GOD, but I'm enjoying this time with her.

She's so beautiful, she's got her father's straight brown hair - with the exception of a little flip curl on the end.  She has gorgeous big brown eyes that are so full of expression and a personality to go with.  Pardon me as I get lost in her for a while.

She has her big brothers trained to come when she calls.  She has Daddy's heart and mom's everything.  I hope this doesn't sound like we're spoiling her, because we are not.  She is very loved.  We love each one of our three children for who they are.  

Well, enough.  I am working on finishing the 14th chapter of Romans.  I'll probably break it up into two more entries.  I'm glad to be serving a God who is full of mercy and goodness.

Rom 14:10-15

v 10   Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.  AMP
v 10   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.  KJV

Again, the Jewish Christians were judging and the Gentile Christians were despising (set at nought).  I'm glad it plainly says "brother" and "brother"  BOTH were brothers as Christians.  I thought it might be good to give the Strong's definition of these two things.

Judge:

NT:2919 krino (kree'-no); properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:

KJV - avenge, conclude, condemn, ****, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

Set at nought:

NT:1848 exoutheneo (ex-oo-then-eh'-o); a variation of NT:1847 and meaning the same:

KJV - contemptible, despise, least esteemed, set at nought.

All of us will stand before the judgement seat of Christ.  This reminds me of the Scripture, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."  Matt 7:2

Who will be measuring us?  Judging us?  Jesus.  Jesus being the only omniscient, knowing the heart - who else can judge fairly?  Not us!

v 11   For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise]. [Isa 45:23.]  AMP

v 11   For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  KJV

This passage is recorded in Isa 45:23 where the speaker calls Himself YAHWEH, a name used for God alone.  Every knee will bow to God alone.

v 12   And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God.  AMP

v. 12  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.  KJV

v 13   Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.  AMP

v 13   Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.  KJV

Rather than judge our brother, we should judge OURSELVES that we do not cause our brother to stumble, or to fall.  These are words commonly used to denote sin.  As a matter of choice, prefer to deny yourself than to selfishly cause your brother to stumble.   

This is the kind of living we are called to -  not living for ourselves but for Christ.  Loving our neighbor and bearing one another's burdens in the spirit of love - to fulfill the law of Christ. 

v 14   I know and am convinced (persuaded) as one in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is [forbidden as] essentially unclean (defiled and unholy in itself). But [none the less] it is unclean (defiled and unholy) to anyone who thinks it is unclean.  AMP

v 14   I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  KJV

I'm learning that our "conscience" is of great importance.  It may one day convict and condemn us or clear us.  Some may do things without the consent of their own conscience, there by doing it without faith.  IF, if one is willing to ignore their conscience regarding unimportant things, what other matters could he oppose his conscience for? 

Also consider the last verse in this chapter:  v 23  But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].  AMP  According to this, we CAN  cause our brother to stumble or sin.

15 But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died!  AMP

15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.  KJV

I find this convicting.  If I choose not to acknowledge my weak brother in love, knowing Christ died for him as well - I am wrong.  If Christ died for this sister (let's bring it home) and I prefer my selfish desires greater than her spiritual welfare, what good am I to the Kingdom?  Choosing to eat meat, knowing it will cause my sister to stumble/sin - why?   

This is something I need to consider in my own life.  I pray and hope to find wisdom and guidance daily - more importantly, that I learn to love.  I will confess this is a hard one for me.  I'd rather say, "This is her problem, she needs to stop judging me," then go on and do what I intended to do regardless.  I'm just being honest.  Pray for me, because it is difficult to lay down my freedoms for a weak person who is judging me no less.  

"Choosing" to give up your liberty for another is better than doing it begrudgingly.  I want to choose this kind of love.  God help me.

Rom 14:5-9

5 One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike [sacred]. Let everyone be fully convinced (satisfied) in his own mind.

6 He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

7 None of us lives to himself [but to the Lord], and none of us dies to himself [but to the Lord, for] 

8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord.

9 For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
AMP

We know that some may esteem one day better than another.  I see both good and bad in this.  We all treat certain "holidays" differently, yet all days should be lived for the LORD - to honor Him.  You've probably seen some give honor to God on a Sunday.  Again, the rest of their week they live for themselves.  This is the danger I see in not giving all our days to God, honoring Him with all our days and not just on a "holy" day.

I can appreciate the holidays for many reasons, but I want to be careful to not be slothful in giving honor to God everyday.

If some are encouraged or edified by observing certain holidays, we shouldn't reproach or oppose them.  Neither should they reproach, oppose or judge others because they do not observe them.  If this isn't just basic respect and practical wisdom...  Why do we judge another man's servant?

To "be fully convinced/persuaded" in your own mind is defined by Strong's as NT: 4135 most surely believe, fully know (persuade), make full proof of.  This is something we individually should examine and be convinced of in our own mind.

I am not implying or suggesting that this rule be applied to subjects which are morally wrong and matters of salvation - absolutely not.  I've heard some referring to this "eating or not eating of meat" to justify their sexually perverse behaviors.

Verses 7 & 8  the words "None of us" is referring to Christians, whether Jew or Gentile.  None of us live to please ourselves, but to please GOD.  Neither do we die to ourselves.  Everything we are and do is subject to God our Lord.  We belong to Him, we are not of ourselves any longer - as Christians.  He redeemed us and we are now HIS.

This point of being Lord over all is repeated in verse 9.  Jesus lived, died and is alive again - He is now Lord over the living and the dead.  His resurrection gave Him power over death and the grave. 

This is another subject matter, but in Christ we have victory over sin and death.

1 Cor 15:55-57

55 O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV

More to come...