Horizons Math Grade 4 and K,The Reading Lesson, Sequential Spelling, Lifepac Language Arts 4, Apologia Astronomy, Veritas Press New Testament/Greeks/Romans
Prima Latina, Contenders for the Faith and various Winters Promise books, Live Mocha Spanish, Plants Grown Up
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.
"'I want a sweet sense of Thy pardoning love, That my manifold sins are forgiven; That Christ, as my Advocate, pleadeth above, That my name is recorded in heaven.
"'I want every moment to feel That thy Spirit resides in my heart-- That his power is present to cleanse and to heal, And newness of life to impart.
"'I want--oh! I want to attain Some likeness, my Saviour, to thee! That longed for resemblance once more to regain, Thy comeliness put upon me.
"'I want to be marked for thine own-- Thy seal on my forehead to wear; To receive that new name on the mystic white stone Which none but thyself can declare.
"'I want so in thee to abide As to bring forth some fruit to thy praise; The branch which thou prunest, though feeble and dried, May languish, but never decays.
"'I want thine own hand to unbind Each tie to terrestrial things, Too tenderly cherished, too closely entwined, Where my heart so tenaciously clings.
"'I want, by my aspect serene, My actions and words, to declare That my treasure is placed in a country unseen, That my heart's best affections are there.
"'I want as a trav'ller to haste Straight onward, nor pause on my way; Nor forethought in anxious contrivance to waste On the tent only pitched for a day.
"'I want--and this sums up my prayer-- To glorify thee till I die; Then calmly to yield up my soul to thy care, And breathe out in faith my last sigh.'"
When Gianna Jessen spoke at our church a few weeks ago, she said many memorable things. The one that I've been thinking about is that to be a follower of Christ you need to be willing to be hated.
I agree, and that's what I want to talk about. Of course, this does NOT mean being hateful. Nor does it mean seeking to be hated. Or having a persecution complex, so you think people don’t like you because you’re following Christ, when they actually don’t like you because you’re an idiot.
I am all for graciousness, kindness and servant-hearted love as we speak the truth. I seek to practice this with the nonchristians I’m around. But at some point the greatest kindness we can offer them, coming out of a life of humility and faithfulness to Christ, is the good news about Jesus. (That good news actually involves some very bad news about human sinfulness, which is what makes the cross an offense, meaning that it ticks people off).
The danger comes when we live in such fear of being mislabeled that we don’t step forward as unapologetic and unashamed all-out followers of Jesus. They can call us Jesus freaks or ignorant or uncool or intolerant or anything they want, that’s fine. We should do what we believe pleases our Lord, regardless of how it pans out in opinion polls. That includes loving others and giving radically and ministering to the down and out and addressing addictions and saying we think it’s wrong to kill children of all ages and helping people find alternatives. We do such things not seeking the approval of our culture, but of our King.
If we seek our culture’s approval, we’ll either never get it or get it only at the expense of failing to represent Christ. We are promised, that if we “live godly lives in Christ Jesus” we “will suffer persecution.” If we’re not suffering persecution, at some level, then what does that suggest?
We should certainly be nice, and it’s sad when Christians aren’t. But it’s also sad when we imagine “niceness” has greater impact than it really does. Niceness is not the gospel. Some modern concepts of evangelism are little more than being nice to your neighbor and loaning him your hedge clipper and hoping that somehow he will come to Christ without you actually having to say the WORDS of the gospel which would run the risk of him thinking you’re weird. Our good example is important, but it’s not sufficient. There are actual truths that must be grappled with in surrendering to Jesus (1 Cor 15:1-6). And these truths are expressed in words.
I’m all for audience analysis and understanding the perceptions of this generation and speaking in a way they can understand. But instead of letting the world set our agenda and the ground rules of what we can and can’t say, let’s ask the Lord how best to take the timeless message of the gospel to these people.
But, and I say this coming out of some of the conversations I’ve had with cool Christians, the answer is not altering the contents of the gospel to make it something everyone can easily agree with. If the gospel becomes nothing more than the reflection of a worldview they already have, it has nothing to offer them. It’s God’s gospel. Given the price He paid on the cross to offer it, He has the right to say difficult things such as Jesus is the only way to the Father and we are hell-bound without him. That message is not popular and never will be. Our job isn’t to edit the message, but to deliver it.
Among some believers the new definition of a good Christian is holding your beliefs privately, not challenging those who publicly share beliefs that dishonor Christ, and avoiding controversy at all costs lest we be perceived as “those kind of Christians” who hate gays, oppose abortion, favor inquisitions and live to burn witches. We so much want the world to like us that we end up distancing ourselves from the historic Christian faith, from biblical doctrine (including hell), and from churches (because they’re all hypocrites except us). We end up making ourselves indistinguishable from the world, and therefore have nothing to offer the world.
Sometimes we assume the moral high ground by rolling our eyes at those street preachers, congratulating ourselves that we aren’t like that. Street preaching’s not my thing, but I can give you names of people who have come to Christ through street preaching. It’s more of a stretch to name those who’ve come to Christ through Christians who think it’s not cool to tell people the biblical truth that they need to repent of their sins (a synonym for evils; basically a big insult), and turn to Christ to be saved from hell.
It’s not our job to be popular. We are not contestants on American Idol. And we are not Christ’s speechwriters or PR team, airbrushing Jesus so He has greater appeal to people who don’t want to hear what He said about sin and hell. He’s the King, He calls the shots, we’re just His ambassadors. So let’s represent the real Jesus, the whole Jesus, not just the culturally acceptable one.
There is nothing new or postmodern about the gospel turning some people off. That’s always been true, just as it’s always been true that some people are longing to hear it and will deeply appreciate it that you had enough courage to tell them about Jesus.
As D. L. Moody said when someone criticized his approach to evangelism, “I like the way I do it better than the way you don’t do it.”
It is not gracious and kind to withhold the gospel from those who, according to Jesus, are going to hell without Him. Sometimes what we imagine to be our graciousness and kindness is actually indifference or cowardice.
Have
you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too?
For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” (Zech.
2:8) You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My
special delight to educate you
I would have you learn when
temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your
safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult
circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who
never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is
from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by
accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you
not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very
school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions
are only working out My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is
it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your
purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My
supplies are limitless. (Phil. 4:19) I would have you prove my
promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe
the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing through a night
of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and
acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by
turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. (2 Thess.
2:16,17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have
been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I
could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you
some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.
This day
I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my
child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you,
every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of
your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to
see Me in all things.
"The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment.
It isn't some broad, general outline It's a long walk with a real Person.
Details count;
passing thoughts,
small sacrifices,
a few encouraging words,
little acts of kindness,
brief victories over nagging sins.
~ Joni Eareckson Tada ~
..Let me not go forth to my work believing only in the world of sense and time, but give me grace to understand that the world I cannot see or touch is the most real world of all. My life today will be lived in time, but eternal issues will be concerned with it. The needs of my body will be clamant, but it is for the needs of my soul that I must care most. My business will be with things material, but behind them let me be aware of things spiritual. Let me keep steadily in mind that the things that matter are not money or possessions, not houses or lands, not bodily comfort or bodily pleasure; but truth and honour and meekness and helpfulness and a pure love of Thyself...
Where there is injury, pardon, Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand:
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive - it is in pardoning that we are pardoned: And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Francis of Assisi
Have a blessed 2009, following the Lord more closely, anxiously awaiting His return!
LORD, behold our family here assembled. We thank Thee for this place in which we dwell; for the love that unites us; for the peace accorded us this day; for the hope with which we expect the morrow; for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies, that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth, and our friendly helpers in this foreign isle. Let peace abound in our small company. Purge out of every heart the lurking grudge. Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere. Offenders, give us the grace to accept and to forgive offenders. Forgetful ourselves, help us to bear cheerfully the forgetfulness of others. Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind. Spare to us our friends, soften to us our enemies. Bless us, if it may be, in all our innocent endeavours. If it may not, give us the strength to encounter that which is to come, that we be brave in peril, constant in tribulation, temperate in wrath, and in all changes of fortune, and, down to the gates of death, loyal and loving one to another. As the clay to the potter, as the windmill to the wind, as children of their sire, we beseech of Thee this help and mercy for Christ's sake
-Robert Louis Stevenson
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.
I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child
And guided where I go.
Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate .
Once I heard a song of sweetness
As it cleft the morning air,
Sounding in its blest completeness,
Like a tender, pleading prayer;
And I sought to find the singer,
Whence the wondrous song was borne,
And I found a bird, sore wounded,
Pinioned by a cruel thorn.
I have seen a soul in darkness,
While its wings with pain were furled,
Giving hope and cheer and gladness
That should bless a weeping world;
And I knew that life of sweetness,
Was of pain and sorrow borne,
And a stricken soul was singing,
With its heart against a thorn.
We are told of One who loved us,
Of a Savior crucified,
We are told of nails that pinioned,
And a spear that pierced His side;
We are told of cruel scourging,
Of a Savior bearing scorn,
And He died for our salvation,
With His brow against a thorn.
We “are not above the Master.”
Will we breathe a sweet refrain?
And His grace will be sufficient,
When our heart is pierced of pain.
Will we live to bless His loved ones,
Tho’ our life be bruised and torn,
Like the bird that sang so sweetly,
With its heart against a thorn?
I come across so many people who seem to be confused about the mission of Jesus Christ. I hear time and time again how he was a friend to sinners, and accepting of all, and this is used as a barb to goad Christians into feeling guilty for speaking truth and expressing their beliefs.
Well, I have news for you.
There is a major difference between having an Open Mind and having Open Arms.
When folks talk about being open minded, they generally mean that to be open minded you must accept all other viewpoints as potentially valid, that you must listen and consider all other viewpoints and give them a platform. That you must not speak against other viewpoints at risk of appearing close minded and hateful.
Jesus was anything but Open Minded. He challenged people everywhere he went. He angered people just about as often as he inspired them, and he did it on purpose, to set them straight and hopefully help them change their lives and find their way to Heaven. He didn't spend his time listening to all the other philosophies of his day and pondering them, because he knew the truth that he brought directly from God was the only truth. He learned as a child that there was no point in debating, it was a simple choice. He presented the truth, and those who heard him decided what to do with it.
No. Jesus did not have an Open Mind - he had Open Arms.
He welcomed anyone who would listen to hear him and follow him. To this day - the invitation remains open. Those who have made the decision to follow Jesus are charged with the responsibility of spreading the Open Arm policies of Jesus, and spreading his invitation to anyone they meet.
We are NOT called to have Open Minds, but Open Arms.
So, Christians, don't be fooled or coerced into believing that having an Open Mind is somehow Biblical or valuable. It is through our minds that the enemy can cause the most damage by confusing us and distorting what we know in our hearts to be true. No. Seal up your mind from the influences of the world and fill your mind with the things of God as we are instructed in Philipians 4:8 - whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Keep your Arms Open, always showing how God desires every single person to choose to love Him, that He doesn't want anyone to choose hell and gives us as many opportunities as possible to make that choice - as the Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 - He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
And to those who do not believe - don't make the mistake of expecting Christians to be Open Minded. We know what we know, and it is the truth. We don't fault anyone for not understanding, not accepting, not agreeing or not believing what we do. Our Arms are Open, to those who want to learn more, who want to have the peace that only God can give. To those who take the time to understand that to be a Christian is more than a lst of do's and don'ts, more than a list of what's good or bad.
Being a Christian is a process of growth and personal improvement that lasts a lifetime. It's the constant and daily decision to walk the narrow road and follow Jesus regardless the cost. If we don't encounter hardship and opposition, we aren't following Jesus closely enough. He told us to expect to be hated because of him. If we are too consumed with not offending anyone, we are in direct opposition to our calling.
Jesus is not our "Buddy Christ" and Michael Card said it so eloquently:
He will be the truth that will offend them one and all
A stone that makes men stumble
And a rock that makes them fall
Many will be broken so that He can make them whole
And many will be crushed and lose their own soul
Along the path of life there lies a stubborn Scandalon
Nov. 20, 2008 - No such thing as unanswered prayer
God's timing is not ours to command. If we do not start the fire with the first strike of the match, we must try again. God does hear our prayer, but he may not answer it at the precise time we have appointed in our own minds. Instead He will reveal Himself to our seeking hearts, though not necessarily when and wear we might expect. Therefore, we have a need for perseverance and steadfast determination in our prayer life.
In the old days of flint and steel and brimstone matches, people had to strike the match again and again, perhaps a dozen times, before they could get a spark to light their fire, and they were very thankful when they succeeded. Should we not exercise the same kind of perseverance and hope regarding heavenly things? When it comes to faith we have more certainty than we could ever have with flint and steel as we have God's promises as our foundation.
May we therefore never despair. God's time for mercy will come. Ask in faith without wavering, but never cease to petition the King simply because He has delayed His reply. Strike the match again, being sure to have your tinder ready.
CH Spurgeon
Readers, I ask you to join with me in prayer for my husband. For his safety this deployment and more importantly for His salvation. The Lord has put person after person in his life through this command, I believe to prepare his heart. I pray that he will come to know the Lord, and accept salvation in Christ. Thank you!
The key to unlocking a heart of gratitude and overcoming bitterness, ugliness, disrespect and violence is a strong sense of dependence on God, the Creator, Sustainer,Provider and Hope-Giver...Remembering our dependence on His past mercies kindles gratitude.Pondering the promises of tomorrow's mercies kindles faith. Gratitude is past-oriented dependence, faith is future-oriented dependence. Both are humble, self-forgetting, God exalting.
O that we may guard our hearts from the arrogance that unleashes a thousand evils in the world! Humble gratitude for all God has done for us in the past, and promises to do for us in the future-this is the key.
Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.
Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.
Then stay at home, my heart, and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest;
O'er all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.
The humble person seeks at all times to live up to the rule "Honor one another above yourselves; submit to one another, serve one aother." The question is often asked how we can count others better than ourselves when we see they are far below us in wisdom, in holiness, in natural gifts, in grace received. The question proves at once how little we understand what real lowliness of mind is. True humility comes when before God we see ourselves as nothing, having put aside self, and let God be all. The soul, having done this can say "I have lost myself in finding You" and no longer compares itself with others. It is a servant of God and for His sake is a servant of all. A humble man looks upon every child of God, the most weak and unworthy and honors him and prefers him as son of the King. The humble person feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blesses before him. He can hear others praised and himself forgotten because in God's presence along with Paul he has learned to say "I am nothing". Amid temptations to impatience and irritableness, to hard thoughts and sharp words that come in response to the failings and sins of fellow Christians, th ehumble person carries the oft-repeated injunction in his heart and shows it in his life; :Forebearing one another and forgiving one another as the Lord forgave you".
~Andrew Murray Humility
Wow is this ever a reminder of how the sin of pride has such a root in my own life!
Throughout all our personalities we are God's, and since God has made our whole selves, there is great joy in realizing who is our creator. This realization is to permeate every area and level of our life. God is there, to reflect the joy of His presence in the believer who will realize God's purpose in all things.
~Peter Flemming
I'm taking the Lord at His Word and trusting Him to prove His Word.. we've already put our trust in Him for salvation, so why not do it as far as our life is concerned?
~Ed McCully
*now I'm caught up on the quotes I'd jotted down to share with you dear readers!!
Sep. 12, 2008 - Where ever you are, be all there...
There is no such thing as attainment in this life, as soon as one arrives at a long coveted position, he only jacks up his desire another notch and looks for a higher position.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Lord has given me a hunger for righteousness and piety that can alone be of Himself. Such hungering He alone can satisfy, yet Satan would delude and cast all sorts of baubles, social life, a name renouned, a position of importance, scholastic attainment. What are these but the objects of the "desires of the gentiles" whose cravings are warped and perverted?
Psalm 34:14, "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." (1 Peter 3:11)
Nothing in this life happens by chance. What we sow we reap. It is an eternal principle. I love what Henry Drummond says, "The Christian life is not casual but causal." To live in peace, we must sow seeds of peace. Jesus said,"Blessed are the peace-makers..." Peace doesn't just happen; we have to make it happen.Let's look at a few more today.
Love Righteousness
Psalm 85:10 says, "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other." You can't have peace without righteousness. They are inseparable. But righteousness is more than turning away from evil. It is doing righteous deeds. Righteousness is not stagnant. It is alive. It is revealed in your facial features as you smile at your family and speak positive things; it comes out your fingertips as you work and toil for the blessing of your family or hug and embrace your children; it shows itself as you walk to do good deeds for your family and others.
We see this in Isaiah 32:17, "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." Do you notice that righteousness is a work? And do you notice the cause and effect? The effect is peace!
This following verse says, "And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." If we want peace in our home we must sow seeds of righteousness. That will mean saying No to certain TV programs, DVDs and websites. It will mean taking a stand against the spirit of the world entering your home. Peace does not come by compromise or even by feeling good. Sometimes people equate peace with calm. Anyone can have peace when everything is going perfect. True peace rests on a foundation of righteousness. (Hosea 10:12)
Seek Reconciliation
You cannot have peace if you have estranged relationships. To enjoy peace you must seek healing and restoration. Sow seeds of reconciliation. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. You won't have peace unto you do. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Forget your Worries
Ephesians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." In other words, don't worry about anything! Easier said than done! But if we want peace in our hearts and homes it is habit we must practice.
Each time you face another problem, instead of worrying, choose to turn it over to the Lord. Look to the Lord rather than your circumstances. It takes a while to get into this habit, but it will change your life. You can then walk in peace even in the midst of the storm.
My favorite Scripture, a special one for mothers, is found in Isaiah 26:3-4, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." When we sow the habit of bringing our thought life to the Lord, we will have peace. Not only peace, but perfect peace. It is actually a double word in the Hebrew meaning, peace, peace!
Husband/Wife Unity
Sow unity in your marriage relationship. If you don't have unity together, you won't have peace in your heart or home. And nor will your children know peace. When there is estrangement between you and your husband, the children will feel the brunt of it. Once again, you have to sow the seeds. It won't just happen. Realize the truth that God has made you one--not two, but one! Sow seeds to make this oneness a reality. Say Sorry. Forgive. Swallow your pride. Humble yourself. Shut your mouth. Speak soft words. Submit for your own blessing. As you sown these seeds, you'll reap peace.
Order your home
It is difficult to have peace when you live in a mess. 1 Timothy 5:14 tells us that the young women are to "guide the house." This phrase is translated from the Greek word, oikodespoteo, coming from two words: oikos - home, and despotace - master. God has given you the responsibility to manage your home--to keep it in order and running smoothly.Don't forget the principle of cause and effect. If you want peace, do things that will bring order and peace.
Declutter your home
If you have clutter everywhere, if your dishes and laundry are piling up, you will not be able to think straight.Order brings serenity. Sow seeds for a harvest of peace by de-cluttering your home. If you have loads of junk it can be daunting to start on this venture. Take one room at a time. Be ruthless. Get rid of everything you don't need. Purge. The more you eradicate, the more serenity will come to your soul.
Keep sowing your seeds of peace daily and your harvest time will come.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:"Lord, thank you for reminding me that you want me to make peace. Help to be a peace-maker! As I sow seeds of peace, you will bring the wonderful harvest. Amen."
AFFIRMATION:Peace-making is my job today!
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Concerning the faith of his family, {the parent} ought to be very diligent and cautious, doing his utmost both to increase faith where it has begun, and to begin it where it is not -John Bunyan
I cant remember if I have posted this before of not:
I was at church one day and after the service, this stranger who was seating next to me opened his file and told me that I should have this letter. All I could react at that moment was just a simple thank you, but what I read from the letter moved me to tears. It has been my prayer to recieve and know God's love for me. And I believe this is a just a small fragment of what God plans to show me. And so I am sharing this letter with you, because God loves you as much too.
My child,
you may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up(Psalm 139:2), I am familiar with your ways (Psalm 139:3), even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matt 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28), for you are my offspring (Acts 17:28).
I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12), You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book(Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), I knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13), and brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalm 71:6).
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me (John 8:41-44) I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16) and it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17) For I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalms 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29) Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20) For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4) And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4) I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26) He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3) He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31) And to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32) If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23) And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39)
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7) I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is, will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32)
It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking at the doorsteps of our hearts.
-KT Jong
After all, we each have our work to do, and we may be certain that it is best, whether it is just what we like or no; and if we only do it faithfully, we may be sure He will give us some happiness with it. I can't talk about these things as well as some folks, but it does seem to me that God lets us be worried now and then to teach us our duty, and to bring us nearer to Him. -Mary Ropes
I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am.
The Lord afflicts us at times; but it is always a thousand times less than we deserve, and much less than many of our fellow-creatures are suffering around us. Let us therefore pray for grace to be humble, thankful, and patient.
When everything we receive from him is received and prized as fruit and pledge of his covenant love, then his bounties, instead of being set up as rivals and idols to draw our heart from him, awaken us to fresh exercises of gratitude and furnish us with fresh motives of cheerful obedience every hour
I am persuaded that love and humility are the highest attainments in the school of Christ and the brightest evidences that he is indeed our Master.
For feelings come and feelings go And feelings are deceiving; My warrant is the Word of God, Naught else is worth believing. Though all my heart should feel condemned For lack of some sweet token There is One greater than my heart Whose Word cannot be broken ! I'll trust in God's unchanging Word Till soul and body sever For; though all things shall pass away, His Word shall stand forever ! -Martin Luther
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, Our God ever yearns His resources to share; Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
