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I have a lot of "favorite" passages of Scripture, but I wanted to post this today. It's just amazing how clear-cut and to-the-point Scripture can be, and that we don't have to guess about everything. It's simply beautiful.
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with and unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
"I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD , AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
"Therefore, COME OUT FROM AMONG THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord.
"AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you,
"And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,"
Says the Lord Almighty.
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
God's holy scriptures are so amazing! I will never, ever get over the fact that they are so perfect and blameless! That's one of the many mind-blowing things about being a child of God - we have all of eternity to search Him out, grow deeper in discovering His love and attributes, and we will never, ever fully understand or comprehend it all! Can you believe that? Never!
Lately I haven't been memorizing God's Word. This is an area that I've lacked in lately. God has been convicting me of many things, including that I should make top priority of hiding His word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him.
So every morning now when I'm having devotions I'm trying to spend some extra time soaking up a passage that I want to memorize. I know that it will be only by God's grace that I will accomplish this. And hopefully many more. ;^)
This is what I'm working on:
"Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master for every good work.
"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those that call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
"The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." -2Timothy 2:20-26
I'm growing up. Not always as gracefully or infallibly as I had hoped, but that is where experience, humility, and wisdom can be cultivated. The age "seventeen" used to seem so far away. I used to wonder, "How much will I have accomplished by then, how I will I be helpful in my home and local church body, and how much I will have grown in the Holy Spirit, as well as in my duties as a future wife and mother?" I have always wanted to become a "young lady."
What is a lady after all? If you've watched as many movies set in England as I have, you know that a nice sum per annum, a touch of nobility, and/or connections among those presented to court are inexpendable honors and necessities. These may seem unattainable these days, but they sure sound nice for a fairy tale life!
Painting by Arthur Rackham
When I imagined myself all grown-up and lady-like, I wanted to see a tall slim figure graced with modest dresses and a sweet spirit that people found refreshing to be around. My flawless baking skills and county-wide famous Caesar salads (I didn't even know what those were) would prove me a revered cook, and everyone would eagerly await the get-togethers when I was bringing my specialty desserts!
I'm only a year away from legal adulthood, and my skills in the kitchen haven't expanded quite that far. But if given the opportunity, I do enjoy the challenge of cooking a whole meal all by myself! And I find cleaning the house a rather invigorating and stress-relieving "activity!"
So even if one does cook and clean with joy, what does homemaking have to do with "being a lady?" I have found that the peremptory definition of being a lady is godly womanhood.
It is only through the grace and patience of the Holy Spirit that we become a loving, joyful, peaceful, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled women. We may at times grow weary as we strive to become more Christ-like, and be a servant to Him and the families He's blessed us with, but the reward is far more than we can ever imagine.
Our attitudes influence those around us more than we realize. Are our attitudes influencing other women, young and old, to enjoy being a homemaker? Are our selfish attitudes discouraging young ladies from true biblical femininity? If we are servants of Christ, we will want to please God in all that we say, do, and think. That includes how we interact with the world, how we respond to those in authority, how we serve others, and everything that comes out of our mouths.
It is easy to get caught up in the way we want the world to view us. How quickly I forget my Father's business and seek my own trivial happiness!
As Christians it is our duty to serve and give freely of ourselves, first to God, and then to those around us. In the lives of others we must diligently seek to be the gracious examples of Christ. What better way than to be beacons of faith, hope, love, and cheerfulness to the lost and dying world?
Ladies, how are we serving our families and friends today? Are we a blessing to be around? I have many godly role-models in my life, and through watching them constantly care for their families I am showed examples of true biblical femininity and servanthood.
There are so many ways we as young women can be as polished cornerstones in our homes and churches. Whether it be through helping a young mother with her children, making a meal for a family who is ill, or simply sending a letter of encouragement to an elderly person, our witness for Christ and servanthood is not simply a duty, but a blessing.
Painting Unknown
The many areas I need to grow in are numerous. Cooking and cleaning, humility and patience, childcare and budgeting, grocery shopping and laundry, the list goes goes on and on! But, of course, we can never expect to reach perfection in this life. We know that it is only through the grace of God our Savior that we can even breathe in and out. What a joy it is to serve though, knowing that He will continue to perfect us until that day of eternity when we shall behold His face!
When we look at models of ladies from 19th century England, we may feel despondent over never owning long flowing dresses, sparkling jewels, perfect tea-time manners, or a rose leaf complection. It is more fulfilling to know you are loved and cherished by your own family and friends, and not have to care if your hair just perfect (a struggle for me!) or if your hands are smooth enough for the next party.
Painting by Jesse Wilcox Smith
"Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, and our daughters be as corner pillars fashioned for a palace." Psalm 144:12 (NASB) With strength and dignity as our clothing, the beauty of our biblical femininity will have more of an impact on our culture than we may realize. How refreshing it is to give of our selves to invest in the live of those around us, sharing the love of our Father and being a blessing to our families and churches.
Here is a portion from the book I have been reading. Emily and I joined the Rebelution forum, and are currently reading through Systematic Theology with the Cafe. I found the first statement about sin a wee bit amusing; not that sin is amusing. But it is the epitome of irrationality!
"Sin is ultimately irrational, and sin makes us think incorrectly about God and about creation. Thus, in a world free from sin, the Bible would commend itself convincingly to all people as God's Word. But because sin distorts people's perception of reality, they do not recognize Scripture for what it is. Therefore it requires the work of the Holy Spirit, overcoming the effects of sin, to enable us to be persuaded that the Bible is indeed the Word of God and that the claims it makes for itself are true."
-from "Systematic Theology" by Wayne Grudem
Ultimately Irrational!
Here is a smallish essay I wrote on the the Rebelution.
Within the past century, the standards set for young adults have fallen to such a low level that absolutely no responsible behavior or productivity can be expected. A new movement called “the Rebelution” amongst a handful of our youth is now seeking to reclaim the standards of achievement once easily met by our forefathers. With energy and enthusiasm, they have proven that great things can be accomplished for God by “teenagers”.
This nation is flooded with rebellious, peer-dependant individualists, and a new rebellion of fearless determination to excel and serve God is spreading. Even the motto alone, “Do Hard Things”, is inspiring teens to make their lives worthwhile in the kingdom of God. While we are young and strong, these are the most energetic years of our lives that we can productively use for the glory of God. Never before has there been such a crucial time in History for young adults to make a stand for their beliefs and strive to win back a culture for Christ. Whether it is writing books and magazine articles, volunteering at the local mission, getting involved in politics, learning a new language, or producing God-honoring films, these “hard things” can make us a witness for Christ.
Throughout this Rebelution is the call to not let the culture look down on our youthfulness and let us think that because we are young, we are incapable of doing great things for Christ. Rightfully taking a stand for these important years and turning this culture’s expectations on its head, we can achieve tremendous feats with God.
I recently started reading through the book of Jeremiah, and, as expected, I have been learning a bit about the nation of Israel turning away from the Lord. One verse in particular held my attention extra long. "...They, their kings, their princes and their priests and their prophets, who say to a tree, 'You are my father,' and to a stone,'You gave me birth.' For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, 'Arise and save us." -Jeremiah 2:26b-27.
It made me think about our wonderful tree-hugging, Mother Earth-loving zeit-geist. Even though this was written to the Jews over 2000 years ago, it still rings true for our culture today. We would rather lean on our own understaning and let the stars direct our paths than acknowledge the Lord. But no matter how we try to veil the facts or just ignore the truth, there really is a holy and righteous God who created this mind-blowing universe.
"The heavens are telling the glory of God; and their expanse is declairing the work of His hands. Day unto day pours forth speech, and night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard. Their [sound] has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; it rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat." -Psalm 19:1-6.
I have become very interested in astronomy lately, and these verses only amplify my couriosity and amazement. When my family and I went to the Creation Museum a week or two ago we got to go to their planetarium. It was absolutely astounding! Not only was the program well laid out and the graphics visually mind-boggling, but the sheer fact of how big this place is and how God made it just for His glory and our enjoyment brought tears to my eyes. Even the name Proxima Centauri still gives me chills down my back. All those light years, globular clusters, and other solar systems really make one feel small. And to think, the God who made all that made us! Whoa! My brain is about to explode from excitement!
Eh-hem, please excuse me while brain seeps battery fluid...
-BreezyTulip
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." -Colossians 3:1-4
The other day I found my long-lost highlighter and decided it was time to do a little up-dating. I needed to go through my Bible and highlight some of the verses I am always trying to find but not sure where to look. After some time I had tracked most of them down.
But when I came across this one in particular, it almost came as a surprise. Some verses just seem to do that for one reason or another - pop out - especially when we are just barely wrapping our brains around them. I had to read it over a few times before I thought myself ready to take it in. "'...Raised in Christ...' hmmm, '...Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth...' things above? not on earth? '...your life is hidden with Christ...who is our life...' hmmm, too much self-sacrifice...oop! Did I say that outloud?" Oh, eh-hem, I mean, that's a lot of self-sacrifice there, to set my mind on the things above, not to mention forsaking the world and all its tasty morsels.
I have to make myself stop and remember what I am to be about. I was created for the glory of God, not mine. This life is not worth living if its not for the King. It's the daily renewing of my mind, the hour-by-hour sacrifice, the minute-by-minute denial of self that the Lord requires. He commands us to take every thought captive to Him, and let His Word richly dwell within us. It is this life full of menial tasks, frequent aggravations, and distracting amusements that we are to live, that He redeems, and we are to find joy in, when we are filled with His grace. Killing the old man, his desires and hatreds, passions and abominations, we must give ourselves up as Christ did for His Chuch, without restraint, without hesitation, without holding back a portion for ourselves.
I know I fall miserably short of giving God the cheerful heart of service I ought. There are times when a life all to myself and my desires are very tempting to follow. I often seek to please no one but myself and often weasle my way out of simply bringing a loved one a bit of happiness. But praise God, for His mercy lasts for ever! Those times I give into the old man are also times I am haunted by the Spirit and know I have wronged my Lord. He chastens those whom He loves.
As I read that verse a while back, it reminded me of a dear poem by George Herbert, that I shall show you now:
"COLOSSIANS III. 3.
OUR LIFE IS HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD
That LIFE hath with the sun doth a double motion.
The first IS straight, and our diurnal friend:
The other HID, and doth obliquely led.
One life is wrapt IN flesh, and tends to earth;
The other winds t'wards HIM whose happy birth
Taught me to live here with so THAT still one eye
Should aim and shoot at that which IS on high-
Quitting with daily labor all MY pleasure,
To gain at harvest an eternal TREASURE."
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." -Titus 5:5-7
-BreezyTulip
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