Love - Part 1: Patience

What would be your impression of one who spoke in many languages of men and with great eloquence? Who also had a great gift of prophecy and was brilliant? Who had a faith so strong that they could move mountains? What if this one took all of their possessions and gave them to those in need? How would we perceive the person who not only gave of all of their physical possessions, but also gave their very life as a martyr? Would we not say that this one was a great person and worthy of imitation? But, there is one factor that if lacking makes all the above null and void. Love. Paul states:

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

We are nothing without love. Any act that we do, no matter how noble and great, is worthless if love is not present.

The world today has its own definition of what love is. A definition that is quite different from what God sees love to be. The apostle Paul describes this beautiful attribute of love in verses 4-8 in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;”

The first aspect of love mentioned is patience. Love is patient. Patience is also listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). In Scripture, the Greek words used for “patience” and its derivatives are all similar in that they mean to have “a patient enduring”, “to persevere, to be patient”, “to await, to endure”, “patience, long-suffering”. “Patient” is defined by Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language as “1 Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or christian submission to the divine will. 2 Not easily provoked; calm under the sufferance of injuries or offenses; not revengeful. 3 Persevering; constant in pursuit of exertion; calmly diligent. 4 Not hasty; not over eager or impetuous; waiting or expecting with calmness or without discontent.”

Patience is to be present in the lives of those following in Christ’s footsteps. The Lord is the perfect example of patience: “Yet for this reason I [Paul] found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience . . . .” (1 Timothy 1:16). When we were lost sinners, God showed us great love and patience. He “demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). We are to “regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,” (2 Peter 3:15).

So often when others wrong us, we respond with the opposite of love. Angry words, hurt feelings, and contentiousness fill the heart. Christ has called us, though, to love as He loved. He desires us to show patience even when we are wrongfully accused or harshly treated. As a child of God, we are exhorted that “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” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

Throughout our days, many little things arise that can stir up the opposite of patience in our hearts; can stir up contentions and quarrels. One of our siblings tracks mud on the floor we just cleaned. The soup on the stove boils over. A little sister drops one of our favorite books resulting in a smashed binding and torn pages. Patience . . . patience. Will we exhibit it? “Therefore I [Paul], the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3). May we strive for this “bond of peace” by responding to these and all other instances with the beautiful spirit of patience. Each time that we do this, we will be training ourselves in patience. Thus, making it easier and easier each time a situation arises to respond in a manner pleasing to our Lord. If we do not practice patience, we are training ourselves to respond with irritability, anger, or despair.

Whichever we have practiced and learned, will also be expressed in circumstances that are more trying and difficult than what has been listed above such as persecutions and revilings. As followers of Christ, it is guaranteed to us that we will endure sufferings and persecutions. Christ told His disciples “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Paul supports this by saying: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12). Not may be, but will be. How should we respond when these persecutions and sufferings arise? “For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.” (1 Peter 2:20). Have we learned to practice patience in the little things so that when much more difficult circumstances and sufferings arise we will be able to respond with patient endurance which finds favor with the Lord?

It is important to remember that in our own strength, we cannot exhibit patience. Only when allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us can we respond to others and to our sufferings in such a manner. There is a passage in Scripture that is an encouragement regarding this:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Christ is our comforter. He is our strength in times of trial and testing. May we cling to Him. May we cling to His promises. And may His perfect patience be displayed in our lives in every circumstance that comes our way, and to everyone we come into contact with: “We urge you, brethren . . . be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).


Note: The above post is the first installment in a series based upon 1 Corinthians 13.


-Posted by Sarah

Keepers at Home

We have talked about the importance of serving the Lord, and one fruit of serving Him is, in turn, service to our families. One area that we can serve our family is through living the godly calling of being a keeper at home; or, a ‘worker’ at home.

“Older women . . . encourage the young women . . . to be . . . workers [or keepers] at home.” Titus 2:3, 5

“Keeper” by the Greek definition is to guard the home, to be domestically inclined (i.e. a good housekeeper). There is a description in Scripture of what I would say would be an excellent example of a keeper at home. This example is found in Proverbs 31:10-31:

-She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
-She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
-She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
-She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
-She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
-She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
-She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
-She extends her hand to the poor and stretches out her hands to the needy.
-She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
-She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple
-She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
-Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
-She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
-She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness
-Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
-Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Excerpts from Proverbs 31:10-31

Keeping the home involves so many aspects. What we generally think of is the physical acts of cleaning, cooking/baking, etc. Tending to these things is a part of our calling as women of God and by doing so, is living obedience to God. What type of activities would fall under this heading of being a keeper at home? Here are some basic thoughts and ideas regarding this:

Cleaning:
♥ Washing the dishes
♥ Laundry
♥ Vacuuming
♥ Picking up
♥ Organizing
♥ Dusting
♥ Cleaning the bathroom (including mirrors, sinks, counters, and bathtub/shower)
♥ Cleaning the kitchen (including counters, sink, microwave, refrigerator, etc.)
♥ Sweeping
♥ Mopping
♥ Cleaning the Pantry
♥ Cleaning and organizing closets, cupboards, and drawers

Cooking and Baking:
♥ Daily cooking nourishing and healthy meals (or helping your mom do so)
♥ Baking bread
♥ Baking special desserts :)
♥ Gardening and providing fresh vegetables

Decorating:
♥ Flower arrangements
♥ Candles
♥ Soft music playing
♥ Cozy quilts, afghans and pillows
♥ Edifying Scripture verse wall-hangings (pictures, cross-stitches, drawings, etc.)

Caring for these physical aspects of the home are very important, but an even more important aspect of being a ‘keeper’ is keeping the atmosphere of the home. Is it sharp and cutting? Warm and welcoming? Cold and hard? Relaxing and cheerful? The type of atmosphere in our home will be determined by the occupants’ heart attitudes, countenances and words. Yours and mine included. Here are some thoughts on what these would be:

Heart Attitude, Countenance and Words of:

♥ Joy
♥ Love
♥ Kindness
♥ Peace/Peacemaker
♥ Not contentious
♥ Patience
♥ Goodness
♥ Faithfulness
♥ Self-control
♥ Submission
♥ Obedience and honor to our parents
♥ A Gentle and Quiet Spirit
♥ Diligence

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives a general idea of what attributes we can cultivate in our lives in order to have a pleasant and God-honoring atmosphere in our homes. It is most difficult to exhibit these qualities when those around us do not practice them, but one sweet fragrance of a rose can permeate a large area. Be that one sweet rose casting its fragrance and beauty upon all those who come into contact with it. May we let Christ shine through us to bless others, so that they too may “glorify [our] Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

*If any of you should have something to add to the above lists, please feel free to share! We would love to hear your thoughts. *


-Posted by Sarah

Love Produces Service

As I was reading the book "An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith" yesterday, one of the chapters fit in so well with what was shared in the earlier post regarding serving the Lord. This chapter added depth and understanding to why we are to serve, and what is the impetus for that service. It is love for the Lord.

Excerpt from chapter eighteen:

"Knowing God leads to holiness. He alone becomes one's consuming passion, displacing all other desires and overcoming the power of sin in our lives. His presence within is sufficient to satisfy every longing. For to know God is to love Him - and there is no higher motivation for obedience to His commands than love. In fact, no other motivation is accepted. It is no accident that the first commandment is, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might ' (Deuteronomy 6:5).

"Obedience to God's laws must spring from love for Him. Otherwise, as 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 declares, obeying the letter of the law is nothing. We could give all our possessions to the poor and submit to martyrdom at the stake in service for Christ, but if our motive is not love it would all be in vain. So it is that Christ declared, 'If a man love me he will keep my words . . . he that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings' (John 14:23, 24).

"Loving God is the secret of the Christian life. If we truly love Him, then we want to serve, please, and glorify Him. We would not want to do anything or even think a thought that would displease or dishonor Him. A genuine love for God - and only that love - produces consistent holiness in our daily lives."

(Taken from An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith by Dave Hunt; excerpt from chapter 18 'Knowing and Loving God'; pages 149-150)

-Posted by Sarah

Servants of the Lord

Lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about what it means to truly serve the Lord and others. How should we serve? When should we give service? How often? To what extent? In what manner?

This morning I looked through all the New Testament verses and several Old Testament verses (by using our NASB concordance) that dealt with words such as 'serve', 'serving', 'servant', etc.

Firstly, when we become believers in Jesus Christ, we turn from the things of the world in order to serve the Lord. Instead of serving the flesh we are to serve God. Paul in writing to the Thessalonians, rejoices “For they themselves report about us what kind of reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,” (1 Thessalonians 1:9); and Christ taught his disciples that “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Luke 16:13; also found in Matthew 6:24)

The Israelites were also called to turn from serving under the Old Covenant to instead serve God under the New Covenant through Christ: “But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound [the Old Testament Law], so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6) and "For you were called to freedom [from Law], brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13).

We are not to serve the things of the world and our flesh, but instead, the Lord. “And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” (Romans 6:13).There is no gray area between the two; it is either black or it is white. We cannot serve both. We cannot have our heart’s allegiance placed on two opposite courses; two different paths. “Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” ’ ” (Luke 4:8; also found in Matthew 4:10). God alone should we seek to serve and no other.

Christ is our perfect example in service:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45; also found in Matthew 20:28)

“For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the tables? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27 )

Christ’s service was the ultimate. He gave Himself entirely for others. He did not seek His own interests, but only those things that were “pleasing to Him [meaning God the Father]” (John 8:29). Christ later exhorts His disciples: “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26). We are to follow in Christ’s path of service. He has left us an example to “follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). This serving, this following in His steps, is obedience to His Word. Keeping His Word and living it in our lives.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship,” (Romans 12:1). Our entire beings, every aspect of our lives, are to be offered as a sacrifice unto God which is true spiritual service and worship to Him. This is what God desires from us; a true denial of self, and surrender and obedience to God.

We are to also “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,” (Ephesians 6:7). We are to be “serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which come upon [us]” (Acts 20:19). And in all of this we are to “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2). This ought to be our heart in serving, not grudgingly, but with joy and gladness.

As we strive to follow Christ’s example and grow in these areas, we should become known and marked by others as servants of God by how we live our lives. Others should be able to look at us and see, and to know, whom we serve. In the book of Daniel, King Darius recognized where Daniel’s heart was placed. The morning after Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, the king hurried out and exclaimed: “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20). The king had attained a knowledge of “the living God”, because of Daniel’s boldness and commitment to serving God and Him alone.

Phoebe and Tychicus were both recognized by Paul as fellow servants of the Lord and of the church (brothers and sisters in the Lord). “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;” (Romans 16:1), and “Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord” (Colossians 4:7).

To the Corinthians, Paul expresses his heart by saying: “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1). Paul desired men to recognize those who claim to be believers in Christ as those who are also servants of Him. We should ask ourselves: How do men regard us? When they think of us, do they think of an accomplished musician? A great career woman? An exceptional homemaker? Talented in arts and crafts? Excelling in studies? Or do they recognize this about us, that we are servants of Christ? It is a sobering, yet convicting thought.

Serving the Lord, and then also serving others, is vital if we claim to be followers of Christ. God desires it, and He also commands it. Our genuine service to the Lord is pleasing to Him, and by our service and obedience, God will be glorified.


“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11


-Posted by Sarah

Psalm 19:1

"The heavens are telling of the
glory of God; And their expanse is declaring
the work of His hands."
Psalm 19:1

-Posted by Leah

Sweeter than Honey

After we come to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, and He becomes the Lord and Savior of our lives, we will have a desire to grow to know Him more and to love and be obedient to Him. He has called us to “follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). “for [we] were formerly darkness, but now [we] are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8). If we are to walk as children of God and as Christ walked, it is important to know how Christ lived; to know the example that He set for us. John 8:29 says that “I [Christ] always do the things that are pleasing to Him [meaning, the Father].”

But how do we know what things are pleasing to our Father? How do we know how we should walk in our day to day life? The only way that we can discover the answers to these questions, is if we spend time reading God’s Word. And not just reading, but actively studying it. “All Scripture is inspired by God [God-breathed] and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Scriptures are our guide for how we should live obedient and holy lives before God. It is the only standard for the practice of our faith.

Let’s say that we wanted to be a surgeon, how much time would we spend studying and learning about the human body, equipment, procedures, etc.? What if we simply read other’s thoughts about surgery? Would that be sufficient? What if we skipped all the learning and just went to the hospital and said “I really want to do surgery, so, let me at it.” What do you think the results would be? Do you think that we would be able to proceed accurately? Do you think that the results would be pleasing to the patient? We may appear to want to be a surgeon, but something is missing—the knowledge, wisdom, and experience.

It is the same with our walk with Christ. If we do not know how we are to walk, how can we do the things that are “pleasing to Him”? How can we “walk in the Light” if we do not know how God desires us to live and be? The only way to know the path we are to walk is through studying Scripture and then applying it to our lives. We can read many great men’s writings regarding faith, and all the ‘how-to’ books that fill the Christian catalogs, but these are just like the would-be surgeon reading other’s thoughts and opinions about surgery. Yes, these can be a blessing to the follower of Christ, but they cannot take the place of time spent in Scripture. If we truly desire to love and be obedient to the Lord Jesus, we must take time studying His Word and then applying it to our lives. This should be one of our highest priorities.

Often we say, “Well, I’m just too busy”; “I don’t have enough time”; “You know how life is, I hit the ground running”, etc. My sister often says something like this: “If I have enough time to eat three meals a day, I can make time to spend in God's Word”. How much more important is our spiritual life than our physical? How much time do we take caring for this physical shell, but then not care for the much more important spiritual life?

My prayer for myself, and for you also dear sisters, is that we truly hunger and thirst for our Lord and His Word. That we earnestly desire it. May we like the psalmist be able to exclaim:

“How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! . . .With all my heart have I sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; teach me Your statutes . . . I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statues; I shall not forget Your Word.”
Psalm 119:103 and 10-16

-Posted by Sarah

Worthy to Suffer for His Name

“. . . and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:40-42

These three verses in Acts, have always impacted me strongly. The boldness and love for our Lord that the apostles had amazes me; that this persecution they endured did not phase them. That after being threatened and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus, they “kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” And then they went on “rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” They rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer for our Lord. It was an encouragement, it was a blessing to them. Yet how easy it is for us, when trials and persecutions come our way, to concede or to pity ourselves for what we are going through.

James 1:2-3 tells us to “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” This is how we grow; this is how we mature. And we know that through these trials, we can trust in the Lord because His promises are true. As He says in Matthew:

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great . . .”

-Posted by Leah

The Joy of the Lord

Joyful: Full of joy: very glad; exulting

We have probably all known someone that when we think of them, we also think of joyfulness. They are the ones who always seem to have a light in their eye, their face seems to have a smile ready to break forth at any moment, they seem to have a zest for life. Not only does this person’s joy bless those who are around it, it is also contagious.

Joyfulness is an attribute that God desires His children to be displaying in their lives. Continually. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). So often, though, our human nature resists this joyfulness. For us ladies, we have our emotions to deal with, mood swings, and the like. If we rely on our own strength to remain joyful, we will fail. But “. . . the joy of the LORD is [our] strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10). When we are resting and trusting in the Lord, and only then, His true joy will be manifested in us. This joy is not dependent on circumstances, because it is rooted in the Rock. It is steady and immovable.

Joy comes in knowing our Lord. Knowing that “the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves”. Knowing that we are “His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Knowing that He “is good; and His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” Because of this we can “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” [Psalm 100]. What joy is found in His presence!

Joy also comes through abiding, loving, and being obedient to our Lord. “‘My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.'” (John 15:8-11).

This joy in our hearts, which comes from Christ, is then expressed in our day to day life, in our actions, our words, our smile. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13). A cheerful face or a broken spirit? Which would we rather have? Definitely the former!

My prayer is that as difficulties arise, as we struggle with our emotions, when trials come our way, that we can abide in Christ. For as we abide, His joy becomes our own.


-Posted by Sarah

Cleanse us, O Lord - Part 2

Continued . . .

After the cleansing (which is and should be a continual process in our lives) Paul then tells us to perfect holiness. God has specifically commanded us to be “holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Peter exhorts us that “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.” (1 Peter 1:15) There is that word again: all. Just as all defilements we should rid ourselves of, so also in all our behavior we should be holy. Our perfect example of holiness is God Himself. He is the perfect God. No sin is in Him. He is the one whom we should strive to imitate, not this world. “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;” (1 Peter 2:21-22)

But how do we perfect this holiness in us? What are the steps? Our hearts may earnestly desire it, but how is it accomplished? In the fear of God. Through fear of Him, this mystery is accomplished. How? I do not know, but it is believed in faith. If we fear Him, holiness will be perfected in us. But what is fear of the Lord? It is reverence and awe before a perfect, holy, awesome God. “Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24) and “You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.” (Deuteronomy 10:20-21). It is deep humility, knowing our sinfulness and the great love that the Father bestowed upon us through our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’…Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:6, 10). It is having a heart that greatly desires the Truth and that abhors sin. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13). It is examining ourselves to see what sin lies within that we may rid ourselves of it and day by day grow in our obedience to the Lord. “By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6). This is true fear of the Lord. And it will only be realized through a true heart knowledge of God.

This is my heart’s desire not only for myself, but also for you dear sisters. May we rid ourselves of the defilements of this world that lie within our body, heart and spirit. May we desire to cleanse our hearts and lay them bare before the Lord inviting Him to cleanse us and purge the sin within through the working of the Holy Spirit. But most of all may we truly learn to fear Him. For it is only through this fear of God, that holiness can be perfected.


-Posted by Sarah

Cleanse us, O Lord - Part 1

*Quite some time ago, I wrote this article with the thought to encourage young ladies in their walk with the Lord. The article came to fruition after the Lord used 2 Corinthians 7:1 to speak to my heart during one of my quiet times.


As children of God, we should have a great desire to study and know the Scriptures and then to apply these words to our lives. Many times this is difficult as it often requires the surgical sword of the Lord to remove areas of sin in order that our lives may be more conformed to our Savior’s perfect image. The Scriptures are full of verses that instruct us in removing impurity from us and clothing ourselves in righteousness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 is one of these verses:

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

What promises are referred to in the first part of this verse? The promises are those that are written in chapter six verses 16-18: that God will dwell in those who separate themselves unto Him; that He will walk among them and they shall be His people; He will welcome them if they separate themselves from the world and the things of the world (for the prince of this world is Satan - John 12:13; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). God says that He will then be their Father and they shall be His sons and daughters.

What precious promises! But to receive them, the Scriptures clearly teach us that we must cast off this world. Therefore because of these promises, Paul exhorts us to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit. ‘Flesh’ denotes the physical aspect of our lives and ‘spirit’ the spiritual. Thus every single part of us, our thoughts, our words, our beliefs, etc. all need to be examined and cleansed of defilements. The defilements are anything that is contrary to the Word of our Lord. No matter how small, no matter how great, if it is contrary to His truth it is sin and it is defiling to us. Defilement is to be dirty or foul, unclean, impure, polluted. The picture that those words paint is repulsive! Yet, that is exactly how our sins appear to God. Yes, He still graciously loves us, but every time that we choose to follow the path of this world and our flesh, our sin is repulsive to God.

But there is forgiveness and grace in our Father! If we but turn to Him, His Spirit will work in our hearts to help us cleanse and purify. If we but desire it and submit to Him, this amazing work will be accomplished in our lives. We need to examine our lives to see what defilements lie therein. What words do I speak that are contrary to His Word? What actions do I do that are repulsive to our Holy God? What thoughts do I think that are not fitting for a child of God? (Philippians 4:8). What things do I do simply for my own pleasure and not to the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31). Are the activities that I do, the music that I listen to, the books that I read, the beliefs I hold to, are they glorifying to God? In their entirety do they please Him? If not, they are a defilement and should be purged from my life.

To be continued . . .


-Posted by Sarah

A Godly Example

Often times, when I think of different Godly women in the Bible, the more commonly spoken of ones come to mind such as Ruth, Esther, the Proverbs 31 woman, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary and Martha, and the list goes on. But there is one woman from whom so much can be learned, although only one verse in the whole of Scripture speaks of her.

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” Acts 9:36

What a testimony this verse is of the life of Tabitha! Firstly we see that she is a disciple, a follower and student of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The verse goes on to say that she “was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” There are several key words in this verse, one of which is the word 'abound' which means: “to have or possess in great quantity; to be copiously supplied; to be in great plenty; to be very prevalent.” Tabitha was abounding with deed of kindness and charity, they were so plentiful, so prevalent in her life that this is what she was known for.

Some words, such as kindness, are so commonly used, that many times we don't even entirely grasp the fullness of what they mean. Kindness is defined as: “that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses.” From the definition, we can see that kindness would be having a servant's heart and a selfless attitude; looking to the needs of others, caring so much about someone else's needs that we go out of our way to bless them. It may even be something so simple as a smile, a loving note, or a helping hand.

Much like kindness, charity is described as “love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good.” The Greek word for charity is eleemosune which means: mercy, pity, giving. Again, it is a care for others, those who are needy, not only physically, but spiritually as well.

The word in Acts 9:36 that struck me the most was the word 'continually'. It must not be just an occasional occurrence, or something that happens two or three times a day. The word continually means “without pause or cessation; unceasingly; as, the ocean is continually rolling its waves on the shore.” This is what we, as disciples of Christ, must strive for every single day, out of both love and obedience to our Lord. Just as the ocean never ceases its waves, so our deeds of kindness and charity must always be abounding, never ceasing.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

*All definitions are taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language unless otherwise noted.


-Posted by Leah

Psalm 63:1

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

Psalm 63:1

-Posted by Sarah

Idleness or Diligence? - Part 2

Continued . . .

Idleness is a trait that can bear fruit to different areas of sin. In 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul tells of young widows who became idle: “At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busy bodies, talking about things not proper to mention.” One little step in the wrong direction leads even further down the path of sin.

Scripture also portrays the results of laziness and idleness. Though it may be pleasurable for a time, the lasting consequences are detrimental to all. “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15 and “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” Proverbs 10:4-5. However, diligence produces the “fruit of her hands” (Proverbs 31:31), which is pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to those who are around her.

As women striving for godliness, we should be cultivating diligence in our lives. Diligence is the opposite of laziness and idleness and it means “Steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industry. Care; heed;” (taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language).

But why is this important? Why should we keep going even when we don’t feel like it? Why not satisfy what we want? Because God has called us to something higher. He has called us to serve and minister to all those that we come into contact with. To care for the needs of our physical family and our spiritual family. Paul exhorts that “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24.

Each dirty dish wiped, each floor vacuumed or swept, each meal given to a family in need, each smile given to a lonely soul, each time we pick up after our loved ones. Each and every task should be for Him. It is for Jesus that we labor and serve (Matthew 25:34-40).

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1

-Posted by Sarah

Idleness or Diligence? - Part 1

I’m sure that we have all had those days . . . days where we feel uninspired and tired . . . where we cannot get motivated to do anything. We’d like to simply curl up with a good book and read the day away (or sleep it away!). During those times it is so easy to slip into idleness. Scripture though shows what a godly woman should be doing with her time. “She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27.

Household is generally thought of as one’s own personal family, whether you are living at home with your parents and siblings, or if you are married with a family of your own. These are our ‘physical’ family. We also have a spiritual family. “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10. That is, our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

So this godly woman is looking well to, or caring well for, the ways of her household. Firstly she serves her physical family. She cares for their physical needs (clothing, food, peaceful and clean house, etc.) and their spiritual needs (exhortation, council, teaching, love, prayer, etc). She then branches outward to her spiritual family.

Idleness presents a stark contrast to the above. It is to have an aversion for labor; a reluctance to be employed or to have exertion either of body or mind; it is to be lazy, slothful and sluggish. Idleness is often the effect of laziness. Thus if we let ourselves begin down the path of laziness, the destructive quality of idleness will develop. But, if we keep taking little steps in laboring for and serving others, it is amazing how much we can accomplish and in the end, how much better we feel.

This does not at all mean that we are not to have times of rest and relaxation. Our bodies, minds and spirits need this rest. Nor does it mean that when we are ill or incapable of laboring, that we should not rest or take it easy. But, what it does mean is that if when we have other tasks and duties that need to be tended to, and we are physically capable, we should conquer our feelings of laziness and tend to what needs to be done. Instead of looking to our own comfort and needs, we must look to the needs of others first. We should be looking well to the ways of our household.

To be continued . . .


-Posted by Sarah

A Heart of Gratitude

*This was written awhile back and posted on my As Lilies Sewing journal, but I thought that I would also share it here.

Gratefulness

Is "Warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful"

First and foremost we are to be grateful to God. In Colossians 3:16, it says to "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

God has done so very much for us, yet often we take His gifts for granted. All that we are, the very air we breathe are gifts from Him. Even more importantly is God's greatest gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior through whom we receive salvation and that not of ourselves, but as a gift from God.

How often are we to show gratefulness? When we feel like it? When we get what we want? When circumstances are comfortable?

". . . in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" Ephesians 5:20

There is an excellent example of gratefulness found in Luke 17:11-19 regarding the healing of the ten lepers by Christ. Of the ten men, nine continued on their way. They had received what they wanted. They were no longer outcasts from society. They were cleansed. Those nine had received so much, yet they did not even take the time to give praise and thanks to the One who had healed them. No, it was only one man who after being healed, turned back and went alone to Christ. The attitude of his heart is clearly seen as the Scriptures say that he was "glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him." What was the difference between this one man and the other nine? All were cleansed. All heard the same words from Christ's lips. What was the difference? The one had a heart of gratefulness. A heart of faith. He recognized that he did not 'deserve' to be healed. It was not his 'right' to be cleansed. But Christ had given it to him freely. A gift from the Savior of the world.


-Posted by Sarah

The Tablet of My Heart

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3

This morning, while reading Scripture, this verse in Proverbs greatly blessed me. In speaking of kindness and truth, we are told to not let them leave us. To bind them around our necks, to write them on the tablet of our hearts, both of which give an idea of permanence.

In Matthew 12:34 we are told that “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” What is in our hearts will be reflected in our daily lives, through the words that we speak, and the attitude that we have. May our hearts be abounding with love and obedience for God, so that kindness and truth will not leave us, and so our hearts may serve as a tablet for our Lord.


-Posted by Leah

Contentment

In the post on a gentle and quiet spirit, one aspect of ‘quiet’ that was mentioned was contentment. As I was reading my Bible this past Tuesday morning, there was a verse that was very applicable to this:

“Therefore I [Paul] am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:10

Wow. I can imagine for me personally, that it could be difficult to be content in some of these circumstances. But, it is for Christ’s sake. It is for Him that we live. It is Him that we serve. And He has promised that “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9). May we be weak in ourselves, and He strong through us.


-Posted by Sarah

A Gentle and Quiet Spirit - Part 2

Continued . . .

Not exciting controversy, disorder or trouble: A woman with a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God, will not be argumentative. She will not assert her own will or desires. She will respond to others with a gentle voice and a smile on her face. She will have a true humility, recognizing that Christ has commanded her to put others before herself. We are to be lowly in our own estimation. God has commanded us to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves,” Philippians 2:3 and to “Be devoted to one another [i.e. brothers and sisters in the Lord] in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10.

Mild: The definition of ‘mild’ fits so well with having a gentle and quiet spirit. One of the defining words is ‘tender’. When you think of this word in relation to ladies, what do you see? I see a gentleness, patience, love, calmness, femininity and grace. Websters 1828 Dictionary of the English Language includes in the definition words such as: gentle in temper or disposition; kind; compassionate; merciful; calm; tranquil; not stern; not frowning.

Contented: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be content. ‘Content’ is being joyful in whatever circumstances that the Lord has placed us in. No matter how lonely the life, no matter how little the physical possessions, no matter how diseased the body, we are called to be content. Paul stated this so well in Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Contentment is not something that just ‘happens’. We have to have purposeful intent to learn to be content. To learn to be thankful for wherever God has placed us in life, joyfully knowing that His hand will guide and lead us as we trust and rest in Him.

Having a gentle and quiet spirit encompasses so many of the other qualities that God has commanded women to have. If gentleness and quietness were ours and increasing, would not it be so much easier to respond with a submissive spirit? (1 Timothy 2:11-12; Titus 2:5). To eagerly be a helpmeet to our fathers or our husbands? (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 11:9) To be modest in our dress, in our words and in our actions? (1 Timothy 2:9-10) The answer is most assuredly “Yes!”

What a beautiful picture all of this paints of godly womanhood, and this gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God. By exhibiting it, we bring joy and honor to our Lord, our Savior. What greater thing can we give Him, but ourselves walking in obedience to Him?

My dear sisters in Christ, may we together strive to have gentle and quiet spirits. I know that this is an area that I struggle with in my life. It is in fact one of my greatest areas of weakness, but my heart longs to grow into this godly woman. Sometimes it can be almost overwhelming to think of striving to attain this, but the Holy Spirit will help and aid us if we yield to Him. If we surrender our will, His will will become our own. And thus day by day, we can put off more of the flesh and clothe ourselves more with Christ. May we as ladies of God, earnestly desire and strive to become ones who are characterized by having a gentle and quiet spirit, all to the glory of God.


-Posted by Sarah