No Fragile Faith (Faith Stories Series)

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Scripture Passage:  Hebrews 11

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

No Fragile Faith

God wants us to have a strong, resilient faith. 

How to Fuel Your Faith

1.  Get in the Word.

2.  Realize you either just came out of a trial or you are in the middle of one.  Use that trial to build up others.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. - Hebrews 10:35-36

When we are allowed to stay in difficult circumstances, it is to mature our faith.

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12

Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22

We were never promised a life without problems.  We were promised His presence IN our problems.

*Faith allows us to experience God's power.

*Faith trusts God's purposes.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written,

“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. - Romans 8:35-37

Who is among you that fears the Lord,
That obeys the voice of His servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10

 If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world. - CS Lewis

Good Friday: The Tabernacle, The Cross, The Holy of Holies

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How fitting that our Wednesday night study of the Old Testament Tabernacle ended just a few days before Easter. Sadly, in all my years of church attendance, I’ve read about the tabernacle, but I’ve never studied it. Now, I have such a greater understanding of the tabernacle and its contents: the court, the alter of sacrifice, the wash basin, the holy place, the lampstand, the table of the presence, the alter of incense, and the Ark of the Covenant which resided behind the holy veil – the Holy of Holies where God met personally with the high priests. 

Good Friday:  The Tabernacle, The Cross, and the Holy of Holies

On this Good Friday, everything I learned about the Old Testament Tabernacle becomes more personal for me – and for you. This is the day, the ultimate sacrifice was made on our behalf. At the moment of Jesus’ death, at God’s command, the veil of the temple (tabernacle) was torn revealing the Holy of Holies – the Ark, the mercy seat – where God dwelt and met formerly with only the high priests descended from Aaron.

At that moment, Jesus became our High Priest. 

By His blood, for those who have received Him, we can go past the outer courts, past the alter of sacrifice, past the wash basin, into the Holy Place – past the lampstand, past the Table of the Presence, past the alter of incense – and because the veil was torn, straight into the Holy of Holies. 

I wish everyone a blessed Easter weekend as we reflect on this gift.

And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. – Matthew 27:51  

Mended Hearts – Eternal Ties (Beth Moore Bible Study)

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Mended Hearts - Eternal Ties

Our Final Session in Our Bible Study Series - 

A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place

“Wow” is the best word I can think of at the moment to describe this study.  It has been one of the best Bible studies I’ve ever done.  I’ve never studied the Old Testament Tabernacle before, especially this deep.  I’ve read about it but I’ve never STUDIED it.  Through this study, I’ve learned more about the nature and heart of God than I’ve ever learned in any Bible study I’ve ever done.  The knowledge I’ve gained through this Old Testament study has clarified and solidified all I’ve ever learned and known about Jesus.  The “big picture” makes more sense to me.  This study has nurtured a yearning within me to learn more, grow more, and live more fully in the will of my God.  Please consider the following short summaries of our last lesson in A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place.  Our final lesson was titled Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties.

Day 1 of Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties:  A Peek at the Promised Land

We arrived at the place where the children of Israel were almost ready to enter the Promised Land.  They sent spies into the land to see what the people were like, how big they were, and to scope out the land.  The people were large.  Some of the spies spread negative rumors about the land.  The people were afraid and decided that they should have died back in Egypt or while they were wondering in the wilderness.  Caleb, however, said they should go up and take possession of the land.  The children of Israel were a stubborn people.  They threatened to stone Joshua and Calebto death.  God wanted to smite the Israelites with pestilence but Moses actually changed God’s mind.  However, there would still be consequences.  This generation, except for Caleb, would not enter the promised land.  Not until this entire generation died in the wilderness would God send their descendants into the Promised Land.

Even Moses, due to an episode of disobedience, would not enter the Promised Land.  God had instructed Moses to speak to a rock, but instead he struck the rock with his staff.

I’ve read about Moses so many times during my 46 years of church attendance but never before have I connected with his character.  God loved Moses.  God brought Moses to a place where he could look over and out and see the Promised Land with his eyes, though he would never step onto the soil.  Then Moses passed away and God himself buried Moses’ body.  Of all the times I’ve read this passage, I’ve never mourned Moses’ death until now.

During our time of discussion in class, one lady raised a profound question.  Moses went to the rock as God commanded and the desired result was accomplished but Moses missed out on God’s full blessing due to the fact that he struck the rock instead of speaking to it.  Here is the question that was raised and one we should ask ourselves every day.

How many times have I behaved with only partial obedience, only to miss out on God’s full blessing?

Day 2 of Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties:  Home to Jerusalem 

The Israelites enter the Promised Land.  Beth shared a newspaper passage about the authenticity of the battle for Jericho.  The article appeared in a newspaper and was not part of the religion section.  The article is of great historical value: 

The walls of Jericho did come tumbling down as recounted in the Bible according to an archaeological study.  “When we compare the archaeological evidence at Jericho with the Biblical narrative describing the Israelite destruction of Jericho, we find remarkable agreement.” said archaeologist Bryand G. Wood of the University of Toronto . . . “Scholars by and large have written off the biblical record as so much folklore and religious rhetoric,”  Wood said.  However, he said extensive ceramic remnants and a carbon-14 sample . . . support the Biblical account.  “The correlation between the archaeological evidence and the biblical narrative is substantial.” he said.  As described in Joshua 6, Joshua’s army marched around the city for a week, blowing rams’ horns, and on the seventh day combined shouting with the piercing horns, “and the walls fell down flat.” (Newspaper Quote from A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place by Beth Moore)

Day 3 of Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties:  The True Tabernacle

Christ the Son of God, the complete embodiment of God’s Word, came to tabernacle among us.  He looked on humanity’s losing battle with sin and pitched His divine tent in the middle of the camp so that He could dwell among us.  We beheld his glory (John 1:14) ~ Beth Moore 

Day 4 of Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties:  The New Tabernacle

If we have received the gift of salvation, then the Holy Spirit dwells within us.  We are the temple.  God dwelt among the children of Israel, there just above the mercy seat, in the Tabernacle.  God still desires to dwell with His people.  This Easter, we remember the brutal death of Jesus on a cross, but he’s no longer there.  He is risen.  The price he paid on the cross was great, so great that every single person will, at some point in his or her life, receive an invitation to receive Him.  His Spirit dwells amongst us now within those who have received Him as Lord.

Day 5 of Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties:  The Intimacy of the Holy of Holies

God desires fellowship with His children.  Through Jesus, we can go to Him now, right into the Holy of Holies.  Back in the wilderness, during days of the Old Testament tabernacle, only the high priests who descended from Aaron could enter the Holy of Holies and those times were limited.  Today, if we have received Jesus, through Him we can go straight to the Holy of Holies, straight to the throne of God, to make our petitions known.  It came with a high price but oh what a gift!

Get your copy of  A Woman's Heart:  God's Dwelling Place here.

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Read all posts in this series here.

If you would like to know more about how to received Jesus as your Lord (how to be saved), read my post here which explains salvation, backed by scripture. 

God Wants to Use You (Faith Stories Series)

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Scripture Passages:  Hebrews 11:32, Judges 6 and 7

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

God Wants to Use You

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets. - Hebrews 11:32

1.  God expects our obedience.

Your own wickedness will correct you,
And your apostasies will reprove you;
Know therefore and see that it is evil and bitter
For you to forsake the Lord your God,
And the dread of Me is not in you,” declares the Lord God of hosts. - Jeremiah 2:19

 When we choose to sin, we choose to suffer.

In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. - Judges 17:6

2.  God honors our humility.

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble. - 1 Corinthians 1:26

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. - 1 Peter 5:5

3.  God works in our faith response.

A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.  Integrity is what you are in the dark.

The Heart of the Testimony (Beth Moore Bible Study)

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We just finished our 9th week of our Beth Moore Bible Study, A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place.  It has been quiet a journey.  I’ve never studied the Tabernacle in such depth.  In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever completed a Bible study on just the Tabernacle.  God was so specific about the construction of the Tabernacle.  Every single detail was important.  This week, we took a closer look at the Ark of the Testimony and it’s contents.

The Heart of the Testimony

Day 1 of The Heart of the Testimony:  The Mercy Seat

The mercy seat was made with pure gold.  The Mercy Seat was the place where God appeared in a cloud, just above the seat.  The Mercy Seat is the place where God met with man.  Jesus is our Mercy Seat.

Day 2 of The Heart of the Testimony:  The Gardener’s Shears

A gardener’s job is to prune the branches so that the plant will bear healthy fruit.

God is our Gardener who prunes us to be the persons He created us to be.  God uses two methods to prune us:  His Word and Circumstances (Trials)

We are the staff (referring to Aaron’s rod) our great High Priest left behind to testify to His authority and authenticity in the midst of a perverse generation.  People will know us by our fruit. – Beth Moore

 Day 3 of The Heart of the Testimony:  The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments are also known as The Tables of the Covenant.  God wrote the Ten Commandments with His finger.  Jesus came to fulfill the law. 

The manna, the budding staff, the Ten Commandments.  All three were preserved in the Ark – the coffin.  Only through the death of One to come would there be true bread on which to live, a great High Priest to intercede, and glorious liberty through the fulfillment of the law. – Beth Moore

Day 4 of The Heart of the Testimony:  Finished Work

The Tabernacle was complete.  The work was done.  After God inspected all the elements of the Tabernacle, he found that the Tabernacle had been built just as God commanded.  Moses blessed the children of Israel.

Day 5 of The Heart of the Testimony:  A Cross in the Desert

The Tabernacle was finished.  All the contents were properly put in place.  God then, commanded that the Tabernacle be anointed with oil.  The Dwelling Place was ready for God to meet with man. 

I recommend that you complete A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place by Beth Moore on your own or in a group.  It is an in depth study of the Tabernacle, it’s representation in Jesus, and life applications for today.  You can get your copy here.

Read all posts in this series here.

If you need the entire leader kit that includes the videos, you can get that here.

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I Can Learn to Pray by Holly Hawkins Shivers

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our latest BookLook book from Harper Collins is I Can Learn to Pray by Holly Hawkins Shivers.  Remember the prayers we learned as children, the ones we repeated over and over again?

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

I remember praying that prayer over and over again as a child.  My parents were devout Christians  who instilled Christian values in me as early as they could.  One of those values included prayer.  Although I always valued the little prayer I prayed with my mother and daddy as a child, I chose to teach my children to pray differently.  In keeping with tradition, I did allow my children to repeat prayers such as “Now I lay me down to sleep” after me a few times, but I felt it was important to teach my children to pray their own prayers, straight from their hearts, from the beginning.  I always loved hearing them pray their own prayers.  How much more our Lord must have enjoyed them!

I Can Learn to Pray

I Can Learn to Pray by Holly Hawkins Shivers is designed to help children learn to pray.  There are 52 devotions in the book so parents can read one per week with their kids.  In a forward by O.S. Hawkins, Holly’s dad, we learn that Holly has been praying since she was learning to talk.  Her dad recalls ” Holly’s own sweet petitions to God as she was learning to frame syllables into words and sentences.”

In her note to parents, Holly explains that, based on Luke 11:1, prayer is learned.

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1

The best description of the value of this book is also found in Holly’s note to parents, in her own words:

This fifty-two week parent-led study will teach children how to pray, how to listen, and what it means to draw near to God.  We will tackle subjects like the importance of a thankful heart, how to “praise,” why we must confess, and where to go for help.  We will talk about how to “be still,” we will look at the prayers Jesus prayed, and in the end, we will all be changed!” – Holly Hawkins Shivers

Each week begins with a simple one or two sentence that children can repeat in prayer.  Then, the next couple of pages are filled with Biblical principles and lessons on prayer.  A few examples are:

What is prayer?

Making Prayer a Habit

Prayer is a Gift to God

Giving Thanks to God

God Gives Grace

Those are just a few examples of what parents and children will learn together in I Can Learn to Pray.  There is a total of 52 lessons – one for each week of the year!

I believe I Can Learn to Pray is a valuable tool for teaching children how to pray authentic, heart-felt prayers to their God.  You can get your copy here.

Mother’s Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My children always loved Berenstain Bears books.  We owned several through the years and they were always well-loved over and over again.  Now, my in-home daycare children love them too.  I am so excited about my newest role as a Harper Collins Publishing BookLook Blogger.  Recently, I reviewed If He Had Not Come by Nan F. Weeks and 7 Days of Awesome by Shawn Byous.  A few days ago, I received Mother’s Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain.  My youngest daughter who is now 18 briefly reverted to her childhood when she saw the package arrive.  She was so excited to see a Berenstain Bears book and remember her childhood experiences with them.

Mother's Day Blessings

The story begins with with a brief explanation of the season.  It’s spring and Mother’s Day is drawing near.  Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear want to surprise their mother with a gift for Mother’s Day but they need Papa to help them think of something special.

They think of a special place to take Mama and Grizzly Gran after church on Sunday for a double Mother’s Day celebration.  On the way to church, the Bear family notices other mamas and children.  Mama Bear helps her children appreciate the fact that some mamas have to work on Mother’s Day, like mama doctors, mama farmers, mama police officers, and mama preacher’s wives.

I love that Mother’s Day Blessings teaches children to worship.  Within the pages of this story, children not only learn to appreciate mothers on Mother’s Day, but they learn the importance of going to church to worship.  The following passage is one of my favorite parts of this story:

Welcome!” began Preacher Brown.  “Special Mother’s Day blessings to all the mothers here and everywhere in Bear Country.  On this day we give thanks to God for all of you – and for what each of you has done for us – for feeding and caring for us, for guiding our feet in the paths of the Lord, and for raising us to be good, strong, and healthy.  As the Bible says, ‘Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches.”

At the end of the story, there is a page which lists questions and activities to go along with Mother’s Day Blessings.  Literacy based activities help children get more involved with the stories they read.  They remember more about the stories and they learn to love reading.

I have to say, as a mom and teacher who values faith-based books and activities, that this is one of my favorite Berenstain Bears books.  I am honored to review it and recommend it to you.

You can get your copy of Mother’s Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain here!

Rahab's Remarkable Faith (Faith Stories Series)

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Scripture Passage:  Hebrews 11:30-31, Joshua 2 and 6

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

Rahab's Remarkable Faith

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.  By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. - Hebrews 11:30-31

Rahab is found in the Hebrews "Hall of Faith."

Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. - 1 Corinthians 6:11

1.  God wants us to see the transforming power of faith.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

2.  God wants us to see that faith is a choice.

3.  God wants us to see His amazing grace and our need for it. 

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This weeks study in Beth Moore’s A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place is title Hearts Beyond the Veil.

Hearts Beyond the Veil

Day 1 of Hearts Beyond the Veil:  Radiant Intimacy

In today’s lesson, we studied God’s glory as it radiated from Moses’ face when he came down from Mount Sinai.  The glory which radiated from the face of Moses faded with time.  The longer the distance between the time Moses spent with God, the more God’s glory faded from Moses’ face.  If we have the Holy Spirit living within us, God’s glory never fades because the Holy Spirit never leaves us.

Day 2 of Hearts Beyond the Veil:  A Room with a View

In today’s lesson, Beth draws an analogy between the shape of the Holy of Holies and the four gospels of Christ.  The Holy of Holies was a square shaped room with four walls.  Beth’s analogy draws the comparison with each of the gospels representing a wall around the holiness of Christ Jesus.  According to Beth, Matthew’s theme (one wall) is Jesus as King.  Mark’s theme (2nd wall) is Jesus as servant.  Luke’s theme (3rd wall) is Jesus as man.  John’s theme (4th wall) is Jesus as God.  Also according to Beth, Matthew targeted Jews (religious people).  Mark targets Romans (average business people).  Luke targeted Greeks (philosophers).  John targeted all of the above.

Although I’ve never drawn the above conclusions, I find them very interesting.

Day 3 of Hearts Beyond the Veil:  The Ark of the Testimony

In today’s lesson, we learned more about the Ark of the Testimony.  The Ark of Testimony was placed behind the veil of the tabernacle, in the place known as the Holy of Holies.  Only the high priests could enter the Holy of Holies.  Today, if we have received Jesus as Lord, we can go straight to the throne of God, by the authority of the blood of Jesus.

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. – Hebrews 10:19-22

Day 4 of Hearts Beyond the Veil:  God on the Move

In today’s lesson, we were reminded that God was very specific about the construction of the Ark of the Testimony.  He was just as specific about the way it would be handled and carried.  If God’s specific instructions were not followed, the offender died.  David wanted to build a new dwelling place for the Ark because the king lived in a cedar house, but the Ark only dwelt in a tent.  God reminded David that the Ark’s construction and tent dwelling were His specific instructions.  The purpose for the tent dwelling was so that the Ark could be moved and God could move and dwell here with man.

Day 5 of Hearts Beyond the Veil:  The Meeting Place

In today’s lesson, we focused more on the cherubim position on opposite ends of the mercy seat of the Ark of the Testimony.  Then, we compared that holy structure with the tomb of Jesus.  According to John 20:10-13, two angels guarded the body of Jesus.  One stood at the head and one stood at the feet where the body of Jesus had been lying.  In my opinion, this comparison draws a divine link between the Ark of Testimony and the tomb of Jesus.

I can’t say enough positive things about this Bible study.  Please consider completing the entire study A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place by Beth Moore.  You won’t regret it.  I promise.

Read all posts in this series here.

You can get your copy here.   The leadership kit that contains the videos is found here.

This item is available here.

 

Widsdom (Bible Study on the Book of James)

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Wisdom

This past Sunday, our pastor continued his series on the Book of James.  The scripture passage was taken from James 3:13-18.

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:13-18

You know you have wisdom by your deeds, disposition, and meekness.

 Our need for wisdom is great.  (James 3:13)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. – Proverbs 4:5-7 

The wisdom of the world is not great. It’s disastrous.  (James 3:14-16)

*Treacherous Twins (James 3:14):  Bitter envy and self-seeking.  They live in your heart.

*Unholy Three (James 3:15):  earthly, sensual, demonic

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. – 1 Corinthians 2:14

*Complete Confusion (James 3:16)

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. – Proverbs 29:18

The wisdom of God is His Greatness:  visibly working in us. (James 3:17-18)

When we are internally clean, we externally honor God.

*Pure and Peaceable (James 3:17)

*Gentle and Willingness to Yield (James 3:17)

*Mercy and Good Fruits (James 3:17)

*No partiality.  No Hypocrisy (James 3:17)

More Scripture verses:

Proverbs 2:6

Proverbs 11:2

But to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:24

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

 
   

Just Trust God (Faith Stories Series)

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 Scripture Passage:  Hebrews 11:29, Exodus 13 and 14

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

Just Trust God

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. - Hebrews 11:29

When you are trusting God: 

 

1.  Follow God's leading.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. - Psalm 23:1

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. - John 14:26

God led the people through the Red Sea.  it was part of His plan.

2.  Obey God's Voice.

God's will is perfect.

God's will always has God's power, provision, and timing.  God requires obedience and faith. Obedience and faith always honors God.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2

 3.  Believe God's promises!

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. - 1 Chronicles 16:11

Words: What We Say Either Builds Others Up or Tears Them Down

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This post is based on my pastor’s sermon on the scripture passage of James 3:1-12.

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.  Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. – James 3:1-12

Words:  What We Say Either Builds Others Up or Tears Others Down

What we say comes from our hearts.

My words direct my life.  (v. 1-4)

If we want to change our life’s direction, we need to change the way we speak.  If we speak negatively, we will be negative.  If we speak positively, we will be positive.

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. – Proverbs 10:19

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. – Colossians 3:17

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Social Media:  Before posting anything on social media, we should stop and think.  Be sure to post things that represent Jesus.

We shape our words but then our words shape us.

My words can be destructive. (v. 5-8)

Our words bring life, but our words can also be destructive.  The great Chicago fire was started by a milk cow which kicked over a bucket sitting next to a lantern.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. – Proverbs 18:21

Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving, The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. – Romans 3:13-14

My words display my heart. (v. 9-12)

The problem with our tongues begins in our hearts.

Whatever is in my heart will be revealed in my words.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29

Jesus gives us new hearts.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10 

 You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

    

Image Credit:  oo110 - CCO Public Domain Image - via Pixabay

This week in our Beth Moore Bible Study, we discussed the topic The Heart That Intercedes.  As a believer in Jesus, I’ve always known that He intercedes for us, but I never really thought about the truth that He lives to do so.

The Heart That Intercedes

Day 1 of The Heart That Intercedes:  We discussed the holy calling of the priesthood.  In Numbers chapter 8 and in Leviticus chapters 10, 21, and 22, we learn that God is extremely specific about the qualifications of the priesthood.  He was specific about the qualifications so that He will be sanctified among the sons of Israel.  If God’s instructions were not followed, the offender died.

"God never called us to naivete.  He called us to integrity . . . The biblical concept of integrity emphasized mature innocence, not childlike ignorance . . . Sanctification is not about long hair and abstinence.  It is about purity – purity maintained in the midst of an impure world . . . Maintaining purity in ministry is the result of nothing less than deliberate devotion.  For those really fulfilling their calling of evangelism and ministry, purity is neither easy nor accidental.  We must guard our minds and put on our armor.  A war rages out there.  And we are Satan’s favorite prisoners." – Beth Moore

Day 2 of The Heart That Intercedes:  This day’s topic was titled A Peculiar Priest.  On this day, we studied the duties of the priests.  Their job consisted of ministering in the sanctuary, teaching in the temple, offered intercession at the altar of incense, offered sacrifices for the people, and blessed the people.

Day 3 of The Heart That Intercedes:  This day’s topic was titled The Open Door.  We learned about why it was necessary for Christ to become flesh and fulfill His role as our Intercessor (High Priest).  Christ became flesh so that He would be merciful and faithful and to make propitiation for the sins of people – so He could help those who are tempted.

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. – Hebrews 2:17-18 

Day 4 of The Heart That Intercedes:  This day’s topic was titled The Right Hand of God.  Today’s lesson dove deeper into the heart of Jesus, our Intercessor.  We learned that Jesus heals us from the ravages of sin by His scourging.  He predestined us to the conformation of his image.  He is always with us.  He blesses us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. – Ephesians 1:3 

Day 5 of The Heart That Intercedes:  This day’s lesson was titled Heaven, the Blessed Adoption Agency.  This lesson was precious because we read that we are his royal priesthood.  God made us for His own possession.  We are His adopted children.  We can personally call him “Father.”

You are not illegitimate, my beloved sister.  You have been planned and purposed.  Your Father has acknowledged you as His child.  – Beth Moore

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  – Matthew 19:14

This item is available here.

I highly encourage you to complete the entire Bible study, A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place by Beth Moore.  You can get your copy here!

Read all posts in this series here.

If you need the leadership kit, you can get that here.

This item is available here.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

*Note:  The watermark on all the photos in this post refers to my previous blog which was named Mom is Forever.  All my former blog contents have been moved to this blog, Abundant Family Living.

Flower Craft for Spring

Select a Flower Pot

Painted flower pots are pretty. They are great for gift giving and they make great indoor or outdoor decorations. First, choose the right flower pot. Where will the pot go? Inside? Which room? On a table or on the floor? Will you need a large pot? A small one? Will you need a clay pot or a plastic one? Decide where it will go and then pick just the right pot. If you are painting a flower pot to give as a gift, it won’t matter. The person receiving it will love it and will find the perfect place for it.

My little daycare children painted small clay flower pots to give as gifts to their mothers for Mother’s Day. We used coffee filters to create pretty spring colored flowers. Here is what we did and you can do it too.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Paint Your Pot

This project can be messy so make sure you (or in my case, the kids) wear old clothes. I allowed my preschoolers to paint their flower pots independently. I wanted it to be their work, not mine. If your kids have the skills, they can paint pretty pictures on their pots. They might paint flowers, butterflies, lady bugs, cars, trucks, tractors, grass, bugs, etc. Let them use their imaginations. If they don’t have the skills to paint pictures or emblems, it doesn’t matter. Let them free paint. My preschoolers chose to use solid colors. My only guideline was that they paint the whole pot. I wanted them to cover it up. Mostly, I wanted it to be their work. As a mother myself, I knew their mothers would appreciate it more if they did all the work.

The following pictures show you examples of their work.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Coffee Filter Flowers

While your flower pots are drying, you can work on the coffee filter flowers. This can be done a couple of different ways.

Allow the kids to color the coffee filters with regular markers. Then, let them spray on water with a spray bottle. The colors will bleed together. It is fun to watch and it looks pretty when it’s done. Too much water will make the colors run together too much, resulting in a black or brown coffee filter flower. Spay on just enough to make the colors bleed a little bit.

*Don’t use permanent Sharpie markers for this. The colors won’t run together. We tried it once before and learned the hard way.

Let the kids paint the coffee filters with watercolor paints. The colors bleed while they paint. Then, just let it dry. This is what we did.

We painted 6 coffee filters for each flower pot.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 Assemble the Flower Pots

While you are waiting on the coffee filter flowers to dry, you can assemble the flower pots. I purchased green Styrofoam balls from my local Michael’s store which were a perfect fit for our flower pots. I just stuck the Styrofoam balls into the pots and pressed down a little bit to make them a tight fit.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Secure the Flowers

We used wire wood picks to secure the coffee filter flowers into our pots. They have wire ties attached. I tied the coffee filters onto the stems with the wire. Another option is to use green pipe cleaners. You can twist one end of the pipe cleaner to secure the flower and then stick the other end into the Styrofoam ball. One more idea is to use real sticks. If you use sticks, you can secure the flowers to the stick using rubber bands or twistie ties. You can leave the sticks natural or let the kids paint them green.

The next photo demonstrates how I secured our coffee filter flowers. I grabbed the center of the coffee filter and folded it as shown. I placed the center at the wire end of the wooden stem and then twisted the wire around to secure the flower.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

"Plant" Your Flowers

Now, you are ready to “plant” your flowers. Just stick the stems into the Styrofoam balls. Press them down in there. I had to sort of hammer some of ours so that all the flowers were even around the pot.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Finish Your Project

After we got all our stems secured into our Styrofoam balls, we fluffed all our flowers. Here is our finished product. The only thing I added after the following photo are the words “Happy Mother’s Day 2015” on each pot. You can paint on a sentiment but I was short on time so I just wrote it on with a permanent Sharpie marker. Of course, you don’t have to write anything at all or you can write something else entirely depending on the purpose of the gift such as “Happy Birthday” or “Just Because.”

My daughter made one of these for me years ago and I still have it. As long as it is kept out of the sunlight, it shouldn’t fade. It will be a pretty keepsake for years to come.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

You might also like this cute coffee filter flower wall hanging craft.

Coffee Filter Wall Hanging Flower Craft