Christmas Gathering!

Thursday, Dec. 14   Christmas Gathering at Trish's house 11:30. 

Bring a salad or sandwich, drinks and dessert provided. 

Chinese Gift Exchange -  dish towel limit $10.00

Why go to Church? Part One

Just going to church doesn't make us a Christian. We're saved by grace through faith because of Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection. So, a believer will not lose his or her salvation if they don't go to church.

However scriptures teach us that the Christian life should be lived within the family of God and not in isolation. Ephesians 3: 4-15 Acts 2: 42-47. Hebrews 10: 24-25 and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another...  When you become a Christian, you were called into a relationship with God 1 Corinthians: 1-9, but, 1 John:1-3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with other Christians.

Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread and Paul preached to them. For Christians in every location regular Gathering was a part of life.

Unity of the body of Christ- now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it 1 Corinthians 12:27. It's not logical to say that you are just a part of the worldwide church yet refused to gather with the part of that church that exists in your area. Dr. John Bechtle says, "it would be like claiming you have a car, when the right fender is in Phoenix, the engine is in Tucson, and the wheels are in Paradise Valley! You don't have a car; you have the beginning of the inventory for a junkyard. It just won't function until all the pieces are put together." There are many irreplaceable pieces of a Christian that cannot exist when she/he lives in isolation from the church.

Accountability- God designed the church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for our welfare. 1 Peter 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:17. A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions; regular contact with other Christians can keep us Sharp.

Use of spiritual gifts- 1 Corinthians 12 makes it clear that God has given spiritual gifts to every Christian. Verse seven states that these abilities are not provided just to make us feel good they are abilities to minister that should be used for the common good. 1 Peter 4:10 commands us to use the spiritual gifts to help each other. We will discover a sense of accomplishment and contentedness when we begin to carry out our purpose in the body of Christ. We are the ones who miss out on all the blessings of God and the gifts of our "family members" if we choose not to be a part of Christ's body. We meet with other Christians so they can use their gifts to strengthen us. God's Gift of a minister is wasted if no one comes to hear them speak.

Mutual Ministry- God intends each of us to meet the needs of other believers, using our strengths to help and their areas of weakness. Dr. John Bechtle relates, that
"The New Testament is full of 'one another' commands. We are to comfort one another (1Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (1Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins to one another snd pray for one another (James 5:16) and many more. How can we obey these directives if we stay away from the Gathering of believers?"

Developing the character of Christ- Ephesians 4:2 be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. How else will we grow spiritually unless we interact with other believers? We learn humility, patience, and gentleness as we interact with one another in the body of Christ.

Spiritual Protection- 1 Peter 5: 1-4
Our leaders in the body of Christ keep watch over us for our own protection and blessing. There will be difficult moments as part of a church family but there are also blessings that we will never experience unless we become connected to the body of Christ.

Praying For Strangers

Do you ever find yourself praying for random people you see in a store? Today I saw this adorable little girl just laughing and giggling with her mom it gave me the biggest smile, so I said a prayer: God bless that little girl and her Momma.. 

I also saw a lady who was a dwarf with a very severe limp and I watched her as she struggled to push the cart full of her purchases and thought she's struggling with something that I take for granted so I said a prayer for her asking God to find blessings for her and more ways for her to find him in her life. 

I feel God smiling at me and I feel his warm embrace when I pray for a random stranger. I feel his Delight and the connectedness that we feel as members of the human race.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.

1 Timothy 2:1

Herefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16

God's Hand In Nature

Did you think I deserted the blog? I am happy to announce that I have been pain free this past week! I am now a fan of dry needling, and am grateful to my orthopedic surgeon for diagnosing my back and thigh pain. I can now sit at the computer for short periods of time, so here I am.

The most beautiful things in life truly are free: a child's laughter, the blaze of color in a sunset, the love of family and friends. God has supplied us with so many amazing things!

 As I was walking this morning I concentrated on nature as I usually do on walks. However this time something was different, a bit sweeter. I haven't been able to walk for several weeks and I guess I missed it. I found myself so full of joy at being able to walk and play with the dogs. Joy at the beautiful blue sky. Blue is my favorite color and I often point out the specific shade of medium blue in portions of the sky to God, because that is my all time most favorite shade of blue. This morning, I saw a couple of blue birds too, which I don't see too often. I took in deep breaths of the clean country air, thoroughly enjoying the smell. I wondered at all the flowers my husband has planted in the yard and around the front pasture. I praised God for the lush green grass that we're able to enjoy, the birds singing, the dogs and the neighbor's horses playing the fields across the road. Nature is truly a marvelous blessing. No offense to city dwellers, but I'm so glad that I live in the country, for me, it is perfect. The wonderful clean taste of well water after our walk just added to my joy for all that God has created in nature. You know, he really is the consummate artist. I can not fathom how anyone can spend time on our planet, and think this was all created in any way other than by intelligent design. I see God's hand everywhere in nature.

 My prayer is for you to take some time this week to "smell the roses" and enjoy God's magnificent creation. When I came back inside from my walk, I looked for scripture relating to nature to share with you all.

 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95: 4-5 

 Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? Job 37: 14-16 

 The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number - living things both large and small. Psalm 104:24-25 

 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my chosen. Isaiah 43:20

Answering Prayers

Answering prayers is something all Christians spend time pondering. It's something we need to understand and be able to explain to those who are struggling in some way. Luke 11:9 says, "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." If you look carefully at this scripture, Jesus said seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. He did not say that God will give you everything you ask for exactly as you asked and when you want it. God loves us and he is not going to give us something that He knows is not going to be good for us. He also may have something better in mind. 

Charles Stanley offers an example of a woman praying for a husband and family. Perhaps God has found someone special for her, but he is 500 miles away. Time is needed to meet someone who is that distance away. Perhaps she or the young man need a little time to grow or change in some way so that the relationship will work out best. 

Prayer should be motivated by a desire to fellowship with the Lord and not simply because we want something from Him. As our relationship with god grows stronger through conversing with Him we can face hardship or difficulty. Prayer is our way having fellowship with God. When we are quiet and praying/talking to Him, he lays His thoughts on our hearts. 

We must learn to persevere in our prayers. God is working on us or the circumstances. The more we get to know Him, the fewer things we will ask for. The more tHe will give us. He just wants us to

fellowship with Him.  

In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul did not ask the church to pray that he be released from prison, but that he would continue to speak fearlessly for Christ in spite of his imprisonment.

I can NOT emphasize how much these to sermons impacted me. Dr. Stanley puts his biblical teaching into such a practical way. I really found great answers to the question, "why doesn't God seem to answer all prayers. He DOES and Dr. Stanley does a great job of illustrating the answer.

https://www.intouch.org/listen/featured/the-key-to-answered-prayer-part-1

https://www.intouch.org/listen/featured/the-key-to-answered-prayer-part-2

Christians Living in Persecution

Watchman Nee is a name I have seen in Christian literature for many years. After reading several of his quotes, I decided it was time I learned more about him. After all, everything I've read that was attributed to him, is amazingly accurate and insightful. I knew he was a church leader and Christian teacher who worked in China during the 20th century. I learned that during his lifetime he published many books and established churches throughout China and held many conferences to train Bible students and church workers. Following the Communist Revolution, Nee was persecuted and imprisoned for his faith. He spent the last twenty years of his life in prison - until his death in 1972.

When I read of the "Religious Affairs Bureau," I was curious about the title of such a government agency in a Communist country, and did a bit of research on it. This agency was charged with keeping religion under state control. After the rise of the Chinese Communist Party in 1949 Christians came under great persecution. There were intensive propaganda campaigns with threats of prison where Christians were influenced to accuse one another. In 1956, there was a nationwide effort to target church members. Some died in labor camps, and others faced long prison sentences. The Religious Affairs Bureau began twelve days of accusation meetings at a church Ne was sentenced to prison on several false claims, and his co-workers were arrested and forced to denounce Nee. Many mass accusation meetings were held across the country to condemn the "anti-revolutionary sect of Watchman Nee."

The lengths that Communist China underwent to quash Christianity is profoundly sad and frightening. It sure makes one appreciate living in the United States where we are allowed to practice freedom of religion doesn't it?

One of the Best Sermons!

This is without a doubt one of the best sermons I've heard. It offers practical help in an area in which we all need guidance. Charles Stanley offers such practical help in his sermons. He tells us not just WHAT to do, but offers practical instruction on HOW to do it.

These are the notes I took while watching this video. Perhaps they will be of some help.

There is awesome power in forgiveness. It is God's solution for bitterness, resentment, and hostility. You and I need the freedom found only through sincerely and completely forgiving others.

Forgiveness is giving up resentment against someone and our right to get even no matter what has been done to us. It is the surrendering of my right to hurt you back.

Freedom from the enslavement of anger and all the feelings that go with it: hostility, bitterness and resentment.

You can't just say you forgive, you have to experience it. If you try to justify someone's wrong to you, you are not forgiving them.

Matthew 6:12-15

Living in the willful sin is a condition in which God will not answer our prayer. If he did, he would be condoning sin. which is out of his character. Perhaps one reason people are not blessed is because of unforgiveness.

Unforgiveness is detrimental to our souls. It interferes with your fellowship with God. Not your relationship with him because once saved you are saved.

Matthew 18:21 Jesus instructs us to forgive 70 times 7. If you don't forgive others, the father won't forgive you.

There is no justifiable reason for not forgiving others.

Ephesians 4:30-32 1 John 1:9

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Be kind to one another, forgive.

Don't let anger become deep down hostility inside you. Forgiveness is the most unselfish act we can perform. God will enable us to forgive.

Unforgiveness is a chain around your heart.

To deal with anger:

• acknowledge you have experienced God's forgiveness
• confess your anger and hostility
• lay down your anger and bitterness
• ask God to forgive you

By an act of my will, I choose by the power of the Holy Spirit, to lay down this anger.

When you have held an attitude of resentment towards someone who hurt you, ask for their forgiveness by saying, "My attitude towards you has not been right."

If you have forgiven you will thank God for allowing this to happen Ask God to teach you about His grace. Remind yourself, God's grace has surrounded me all these years.

When you have forgiveness:

1. you will not feel the same way the next time you see them
2. your harsh feelings are replaced with compassion
3. you can accept them the way they are
4. you will consider why they did that

A Constant Attitude of Prayer

The following is an excerpt from Sue Edwards' book, Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ. This attitude of including God in all aspects of our lives is what He wants. He wants to spend time with us and have us share our lives with him. He longs for this type of relationship with us, and when we do we experience profound Joy. When we develop this relationship with God, we learn to listen to him speaking to our hearts. The Holy Spirit gives us more guidance the more we include Him in our lives. We learn to listen to Him as we talk to Him about our daily activities and thoughts. In this intimate relationship we find a type of 'best friend' that goes far beyond our earthly best friends.

God asks us to live in a constant attitude of prayer. We include God in the inner conversations of our hearts and minds all day long. We include God as we carry out our daily routines, and we ring God into all our relationships.

Instructions for Living

These verses from 2 Thessalonians really stuck with me this past week. AS is often the case, once I read these instructions for living, they popped up again in my devotional and on Christian radio.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from very believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, or did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.  2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

So, in a nutshell, these are directions given to the Thessalonian:

• Do not be idle, earn the food you eat. “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
• Be busy, but don't be busybodies
• Do not associate with anyone who doesn't obey these instructions
• Don't regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

These instructions still apply to us. Living in the world is hard. We are bombarded daily with truths of the secular world. TV, radio, print media all add to the saturation of ideas that the world claims are "okay." We must be constantly aware of these lies that delight Satan. Reading the Bible, praying and having Godly friends are daily necessities for us as we navigate through this troubling world. From the book of Ephesians we learn the marvelous hope that God gives us. He will triumph in the end, this life is temporary and don't worry about world leaders. He's got it covered, God has our back.

The part about not hanging around people who don't obey these instructions may be, at times, difficult, but for the most part, the people who are our friends, who we choose to socialize are believers who try to live in the Word. However, we do see others in the store, at work and elsewhere in our daily lives. That's a good thing because it gives us the opportunity to be one of Christ's shinning lights, to be an example.

Now the part about warning them has me wondering. That could be tricky to balance with the whole not judging others thing. Maybe it can be a subtle thing with those closest to us? The politically correct movement has definitely hampered discussions. It's something worth pondering. The path Christians are instructed to follow really is very straight and narrow isn't it?

Our dear Sister in Christ, Page shared this with us this week:
"We can't make people respond to the Gospel, 
but we can invite them to hear it, 
serve them so they can see it, 
and pray for them to receive it."
Taken from a NewSpring devotional titled: Dear God, Save People In This Place

Humble and KInd

This is such a wonderful song, the melody is lovely, and the lyrics are awesome! This is a song that SHOULD get "stuck in our heads!"

Written by Lori Mckenna  Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group

You know there's a lot that goes by the front door

Don't forget the keys under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be a waste of time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer, a popsickle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind.

Idols and Bad Habits

Do you have difficulty overcoming some idol that competes with the time you spend with God? Or perhaps you are struggling to overcome procrastination, irresponsibility, bitterness, worry, jealousy etc. Just this week I have seen this topic come up on a blog and in one of Charles Stanley's sermons. Both people had the same basic answer for dealing with sins in your life and it is astonishingly simple. Look for Scriptures dealing with the sin you are struggling with. One source suggested writing the Scriptures down on index cards and go over them 2-3 times a day. Rev. Stanley suggests praying with the scriptures you find.

Here are the scriptures that I'm going to use in my quest for eating healthy and losing weight. 

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. Romans 8:5

It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age. Titus 2:1

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16

Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice–alive, holy, and pleasing to God–which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having a promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4

Taking a Stand, or Causing Division?

Have you had about enough of politics for quite a while? Me too. Even though the election is over,
repercussions from our voting reverberate throughout America. There are always people who are unhappy, no matter what choices voters make. Lately our society is so divsive, angry and just plain mean. So much of what I hear on the news reminds me of the playground antics of the elementary school children I taught. Apparently, many adults never learned the lessons of proper behavior when disagreements arise.

I just read the best article on Crosswalks.  In it Veronica Nef points out that “There’s a Difference Between Taking a Stand and ‘Causing Division’. She sure hit the nail on the head with that statement didn't she?

 I urge you to read this well written and thoughly thought provoking article:
http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/christian-trends/why-your-christian-faith-is-more-powerful-than-politics.html?utm_content=buffere95bc&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_source=cwpg&utm_campaign=cwupdate

The Mind of Christ and Guidance of the Holy Spirit

I find that lately I need a refresher, a reminder of the work the Holy Spirit does within me and that I have the mind of Christ. I found what I needed in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

In verse 16, Paul makes a statement concerning all believers: “We have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess. What a comfort it is to know that God is sharing part of himself with me, that his indwelling allows me this look into his mind.

Verses 10-12, tell us that the mind of Christ is given to all believers through the Holy Spirit. “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” Having the mind of Christ means we understand God’s plan in the world. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose and that we share Jesus’ perspective of humility and obedience compassion, and prayerful dependence on God. This is what we are to go about doing in our daily lives. We do it not to be saved or to earn better esteem from God, we do it because we have the mind of Christ, because of our great love for Him.

Verses 5-6 tell us that our faith must not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. That gives me great relief, because I sure don’t want to rely on my measly wisdom!

Verses 14-15 tell us that the mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit and that it gives believers discernment in spiritual matters. Even in the midst of troubles I have this discernment, I just need to remember to call upon it, to ask for guidance and be patient with God as he works to give me answers.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

As believers we have a responsibility to follow to the Spirit’s leading and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew our minds. So having the mind of Christ is not a once and down type of thing. He doesn’t just pour it on us the moment we accept Christ. We continually develop the mind of Christ, and work to gain more understanding and wisdom.

When I need refreshing, a reminder, of the Holy Spirit’s work within me, I will remind myself that the Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens believers, infusing them with wisdom—the mind of Christ.

“Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ."

Biblical Optimism

Everyone likes to be around optimistic people. Several studies have shown that optimistic people are more healthy too. According to Harvard Health, "Optimism helps people cope with disease and recover from surgery. Even more impressive is the impact of a positive outlook on overall health and longevity."  Scripture reinforces optimisim, being optimistic is part of the faith and trust we have in God.  On the contrary, negative attitudes are contagious, and they spread like wildfire. Negativity it's just one of the many things that keep us from the straight and narrow path.

Biblical Optimism is the result of faith in the character of God. The Bible class this "hope."

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

When we hope in God, we put our trust in his plan above what our life circumstances tell us. What ever happens in our life, we know that God cares and he will wipe away our tears when we are with him forever. 

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:4.

This blind faith, or confidence in God's promises should give us an optimistic attitude. If we have Biblical Optimism, we don't place so much emphasis on earthly events and material possessions. This optimism enables us to accept difficult circumstances because:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

This spiritual hope looks beyond what we can understand, to trust God's view of life from His perspective even when our limited capabilities won't allow us to understand it. God designed us with hope.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Psalm 43:5

Biblical Optimism is a choice when we choose to trust God for everything and know that he will take care of us in the way He knows best.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

 

I choose to be optimistic, I pray to be filled with Biblical Optimism each day.

Finding Hope

"For many in our nation, this season of change brings much hope.
For many others, it brings fear and uncertainty.
Wherever you may be on that spectrum, we can be reminded of this from God’s word: He calls us to pray for our leaders. He reminds us that He alone has the power to change the heart of a leader, to guide them in His ways. He reminds us to honor all those in authority. He reminds us that He is our true stability. His encouragement continues through all generations - No matter who is President, Christ is still King. Always and forever, He reigns supreme. " 
http://www.crosswalk.com/sponsored-content/liberty-university/a-prayer-for-those-who-lead-our-nation-12-verses-for-inauguration-day.html?utm_content=buffer91bdd&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_source=cwpg&utm_campaign=cwupdate

It's Pretty on the Inside That Counts

Our society is totally obsessed with being physically beautiful! Our society places a high degree of importance on physical appearance, and it is apparent on television, movies, magazines and billboards as they all display attractive people. Men and women rush to plastic surgeons to have a myriad of procedures done simply to enhance their appearance. Sadly, so many women are caught up in our society’s obsession with physical beauty.

Should beauty really be that important for a woman? Is physical beauty something that a Christian woman should strive for? Jesus taught us that there is more to beauty than what meets the eye.. As we age and our physical appearance deteriorates, we tend to worry about it. Satan is very happy about this. He is surely involved in and revels in the importance our society places on physical beauty, because it is not Godly.

There are several passages of scripture that address inner and outer beauty. Here are a couple that point us in the right direction:
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.” 1 Peter 3:3–5

“Adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” 1 Timothy 2: 9–10

The world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. Do you put more time and effort into being pretty on the outside or the inside?

Taking Control of Your Thoughts

Yesterday I listened to the best sermon by Charles Stanley called "Taking Control of Your Thoughts." It fits so well with our current study, I just had to share it with you. https://www.intouch.org/watch/taking-control-of-your-thoughts-video