Daughters of the KING

Do You Belong to God?

2009-06-25T09:14:00.004-05:00

Our heavenly Father loves us so much He calls us His "children". Image being God's child. What a privilege! What an honor. People who don't really "know" the heavenly Father don't understand this concept or relationship. It is hard for those of use who are His children to even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns, but the Scripture teach that "we will be like Him". Can you imagine?

If we believe God's Word is truth and believe that we are God's children, we will keep ourselves pure, just as Christ is pure, because He has chosen us to be His children. To live pure lives we should live in Him and not sin. If we continue to sin we are opposed to the law of God so how can we really be His child?

Verses 7-10 tell us when people do what is right, it is because they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows they belong to the Devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil. Those who have been born into God's family DO NOT SIN, because they have been BORN OF GOD. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the Devil. Anyone who does not obey God's commands and does not love other Christians does not belong to God.

The question for myself and you is are you living as a child of God or as though you belong to the Devil? Remember how your heavenly Father loves you and chose to live for Him who died for you.

Unfeigned Faith

2008-11-05T21:59:00.003-06:00

Tonight at our Prayer Meeting, Pastor gave a message from 2 Timothy Chapter one:

"Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience,

just as my ancestors did.

Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted.

And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your

grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.

And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you

when I laid my hands on you.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,

but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.

And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him.

With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me

for the sake of the Good News. "

We were encouraged to exercise the gift of

FAITH - GENUINE FAITH - UNFEIGHNED FAITH

The gift of faith God has given us does not cause us to have fear,

but to have the Spirit of

POWER- LOVE - SELF-DISCIPLE.

I was encouraged to not give up or to be down-hearted over any situation in life, but to exercise the gift of FAITH God has given. Know that He will strengthen and carry me through any circumstances I face. I am not facing them alone and neither are you. God is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.

So many are struggling with cancer, diseases, heart problems, strokes, loss of jobs, death of a loved one, expenses exceeding income, divorce, overwhelmed with conditions in our country and the world, war, storms... It is so easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed. BUT GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR! BUT OF POWER, LOVE, AND SELF DISCIPLINE. Join me in exercising the gift of FAITH God has given each one who is His child.

Please continue to read the following devotional I received today in my email box:

Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Source: Streams in the DesertScripture

Reference: Genesis 18:14

Nothing is Too Hard

"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).
Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.

That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.

The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch

Watch & Pray

2008-10-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

Counter-Cultural Woman

Proverbs 31

In the New Testament, we often find watching and praying linked together. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, so that you don’t fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38). It’s a protection for you to watch and pray over the ways of your household, but it’s also a wonderful means that you provide a protection for your husband.

Your husbands, if they are in almost any work environment that you can think of, are being faced with temptations and with pressures. The enemy, Satan himself, is working to pull them down, especially if your husband is a believer and wanting to walk with God. There are lots and lots and lots of opportunities for him to fail spiritually, morally, and in other ways.
What a blessing it is for a man to know that back home there’s a wife who’s watching and praying on his behalf, and praying that as he goes out into that world, God will protect him and God will keep his heart pure.

Ladies, if you’re not going to pray that for your husband, who do you think is going to pray that for him? Who’s going to watch and pray for his soul? You can protect him in that way, and you protect your children as you watch and pray. Ask the Lord to show you things that you need to be alert to, in their lives.

YOU HAVE THE POWER

2008-10-25T09:28:00.002-05:00

I've been doing the 'True Woman Make-Over" and found the following quote that was an encouragement to me in how to handle situations when we are with others who speak slander/gossip or harsh words about someone else. Or if we find ourselves in a situation where we have used our own tongue as a weapon instead of an instrument of peace. Our tongues are often used as instrument that hurt instead of edification. We need to learn to always speak words of kindness and words of encouragement. Not just to those in our church and friends, but also in our homes, or especially in our homes.

Read Proverbs 31:26 and make it a tool to help you become a better daughter of the King.

"When she speaks,
her words are wise,
and she gives instructions
with kindness."

Here is the quote:

I quoted several sessions ago a passage about Sarah Edwards, who was the mother of eleven and the wife of Jonathan Edwards-who was a leader in the First Great Awakening. This writer says that, "Sarah made it her rule to speak well of all so far as she could, with truth and justice to herself and others. She was not prone to dwell with delight on the imperfections and failings of any, and when she heard other people speaking ill of others, she would say what she thought she could with truth and justice in their excuse or divert the slander by mentioning those things that were commendable in them."In other words, if she heard somebody saying something unkind about someone else, she would try and change the conversation or divert the conversation or to say something encouraging about that person."Thus, she was careful of everyone's character, even of those who injured and spoke evil of her. She could bear injuries and reproach with great calmness, without any disposition to render evil for evil, but on the contrary, she was ready to pity and forgive those who appeared to be her enemies."

What a commitment-to speak well of all! That's what the Scripture says we should do. In fact, Proverbs tells us that if you are the kind of woman who is contentious and critical with your tongue, that you will drive your family to the place where they would rather live on the roof or in an attic or out in a desert by themselves than to live in the same house with you.

If you would like to listen to or read the entire message log onto www.reviveourhearts.com and find March 9th, 2007 message from Nancy Leigh DeMosses series on the Counter-Cultural Woman.

True Woman Manifesto

2008-10-21T11:28:00.003-05:00

True Woman Manifesto
A personal and corporate declaration of belief, consecration, and prayerful intent—to the end that Christ may be exalted and the glory and redeeming love of God may be displayed throughout the whole earth

We believe that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and the Creator of life, and that all created things exist for His pleasure and to bring Him glory.

We believe that the creation of humanity as male and female was a purposeful and magnificent part of God’s wise plan, and that men and women were designed to reflect the image of God in complementary and distinct ways.

We believe that sin has separated every human being from God and made us incapable of reflecting His image as we were created to do. Our only hope for restoration and salvation is found in repenting of our sin and trusting in Christ who lived a sinless life, died in our place, and was raised from the dead.

We realize that we live in a culture that does not recognize God’s right to rule, does not accept Scripture as the pattern for life, and is experiencing the consequences of abandoning God’s design for men and women.

We believe that Christ is redeeming this sinful world and making all things new, and that His followers are called to share in His redemptive purposes as they seek, by God’s empowerment, to transform every aspect of human life that has been marred and ruined by sin.

As Christian women, we desire to honor God by living counter-cultural lives that reflect the beauty of Christ and His gospel to our world.

To that end, we affirm that. . .
Scripture is God’s authoritative means of instructing us in His ways and it reveals His holy pattern for our womanhood, our character, our priorities, and our various roles, responsibilities, and relationships.

We glorify God and experience His blessing when we accept and joyfully embrace His created design, function, and order for our lives.

As redeemed sinners, we cannot live out the beauty of biblical womanhood apart from the sanctifying work of the gospel and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Men and women are both created in the image of God and are equal in value and dignity, but they have distinct roles and functions in the home and in the church.

We are called as women to affirm and encourage men as they seek to express godly masculinity, and to honor and support God-ordained male leadership in the home and in the church.

Marriage, as created by God, is a sacred, binding, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman.

When we respond humbly to male leadership in our homes and churches, we demonstrate a noble submission to authority that reflects Christ’s submission to God His Father.

Selfish insistence on personal rights is contrary to the spirit of Christ who humbled Himself, took on the form of a servant, and laid down His life for us.

Human life is precious to God and is to be valued and protected, from the point of conception until rightful death.

Children are a blessing from God, and women are uniquely designed to be bearers and nurturers of life, whether it be their own biological or adopted children, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, or other children in their sphere of influence.

God’s plan for gender is wider than marriage; all women, whether married or single, are to model femininity in their various relationships, by exhibiting a distinctive modesty, responsiveness, and gentleness of spirit.

Suffering is an inevitable reality in a fallen world; at times we will be called to suffer for doing what is good—looking to heavenly reward rather than earthly comfort—for the sake of the gospel and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.

Mature Christian women have a responsibility to leave a legacy of faith, by discipling younger women in the Word and ways of God and modeling for the next generation lives of fruitful femininity.

Believing the above, we declare our desire and intent to be “true women” of God. We consecrate ourselves to fulfill His calling and purposes for our lives. By His grace and in humble dependence on His power, we will:

1. Seek to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.19
2. Gladly yield control of our lives to Christ as Lord—we will say “Yes, Lord” to the Word and the will of God.
3. Be women of the Word, seeking to grow in our knowledge of Scripture and to live in accord with sound doctrine in every area of our lives.
4. Nurture our fellowship and communion with God through prayer—in praise, thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and supplication.
5. Embrace and express our unique design and calling as women with humility, gratitude, faith, and joy.
6. Seek to glorify God by cultivating such virtues as purity, modesty, submission, meekness, and love.
7. Show proper respect to both men and women, created in the image of God, esteeming others as better than ourselves, seeking to build them up, and putting off bitterness, anger, and evil speaking.
8. Be faithfully engaged in our local church, submitting ourselves to our spiritual leaders, growing in the context of the community of faith, and using the gifts He has given us to serve others, to build up the Body of Christ, and to fulfill His redemptive purposes in the world.
9. Seek to establish homes that manifest the love, grace, beauty, and order of God, that provide a climate conducive to nurturing life, and that extend Christian hospitality to those outside the walls of our homes.
10. Honor the sacredness, purity, and permanence of the marriage covenant—whether ours or others’.
11. Receive children as a blessing from the Lord, seeking to train them to love and follow Christ and to consecrate their lives for the sake of His gospel and Kingdom.
12. Live out the mandate of Titus 2—as older women, modeling godliness and training younger women to be pleasing to God in every respect; as younger women, receiving instruction with meekness and humility and aspiring to become mature women of God who in turn will train the next generation.
13. Seek opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with unbelievers.
14. Reflect God’s heart for those who are poor, infirm, oppressed, widows, orphans, and prisoners, by reaching out to minister to their practical and spiritual needs in the name of Christ.
15. Pray for a movement of revival and reformation among God’s people that will result in the advancement of the Kingdom and gospel of Christ among all nations.

_____________________________________________
Signature Date

go to TrueWoman.com to sign this manifesto

Supporting Scripture:
11 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11
2 Gen. 1:26–27; 2:18; 1 Cor. 11:8
3 Gen. 3:1–7, 15–16; Mark 1:15; 1 Cor. 15:1–4
4 Prov. 14:12; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:18, 8:6–7; 2 Tim. 3:16
5 Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 3:12–14; Titus 2:14
6 Josh. 1:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20–21; 3:15–16
7 1 Tim. 2:9; Titus 2:3–5; 1 Pet. 3:3–6
8 John 15:1–5; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:8–10; Phil. 2:12–13
9 Gen. 1:26–28; 2:18; Gal. 3:26–28; Eph. 5:22–33
10 Mark 9:35; 10:42–45; Gen. 2:18; 1 Pet. 5:1–4; 1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12–3:7
11 Gen. 2:24; Mark 10:7–9
12 Eph. 5:22–33; 1 Cor. 11:3
13 Luke 13:30; John 15:13; Eph. 4:32; Phil. 2:5–8
14 Psalm 139:13–16
15 Gen 1:28; 9:1; Psalm 127; Titus 2:4–5
16 1 Cor. 11:2–16; 1 Tim. 2:9–13
17 Matt. 5:10–12; 2 Cor. 4:17; James 1:12; 1 Pet. 2:21–23; 3:14–17; 4:14
18 Titus 2:3–5
19 Deut. 6:4–5; Mark 12:29–30
20 Psalm 25:4–5; Rom. 6:11–13; 16–18; Eph. 5:15–17
21 Acts 17:11; 1 Pet. 1:15; 2 Pet. 3:17–18; Titus 2:1, 3–5, 7
22 Psalm 5:2; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1–2
23 Prov. 31:10–31; Col. 3:18; Eph. 5:22–24, 33b
24 Rom. 12:9–21; 1 Pet. 3:1–6; 1 Tim. 2:9–14
25 Eph. 4:29–32; Phil. 2:1–4; James 3:7–10; 4:11
26 Rom. 12:6–8; 14:19; Eph. 4:15, 29; Heb. 13:17
27 Prov. 31:10–31; 1 Tim. 5:10; 1 John 3:17–18
28 Matt. 5:27–28; Mark 10:5–9; 1 Cor. 6:15–20; Heb. 13:4
29 Psalm 127:3; Prov. 4:1–23; 22:6
30 Titus 2:3–5
31 Matt. 28:19–20; Col. 4:3–6
32 Matt. 25:36; Luke 10:25–37; James 1:27; 1 Tim. 6:17–19
33 2 Chron. 7:14; Psalm 51:1–10; 85:6; 2 Pet. 3:9

© 2008 Revive Our Hearts • P.O. Box 2000 • Niles, MI 49120 • ReviveOurHearts.com • TrueWoman.com

Woman's Curse

2008-10-07T20:12:00.003-05:00

Genesis is the book of beginnings. As we study we learn of the creation of man and woman. (Genesis 5:1-2), we learn of the first sin and the “curse” that was brought upon man and woman. As we study the depth of the meaning of God’s Word, we can understand why we struggle in particular areas. With this wisdom we can seek God’s strength to overcome these issues in our lives. Let’s look at some of the details of “Woman’s Curse”.

Genesis 3:16 KJV “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee”. Every woman who has given birth knows very well the pain in pregnancy and delivery of a child. Whenever someone has a new baby we often share “our story” of the painful process. It doesn’t end with the birth, as mothers often struggle with the pain of sorrow as our children mature and no longer need us.

Let’s read further…“thy desire shall be to thy husband”. Taken at face value some loosely interpreted it as “I will desire my husband”. In studying this phrase we will find the true interpretation. The New Living Translation sheds much light: “And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” WHOA! Does this stop you in your tracks and make you think about your “curse”? As you look at yourself, do you see yourself trying to control the men in your life or compete against them? Whether you are married, widowed, or single, every woman battles with controlling the men in our lives, and this bring conflict. We feel like we need to be in control. Should we be controlling men? The Biblical answer clearly is NO! Matthew Henry Commentary explains it this way: “If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; if the woman had not sinned, she would always have obeyed with humility and meekness.”

In a devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, she comments on the conflict between men and women; "God’s design for men and women is far more satisfying than the relationship portrayed in our world. Instead of a woman becoming more like a man or a man becoming more like a woman, God created us to be different. And those differences aren’t meant to compete with one another but to complete each other. When God created male and female, the Bible tells us, 'it was very good.'”

Have you recognized your unique qualities as a woman? Ask God to use you to complement the men around you so that He can be glorified." God’s design is not that you be a doormat, but has created you as a unique woman. As we allow our lives to complement the lives of men they will honor and love us.

Ladies, this is our curse! When we try to control men we are sinning and allowing the curse to control our life. When we see this conflict creeping up, we must seek wisdom and strength from God. Don't let your feathers get ruffled, just “let him (man) rule over you.” This is God’s plan and it works. Obey in humility and meekness. Glorify God with your life.

Your PART in Prayer

2008-07-19T13:57:00.003-05:00

We've probably all tried toimagined shaking hands with the President of the United States or perhaps having an audience with the Queen of England. Perhaps to meet your "hero" or a favorite movie star. Imagine if you knew God, the Heavenly Father, was going to come make a visit to your home. An audience with God; Creator of the universe; All-powerful All-knowing God! What would you do to prepare? Best dress; best food prepared; cleanest house. I would be so nervous, scared to death, and excited too.

As a Christian, God has given you an open invitation to have an audience with Him. Because we accepted the sacrificial death of His Son on our behalf we are able at any moment to cry "Abba Father" We can come to Him with anything at anytime and He will welcome you. Without fear, we can come to Him with confidence and He will hear and answer our prayers.

Hebrew 4:14-15 "So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. " God is our HIGH PRIEST. We can do directly to Him with our needs, fears, concerns, and request. We should cling to Him and never stop trusting or believing Him.

In the Scriptures be find that we should come before the Lord humbly and boldly. Hebrews 14:6 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 2 Chronicles 7:14 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. " God no longer sees our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ washed us clean before God. If we will come to Him humbly, He will lift us up. It is a privilege to come directly to God and we need to take prayer very seriously.

So what's our PART for effective prayer?
PRAISE - Psalm 9:1-2; Psalm 95:2-6; Psalms 99:5
ADMISSION - Psalm 32:5; Psalm 343:15-18; I John 1:9
REQUEST - I Peter 5:7
THANKSGIVING - I John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:6

The invitation is there and God is ready and waiting. To have a personal relationship with Him we must do our PART to make the relationship a reality. It would be easier to just go on day-by-day and just call on God when we have an emergency. But that is not a personal relationship. Imagine going days or weeks or months with speaking to your spouse or children. Is that a personal relationship? God has opened the door and prepared the way. Just come to Him! It is again a privilege to approach God's throne and lay our burdens at His fee. Regular prevailing prayer is the Christian's life breath.

Prayer is a powerful weapon against the realities of Satan and evil. Prayer gives us the power to resist this evil and to stand strong against it. Ephesians 6:10-12 "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." So put on the "Sword of the Spirit" which is the Word of God, and "Prayer" which is the power to change people and circumstances.

Do your PART in growing your PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with God. Make prayer a daily habit. Purchase a journal or notebook and divide it into four parts: Praise, Admission, Requests, and Thanksgiving. List special verses to memorize and make it your prayer journal to use in practicing your PART with your our High Priest.

I Can't Find the Time

2008-02-28T15:57:00.006-06:00

Psalm 55:17 “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”

Listen to your everyday conversations. Do you catch yourself saying “If only I had time”…or…“I just don’t have the time.” I think most of us believe that we have a corner on busyness. Think of all the “time-saving” appliances and machinery available for our use, yet we are “still so busy”. The truth is, everyone makes the time for the things that are essential or important to their life.

Each week the same one hundred sixty-eight hours are available to everyone. In this lesson we will work together to evaluate the use of our time and determine together to make time for the purpose of spiritual growth. If you are anything like me, the struggle is real. You want your relationship with Christ to be a priority but something else so easily gets in the way. Meals, laundry, bills, church stuff, phone calls, sleep, etc. The Holy Spirit who indwells each believer is available to aid with these spiritual disciplines.

Let’s seek His Help:

Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 3:15 “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Colossians 1:10, 11 “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Make time with God daily and choose to pray. You will experience great spiritual growth, wisdom, strength, hope, fruitfulness and many other practical benefits. Commit to this new discipline today.

Where does your time go each day? Keep a record for a day or two. Note the time you spend on different activities and note what you have time for and what you do not have time for. You will begin to see what or who has priority and control in your life. This will also help you to find the time that is available that you can use for prayer and study of the Word.

When is the best time to pray? If I pray throughout the day, is a specific prayer time essential? I believe a specific prayer time and praying throughout the day are both important elements in my relationship with God. Psalm 55:17 the memory verse for this lessons states “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” God’s hears our prayer whenever or wherever we pray.

Morning is the time I prefer to have my specific prayer time. As I begin the day with prayer, it causes me to seek God’s guidance throughout the day. Praying for God to direct my steps. I ask God to prioritize my “to-do-list” for the day. I’m a list person and like to have my day planned and I like to get the things done that need to get done. But I have learned that if God wants me to do something else that day, I still always have time to get the things done that must get done, when I make time for Him FIRST.

Others may find afternoon or evening is best for a specific prayer time. There are many examples in the Bible, and no time is right or wrong. But it is important that we discipline our lives to have a regular time of prayer.

"Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17
Are you serious? How can anyone pray all the time? Prayer is a definite act of the will, but it can also be an attitude of the soul. If your relationship is intimate with your heavenly Father, you will commune with the Lord all day.

In January, my brother John, wrote the following about this very subject. I was saving it to share in this lesson. Little did I know at that time that he would be in the presence of our Lord when I included his thoughts:

Since I know that our Heavenly Father is always available and even desirous of us directing our attention and needs to Him, I have learned that prayer doesn't have to be entirely a scheduled act of hiding away, getting down on my knees and talking to Him for an hour etc. as many often assume. He is Omnipresent and so anytime I have a thought, burden, concern for others or a sin to confess, I can talk to Him. I can converse with Him aloud as I drive down the road, or as I sweep the floor, go for a walk, mow the grass or while I'm fishing. I can speak out loud His praises when I am inspired by a beautiful sunset, a surprise snowfall that occurred over night as I open the curtains in the morning, an elk standing off in the forest as I drive by on the highway, a rainbow after a sudden shower followed by the sweet refreshing smell of the air, an osprey diving into the water to catch a fish or the joy of seeing a newborn baby (even if it isn't my own grandchild). I can speak a prayer when an ambulance goes by or I pass a car accident or see the life flight helicopter pass overhead, pleading for the comfort and salvation of those who have suddenly found themselves in crisis. I can pray as I watch the news and see Israel under attack again, or the moral abominations of abortion or homosexuals flaunting their sin in the streets, and I can pray for those I see experiencing their lives dashed before a flood, earthquake or fire. Because of my Dad's example of always being available, concerned and interested, I know my Heavenly Father is even more open, available and desirous of having a conversation with me. This is what "Pray without ceasing" means. It is always being in touch with our Heavenly Father. Prayer is a Relationship.

I pray that God’s people will come to know the privilege they have to pray. Take every opportunity possible to commune with your Lord and Savior. Grow your relationship with God; spend time in prayer with Him.

I believe it was Charles Spurgeon who once said: "I had so much to do today, I had to take time to pray. "

In conclusion remember, God will help you with every daily task if you will take the time to include Him in your day.

"Sweetly Lord have I heard you calling, come follow me, And we see where Thy footprints falling, Lead us to Thee. "Footsteps of Jesus” Mary Slade

Our Examples in Prayer - Lesson 3

2008-02-16T17:22:00.004-06:00

If you were to give a reason for not praying, what would it be? Do you think your reason could be relevant to Christians two thousand years ago? I believe most people would say they are "too busy" to have time to pray. Think for a moment of Jesus schedule when He was here. Busy? I'd say He was just as busy or more busy than any one of us are today. We tend to believe in our time we live a more busy life than any other time. Think of the demands on Jesus time. Because of these demands, He made it a priority to fellowship with the Father. He would leave the multitudes to go pray all night long. Not just for 10 minutes...all night long. He needed it...you need time alone too with the Father.

There is not a magic formula to successful prayer, but in this lesson we will look at some examples to follow as we learn more about praying. Let's begin by looking at some of Jesus teaching on prayer from the gospels.

Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, " What can you learn from these words? Pray for your enemies, love them! When is the last time you did this?

Matthew 6:5-13 "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom comes. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom the power and the glory forever. Amen" The Lord's Prayer written as an example of how to pray not a prayer to memorize and repeat thoughtlessly. You learn from this prayer to include thankgiving, praise, confession, personal requests, intercession for others, and worship. Do you includes these in your prayers?

Mark 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Prayer gives strength to keep you from sinning.

Luke 11:9,10 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." The teaching here is to pray earnestly and God will answer.

Luke 18:1 "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart," Don't give up or lose heart when you don't see answers immediately. KEEP PRAYING!

John 14:13-15 "And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." If you love God and keep His commandments, your prayers will bring glory to God and your desires and prayers will be God-centered. You will see your prayers answered.

When do you pray? How important is it to have a specific time to pray everyday? Let's see when Jesus prayed. In Luke 3 at the beginning of His ministry Jesus prayed, and it brought great joy to the Father. John 11 at the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus thanked God before commanding Lazarus to come forth. Jesus prayed for the spiritual and physical needs of others. He prayed for the children; for Peter before he denied Christ; He prayed on the cross and before he left the earth to return to heaven. Jesus prayed before eating. He prayed early in the morning, all night long, lunchtime and through out the day. He prayed in sorrow, before his crucification. Jesus prayed for believers, that they would be kept from the evil one, that they might be sanctified. He prayed for unity among the believers and that we would be mature in our faith. He prayed that God's love would be in each believer.

As Jesus hung on the cross dying, His thoughts were on others and he prayed for them. Hebrews 7:25 is a precious passage "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." He prays for me!

Take some time and think of other examples of people in Scripture who prayed. Joseph, Moses, Hannah, Elijah, don't forget Jonah. Zacheaus, Doras, Paul and Silas. The believers prayed for one another.

Make a prayer journal. Use the examples of the Bible as a pattern of how to pray and then practice prayer. Determine to pray about every situation. Look for God's daily blessing in your life and send up prayers of thanksgiving to God. There is no magic formula, just make the time to pray, it is your communion with your Father in Heaven.

Draw Me Closer, Lord.

Next lesson we will discuss how to find the time to pray.

The Importance of Prayer

2008-01-23T12:51:00.000-06:00

I was reminded of the importance and long reaching effects of prayer this past weekend at our son's ordination. My brother wrote a paper sharing a testimony of our great-grandmothers prayers from the 1930's. You often pray not really understanding how important that prayer is and the long term affect of that prayer. To read that testimony go to my personal blog at armitage-texas.blogspot.com.

Is prayer important in your life? How important is it? Take a moment and truthfully answer these questions. The answers will reveal your true heart condition toward the importance of prayer. Prayerlessness will leave you with an empty unfruitful life often full of doubt and fears. Review the memory verse for this lesson: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in Him." Isaiah 26:3 tell you that you can live a life of perfect peace. Christ has another promise in John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." Prayer is important!

Pray is a gift, it is a source of strength and fellowship with our Lord. Know also that it is important and has a far reaching influence in your life and the lives of those for whom you pray.

There are many reasons to pray beside the fact that God commands us to pray. Let's look at a few of these from scripture:

God hears us when we pray. Psalms 34:6 "This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. '

Pray continually I Thessalonians5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Prayer protects and give victory. I Peter 4:7 "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."

Heals a broken heart. James 5:16 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Strengthens believers. Jude 20 "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit"

Builds a desire to serve God. Matthew 9:38 "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Prayer accomplishes much. James 5:16, 17 "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months."

Prayer brings glory to God. Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

The impossible is possible through prayer. Acts 12:5-7 "Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.

Prayer gives us good things. Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Prayer imparts wisdom. James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Prayer bring peace. Philippians 4:5-7 "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Prayer keep us from temptation. Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Prayer bring revival to the heart. Psalm 85:6 "Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?

As you reflect upon these verses, also know that we should not only pray for ourselves. God wants us to pray for others. There are examples of these prayer thought scripture, prayers for the protection of other believers; we are commanded to pray for our government leaders as well as our church leaders and missionaries; As you read your Bible take note of those who pray and what they pray about. Pray about things that matter to God.

Prayer should not be an option for believers. I'm reminded again of the passage of scripture in Romans 12 that these things should be reasonable and a normal part of your everyday life.

I want conclude this lesson with a quote from Norman Nelson book "Morning Glory" July-August 1999.

"When we pray, we are saying by our action of praying that we are dependent on God, that we need His help...Prayer is power---power to change us and then, power to effect change through us...The good news is that when we seek Him in Jesus Christ, we'll find Him and we'll experience the fullness of life that only He can give."

Make the decision to make prayer an important part of your life.

Prayer - Sharing Personal Thoughts

2008-01-14T09:03:00.000-06:00

Psalm 73:28

"But it is good for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

that I may declare all thy works."

Many people teach children to pray before bedtime and meal time. Poem type prayers are taught that the children memorize and repeat day by day. "Thank you for the food we eat.."; "Now I lay me down to sleep..." This method is a good idea to teach children the habit of prayer, but it does not teach them that prayer is personal conversation and communion with our Lord and Heavenly Father. That God cares about even the little things in their lives, like the lost kitten, a fall from your bike, or a friend who is sick. My husband and I raised our kids on prayer. We prayed for our children before they were even born. We dedicated each of our three children to the Lord. They heard us praying for them over their crib at night. Our children will tell you the times they would wake during the night to find Dad in their room praying. Children learn by example and prayer is no exception. Still to this day we continue to pray daily for our children and our grandchildren as the family grows. We have learned that you can never pray to much.

My parents taught me to pray and were an example of prayer all through my life. I know that my Dad still prays for me, he didn't stop when I married and moved out. I'm sure this has much to do with my desire to pray. I would like to share a testimony my brother John shared with me recently. It blessed my heart and I know it will yours as well.

"Quoting my brother John: "One thing that has made a large impact on my prayer life over the years is understanding that "PRAYER IS A RELATIONSHIP, NOT AN EXERCISE," WDad taught me a lot about what our Father in heaven is like. I remember while we were growing up I would often pop into his study for a visit. I remember finding him deep in his studies or a number of times on his knees praying. Yet even when I apologized for the interruption and started to back out of the door he would stop what he was doing and invite me in to talk. He NEVER chased me out or made me feel like I was intruding. As I've gotten older I have realized that even though my visits to his study weren't necessarily any big crisis in my life they were often just a desire to see my dad! He ALWAYS made the time. This has gone a long way in helping me develop my concept of our Father in Heaven. He always takes time to listen to us no matter how "busy" He is; His attention is fully on us when we seek Him. He's not acting preoccupied or annoyed by our interruption but is sincerely focused on the fact that we need His attention even when our intentions are trivial in the grand scheme of things." LJN

When we are young we do not always understand how life experiences influence our adult life. I too am so thankful for godly parents. I'll share one instance in my life that I always remember about prayer. It taught me that even little things are important to God. I was about ten and I had gotten a new watch for my birthday. Shortly afterward I could not find it. My mother helped me look and look, but neither of us could find it. She left me in my room and told me I should pray. Following my pray I started looking again and almost immediately found my watch in the back of my closet floor.

Our parents shared prayer requests with us and we prayed together as a family. Most every day our family would have devotions and prayer together. We shared special times of prayer together such as Christmas time before opening presents. We each took turns praying, giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for the blessings of the past year. Our parents believed God heard and answered prayers and taught us that God was personally interested in our lives and well-being.

I would like to invite YOU to share some personal thoughts about your prayer life. An event that might have impacted your prayer life with God. An answered prayer that caused an impact or a change in your life.

Send your thoughts and testimonies to my personal email address. I will attempt to share these throughout our series on prayer. Or if you just want to share some prayer requests, I would be more than happy to add you to my private prayer list. plarmitage@comcast.net

Know you will find strength, revival and renewal in PRAYER.

Prayer is a Gift

2008-01-07T20:57:00.000-06:00

PRAYER... Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Do you know and understand the awesome privilege you have in coming to the throne of God in prayer? Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." As God's child, you are invited to come boldly and freely to Him. There are many passage of Scripture that teach you how to pray as well as many examples of prayer. God has been challenging me for some time to do a study on prayer and to make time for more prayer in my personal relationship with Him. My husband is a wonderful example of a prayer warrior. I am amazed how often I find him sitting in various places and I ask what he is doing and the answer is always the same, "I needed to pray". So as I study, I would like to share with you the things I am learning in hopes that you too will be challenged to pray more and spend more time with your Savior.

Prayer is a privilege... You have a special personal invitation to come into the presence of the God of all creation. Not only an invitation, but you have an audience with God. 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." What a privilege! What an honor. God desires you to come to Him. God's plan from the beginning was to commune or fellowship personally, individually with all His children. Do you desire Him as He desires you? My prayer, my spiritual challenge for this year is Psalm 73:25" Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee..." I long to make God my utmost desire.

The struggle with our fellowship with God began when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Since that event, every person born has come into this world with a sinful nature. Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Because of our sinfulness we struggle with rebellion and sadly enough the result of this rebellion brings emptiness.

Walk in the Light... I John 5:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The separating wall that sin brings between you and your Savior can be torn down with a prayer. So what's holding you back? That rebellion caused by sin. Take the step of a prayer of confession. You will then know the fellowship of God, find your heart clean, experience new clarity and understanding of the Word, and the peace that passes all understanding. God is so good and loves us so much it is hard sometimes to even imagine. Make time to pray. Make time to "BE STILL" and quiet yourself before the Lord.

How will God resond when you come? Psalm 34:15-17 "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

Let me encourage you to:

1. Get a prayer journal

2. Set aside a specific time for daily prayer

3. If you already have this time set - increase your time with God

4. If you need an accountability partner, prayer partner, find one

Prayer is the key to spiritual satisfaction and success

Prayer will become the source of power for your daily walk

Emptiness will be filled and overflowing with the love of God

Yield to God and seek to know Him intimately

Prayer is a gift from God that benefits your life

Recommended Bible Study Book:

"Draw Me closer, Lord" by Marsha Hubler Publised by Regular Baptist Press.

I am using this book as part of my study on prayer . See the link on this blog for Regular Baptist Press to order your copy.

Reflections New Year

2007-12-30T22:21:00.000-06:00

As we anticipate 2008 the NEW YEAR let's reflect...

Reflecting on the past….It just seems likes yesterday…As you reflect on 2007, what stands out most in your mind from the events of your life? Joys? Regrets? Boredom? Fears? Grief? There are benefits from reflection, learning from these experiences. Reflections can also become a hindrance if they hold you back from the future plans the Lord has for you.

Let me ask you another question. As you reflect on the past year, what stands out most in your spiritual life from 2007? Did you grow? Were you stretched or challenged in your faith? Did you lead someone to the Lord, or even invite someone to church. Did you read through the Bible or even read the Bible everyday. Did you go to church every week? Did you pray everyday and see answers to those prayers? Sadly enough, so often people are so busy striving to reach goals in this life; big savings, vacations, educations, new stuff, they don’t even consider the need to set spiritual goals.

As each year comes to a close, I try to take time to reflect on my spiritual growth in the past year. I examine my life and seek the Lord’s guidance in areas of my life that need spiritual attention, renewal, dedication…As I do this, I seek scripture that will help me throughout the new year to reach that spiritual goal. Once I’ve decided on a passage of scripture I record it in the front flyleaf of my Bible. It is a reminder to me throughout the year of what God is trying to do in me.

I would like to challenge each of you to examine your spiritual relationship with God. Is it personal or is it religious? Seek God’s will in setting a spiritual resolution or goal for 2008. Write it down with a verse of scripture. Mediate in the Word. Ask God in pray for help to make the changes so you can grow and reach a new spiritual heights in your personal relationship with Him. As you grow in your knowledge of the Lord you will desire God and He will become a part of your everyday living. Don’t let the past hold you back from the blessings God has in store for you.

Colossians 1:10
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Learning to Be Content Regarless of the IF-ONLYS

2007-10-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

Regrets...Guilt...everyone has them. If only I had made a better choice. If only I had called one more time. If only I could have another chance. If only I had not ... But how much control do the IF-ONLYS have of your life? Do you wish you could undo the past? Do you dwell in the dark valleys because you have never learned to face and resolve the problem of guilt. Guilt caused by sin, a breach in your relationship with God.

It seems the older you get, the more you reflect back on your past. Decisions made or not made. Words spoken without thinking. Or neglecting to stay in contact with someone you love. As you reflect upon God and His Word knowing He is truly sovereign you can learn to be content regardless of the IF-ONLYS. Claim the challenges He gives: "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before."Philippians 3:13.

The author of our study discusses two kinds of guilt: Destructive and Constructive. Constructive guilt is when we recognize we have sinned and then confess and repent that sin. Know God has forgiven, learning from our sin and moving forward. Destructive guilt is confessing the sin, but not believing or living as though you have been forgiven. If you have trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have all the resource you need for a godly guilt-free life. Strength, love, self-discipline, God's divine power. Are you claiming and using these resources, living like the daughter of the King of Kings. You have riches untold, you have the resources, live them! You believe in God, live like you do. Put your complete confidence in God.

Let's discuss some "IF-ONLY" questions:

1. Is there a tomorrow? Yes if you let go of the past. Philippians 3:14 " I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" Press on and left what's been done behind.

"Some there are that torment themselves afresh with he memory of what is past; others, again afflict themselves with the apprehension of evils to come; and very ridiculously both - for the one does not now concern us, and the other not yet...One should count each day a separate life."

2. Will there be another chance? Yes, there will be another chance. God does not keep a record of our failures. Jeremiah 31:34 "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." God is far more concerned with were we are going then where we've been.

3. Is this damage permanent? No, damage does not need to be permanent, you can start over. So many examples are found in the Bible of those who fail. But they were forgiven and able to start over again. The problem will not be resolved if you don't get up after you fall down. God does forgive and He never leaves you or forsakes you. Claim His promises!

4, Can this broken life be rebuilt? Yes, God can restore and rebuild our lived when we are truly repentant and want to make a new start. David committed adultery and murder. Psalm 51 shows us his heart. He was repentant and the joy of his salvation was restored. Later on in Scripture David was called a man after God's own heart.

Have "IF-ONLYS" caused you to lose the joy of your salvation. Is your river of life dried up? You can restore that joy and have contentment in your relationship with Christ again if you will repent of the sins, and let go of the past and life today rejoicing in the joy of the Lord.

Remember you have all the resources you need for living a life of godliness and joy. "If you are born again, all you need is what you have, and what you have is what He is!" God's grace is sufficient for all your needs.

Let us pray for one another and encourage one another in the Lord. Let your comment at the end of this lesson. Please email me if you would like to keep your comments private at plarmitage@comcast.net

Learning to Be Content Regardless of the "WHAT-IFS" lesson 8

2007-09-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

WHAT IF...
I lose my job
I run out of money
I get cancer
I don't have enough money to retire
I lose my sight
My husband dies or loses his job
My children don't succeed....

Our fears of the future often put us in a prison of doubt. Then we find that these thoughts control our every waking moment. Since my last posting I had an event in my life that I was beginning to fear the future. My retina became detached in my eye and I began to worry and fear "what if" I become permanently blinded. We have all had these doubts and fear arise in our lives, often on a daily basis. The key that unlocks the prison door of this fear and doubt is "PROMISE" the promises of God in His Word.

Where do these fears come from? They don't come from God. Satan uses many sources to attack us and cause us to doubt the promises of God. These sources may be people, problems, and perplexities. Let's look at a some of these.

People may leave us, reject us, or die. But God's PROMISES can quiet these fears. Look at Hebrews 13:5, 6 "I will never leave you, nor forsake thee. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." I have a friend, who are experienced this to it's fullest extent. Her husband left her, her grown son won't communicate with her, her daughter has moved away and doesn't have a phone. She is lonely, but has been seeking the Lord to fill that void. She is learning to lean upon her Savior to meet these needs and to fill that loneliness. This is a choice she is making, otherwise she would be miserable.

Problems - what problems are you dealing with that are causing you to be fearful? Look up Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee." When we worry about problems we are not trusting God. You can replace fear with peace if we trust God. Now ask yourself, what makes more sense living in fear or living in perfect peace. Claim the PROMISES of God. I John 4:18 "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear." "Love in your heart frees you from fear; relates you to the Source of Life, God; and releases positive feelings to overcome hostility, redress wrongs, heal hurts, and build relationships. Love is the strongest fores int he world...It give you the winning advantage in all human contacts." (Morgan)

Possibilities - the what-ifs cause fear in your life. What if the thing you fear does take place? What is the worst thing that could happen? If you will trust in the Lord to care for you no matter what the possibilities you don't need to fear. Here is another PROMISE...Psalm 112:7-8 "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless." Here is another Psalm 57:7 "My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my soul!" I encourage you to read the whole chapter.

Perplexities - Sometimes we don't understand why God allows certain things to happen in our lives. When we question "why God" Satan will play tricks with our mind and cause more fears and anxieties. Again we need to stand on the PROMISES of God and stand again the wiles of the devil. 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. This promise is worth standing on..."Remember, that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." I Corinthians 10:13.

The Solution to Fear is believing God's PROMISES! Galatians 6: 8-10s give us encouragement to keep on going and living faithful for God trusting in His PROMISES "Those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't' get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity we should do good to everyone.

Psalm 34: 4. "I prayed to the Lord, and He answer me, freeing me from all my fears "(what-ifs)! PRAY and believe the PROMISES of God. Trust God. God is your refuge. God will uphold you. Wait on the Lord. He will never leave you or forsake you. His love for you is an everlasting love.

I challenge you to read your Bible and underline every promise you see in a specific color. Then as you begin to feel as though you are wavering, start flipping through your Bible and stand on the PROMISES of God. With Christ we are more than conqueror! Contentment comes from our relationship to God and our confident trust in Him, not from our responsess or feelings to our circumstances or people.

You are not facing your fears alone - - - God is with you always.

Learning to Be Content with JUST ENOUGH - Lesson 8

2007-09-10T08:31:00.000-05:00

When is enough really enough? How much is enough? Our author has a quote in the introduction that says "Just Enough: The rich person is not the person who has the most, but the one who doesn't need more" Do you need more? Why?

I recall an incident in my life that really taught me to be content and realize what I had was enough. We moved into a new house about 17 years ago. It was beautiful, the kids finally had their own rooms. Big kitchen and master with it's own bath. But my "stuff" was OLD in my eyes and didn't "fit in" the new house. I was determined that I needed a new couch. The old one still looked fine and was even still comfortable. Anyway I decided to try to sell the old one then I would justify getting a new one. I had a yard sale and did quite well, but guess what, the couch did not sell. I keep looking at new ones, but my husband was determined that we didn't need a new one so he was not very cooperative. I put the "old" couch back into the living room. The Lord was dealing with me trying to teach me to be content. I did learn to be content with the old couch and do you know that couch stayed in that house and even moved to the next one with us. I remember that situation every once in a while and God reminds me to be content with what I have and not to become anxious for more. He will always take care of all my needs and so often even gives me the desires of my heart. I did finally get a new couch, actually a living room set with couch, love seat, and recliner. It wasn't completely new though. A friend was getting a new living room set. They wanted to know if wanted their older set. It was much more beautiful than my really old worn out one was now. I still have it and love it, it was free and it's a Lazy boy! God is so good!

So many times we get into the habit of thinking if I could get a raise, a new car, bigger refrigerator, newer this or that...all my trouble would be over. Enough is never enough. The Word of God talks about this money issue over a 1,000 times. Why do you think this is? Probably because God know that this is one of the biggest down falls of man. We have more problems handling money problems and material possessions than anything else in our life.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says "Above all else, guard your heart, for it effects everything you do." In Scripture, I John 2:16, it says what the world has to offer or tempt us with is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Physical pleasure, pleasure in what we see and pleasure in the things we have. These are not from the Father they are from the world. Remember that this world is fading away, we need to focus on doing the will of the Father which will reap eternal rewards!

What does your heart dwell on? Do your eyes keeping looking for more things you can acquire? Do these things bring peace, security, comfort, eternal reward? Back to I John 2:15 we are told not to love the things of this world. Matthew 5 teaches that God will take care of every need we have and we don't need to worry about these things. If we put loving and serving God ahead of serving our money we will find God is all sufficient for everything and you will even be enriched so you have extra to share with others. II Corinthians 9:8-11.

Juanita Purcell challenges us to choose a lifestyle. John McDonald says it this way: "Don't let your income dictate our lifestyle. Choose a level of living that you need, and do not compromise that with more spending when more income arrives. If you don't choose a lifestyle, this culture Will choose one for you, and it will be the lifestyle of living beyond your means." This certainly sounds like a Godly plan.

Everything we have comes from God, so it really all belongs to God. We need to learn to live our life completely for God even using our money and possessions for God. It all had to do with our heart attitude and our relationship with God. We are not our own be have been bought with a price. The blood of Jesus Christ. We try to make claim to what is ours, when it really all belongs to God. Let me encourage you to spend more time and effort growing a rich relationship with God and not growing a rich bank account. Enjoy what God has given you and share it with others as you serve God.

So what is the formula for contentment? Contentment has a partner and it is godliness. So a good formula would be

Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain

The Pursuit of Contentment is Godliness

If you want to be contented, you must come to the place where you can say:

"I HAVE ENOUGH".

Then add to that,

"LORD, IT ALL BELONGS TO YOU.

GIVE WHAT YOU WANT AND

TAKE WHAT YOU WANT!"

Choose contentment so as a lifestyle. Strive to come to a place where you really believe you do not need to have more to be happier
Learn to think and say "I have enough, I don't need more."
Choose a comfortable level of living and do not compromise that lifestyle with more spending if you make more money.

Godliness with contentment is great gain...I Timothy 6:6

Learning to Be Content with WHO YOU ARE Lesson 7

2007-09-02T15:28:00.001-05:00

I'm always amazed how God emphases a truth everywhere when you are studying His Word. In my Sunday School class this week the main text was in I Samuel 16, and the theme was jealousy, As you probably already noticed, the verse for the week is from this chapter. As I meditate on the lesson in my class, a person who is jealous cannot be content with who they are in their relationship with God, because they are looking on outward appearance, not the heart.

Self-Image is a focal point in our society today. We are always reminded to look at who we are, what we have and if we match the standards that someone else has set. If we don't "measure up," it negatively influences our social life, job, and relationships. We have a need to feel loved, accepted, and successful and it is crucial to our emotional and spiritual well-being. What is the mental picture you have of yourself? Is it a Biblically accurate realistic picture?

We each need to learn to see ourselves as God sees us. No one is as emotionally or spiritually well-balanced as we would like to be. As we reflect on our life, we should see positive steps being taken forward as we mature in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. "PBPGIFWMY". Have you ever seen the bumper sticker with these initials? They stand for "please be patient God isn't finished with me yet!" I'm reminded the the Scripture that says when we are born-again, having just begun your relationship with God, you are like a babe, drinking and understanding only the milk of the Word. But as you grow in your faith you can begin to eat meat, or understand the deeper things of God. Are you growing in your spiritual faith? If you are, you will be learning to be content with who you are.

Open your Bible to Ephesians 4:17-29. As you study this passage you will see, as you grow, there will be changes in your desires, attitudes, and self-image. If you are not growing you will not be content with who you are. You will be moody, depressed, frustrated, irritable, jealous, and have a low-self image. As you continue in this chapter you will find you should be putting away those old attitudes and putting on the new person, full of kindness, forgiving, loving, tenderness because you are becoming more life Christ. Which person is more content with who they are? The person with bad attitudes and actions or the one with good attitudes?

This change cannot happen on it's own. Nor can these changes happen without Christ. God is the only one who can transform us. Read Romans 12:1 & 2. We are to present or give ourselves as a living sacrifice: holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. The normal thing for a child of God to do, give themselves completely over to God. Don't be conformed to the world or the things of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. You can choose to try stopping old habits, but they need to be replaced with a new God honoring habit.

Remember, just because the world may look perfect in our eyes ("as seen on TV") it is not. Why do the "successful" actors often die young by their own hand? Are they content with who they are even by the world standards? It is impossible to ever be content with who you are if you are basing your contentment on the standards of this world. Romans 12:3 says "do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but think soberly, according as God hath dealt to everyone man a measure of faith."

Do you know how Christ sees you? As you mature in your love for God and begin to see yourself as He sees you, all of your desires for love and acceptance begin to be fulfilled.

You are loved eternally and unconditionally Jeremiah 31:3
You are a friend of God. John 15:13-15
You have strength to do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13
Christ lives in you. Galatians 2:20
You have wisdom from God. James 1:5
You have been delivered from sin and it's penalty I John 1:6 & Ephesians 1:7

This is how God sees you. When you see yourself as God sees you, you will begin to realize your value and worth to God and you will become content with who you are... the daughter of the King of Kings!

My acceptance is based on Who God is and what He has done for me, not what I do for Him. I am created in Christ Jesus a workmanship. God wants me to succeed and have a sense of significance. When I sin or fail, He still loves me and still forgives me. Because I am of value to Him, He is always looking out for my best. Walk by faith, obey God, grow in the truth of His Word and learn to be content with who you are! God didn't made not junk!

Please leave you comments at the bottom of this blog. After typing your comment, select anyomous and then publish your comments. Feel free to include your name. If you desire to make you comments private you can e-mail me at plarmitage@comcast.net

Learning to be Content without WORRYING

2007-08-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

WORRY...Are you a worrier? Worried about being late, getting sick, having enough money, the children, my job, the house, bills, what somone may think, future, past, relationships, regrets... Worry can be like a poison, it infects your whole body, mind & spirit.

You may remember the old time chorus "Why worry when you can pray, trust Jesus, He'll be your stay. Don't be a doubting Thomas, trust fully on His promise. Why worry, worry, worry, worry, when you can pray." We will be learning in this study that we have resources from God to help us with the "sin" of worry. A few of the resources God has made available to use are: 1) Providence of God 2) Power of God 3) Promises of God. And as the song says so well, "Why worry, when we can pray".

So far in our study on the "Secrets of Contentment" we have learned we must have FAITH IN GOD to live a contented life; that contentment doesn't just happen, but we must learn to choose to live a life of contentment; we can also learn to be content in whatever season of life we find ourselves in, because life doesn't stay the same, it is ever changing; and we need to learn to be content in our relationships with others, which can be a challenge, but again is a choice.

Contentment is built on a relationship with Christ.

This foundation never changes.

Worry will control your whole life, if you don't learn to let God handle your concerns. The Scripture memory verse for the week is very clear what God teaches about worry. I'll include it again here from the New Living Translation "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:34. We have all heard this verse over and over, but have we applied it to our everyday life? James 1:8 says we are not to be "double-minded". Matthew 6:27 says that worry will not add a single inch to your height or for that matter a single minute to your day. Does worry every really accomplish anything good? It really only brings "trouble", and who needs any more of that? Why worry when you can pray?

Worry is Ridiculous

It is unreasonable
It is unecessary
It is unwise
It is unhealthy
It is unproductive
It is a SIN

We cannot see into the future or change the future, so why worry about it? Our God is sovereign and He knows all, has all power, He cares about me, His love it eternal. God gives strength, power, renewal, safety, healing. It is ridiciulous to worry! Why worry when you can pray?

The solution to worry is found in God's Word. Remember our memory verse Matthew 6:34. There is no problem with making plans for tomorrow or anytime in the future. But be ready to change those plans as the day arrives, because God's plan for me today may be different than what I planned. His ways are better than mine! Philippians 4:19 is a promise we all have quoted many times "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." You know God will be there tomorrow, just as He is today. Why worry? Look up the following verses: Matthew 10:29-31, I Peter 5:7, Psalm 42:5,11, Philippians 3:13,14, James 4:17 .

Isaiah 40: 27-31 This familar passage will illumine your mind on this topic if you will take a few minutes and study it. Isaiah is asking the Israelites some very pointed question:

How can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? Don't you know He never grows faint or weary? No one can measure the depths of His understanding.

He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak. Even the youth will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Can this apply to us today? Do we question our Lord the same way when we worry? Worry distorts our thinking, disrupts our work, disquiets our soul, disturbs our body, disfigures our face, destroys our poise, depresses our friends, demoralizes our life, defeats our faith, and debilitates our energy. Remember who the Lord is and trust Him. God will strengthen you and you will not grow weary and you won't need to worry over everything, small or large. Are you tired of being tired? We don't have to be tired or weary, we need to cast our burdens on the Lord and you will find new strength as we trust in Him. Why worry when you can pray?

Take a moment and make a list of your physical, financial and spiritual needs. Then under each write down what you're worried about and why you are worried. After making your list, stop and consider how concerned do you think God is about these needs? He cares for the little sparrows, are we not His children. He knows all things about each one of us. He loves us so much He came to earth and died so we would have eternal life. I know I can trust Him with every worry I have or will ever have.

Consider Philippians 4:4-9. These verse we can claim to help us step closer to a contented life, by overcoming worry. Rejoice, be forbearing and gentle, pray and be thankful, and receive PEACE from God which will guard your heart and mind. Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, admirable, excellent. REJOICE! Why worry when you can pray?

A Roman philosopher summed up our greatest problem when he said "Our life is what our thoughts make it. If we think happy thoughts, we will be happy. If we think miserable thoughts, we will be miserable." God's word says that where our treaure is there will our heart be. Why worry when you can pray?

Let's all commit to worrying less and trusting God more.

The author of our study has some helpful hints to aid us in breaking the worry habit:

Put a rubber band around your wrist and everytime you start worry, snap yourself and say, "Am I trusting God?"
Instead of worrying, start working on your problem. Write it down and then ask what does God want me to do aobut this problem.
Turn every care into a prayer. What have you been worrying about? Start praying about instead!

Contentment comes from our confident trust in God

and our relationship with Him not from circumstances or people!

Please leave your comments at the end of this lesson. Click on the comment bar. Type your message, sign it (if you want) and then click the anonomys button and submit. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Learning to Be Content in Your Relationships Lesson 5

2007-07-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Relationships...the people you know and the people you relate with. A personal testimony is how I will begin this lesson. I am sitting in the airport as I write, on stand-by, trying to return home from a short trip to Kentucky for the funeral of a very special lady who has been a very dear friend of mine for about 28 years.

Lynn Elder...I first met her when both our families moved into new homes across the street from one another near Louisville, Kentucky. She was just two years older than me, she had two girls and a step son, we had our three children with our youngest only 2 months old. We lived across the street from one another for 8 short years and our friendship lasted a life time. I started having Bible studies with Lynn around her kitchen table, she had lots of questions, and I was always nervous about whether or not I could answer them. Her husband was not saved or were their children. We started a children's Bible club in our living room and their children came. Sometime later they allowed us to have an adult Bible study in their livingroom where Albert taught about end times. Lynn started growing in her relationship with the Lord, Larry got saved as did their children. I got to take Lynn to the hospital the day she was in labor with their fourth child.

After we moved away, we tried to say in touch, but now as I look back, I wish we had seen one another more. We would stop by and see them when we were traveling. We would call and write from time to time. Two years ago, knowing Lynn was sick with cancer, I wanted to go spend a few days with her. It was a precious time together that I will always cherish. We felt as though we were sister not just friends. We had a special understanding or insight into the feelings and emotional needs of one another. We spent a lot of time together as young mothers, encouraging and helping each other. Relationships don't just happen they are developed over time and they take work. But the reward of those relationship are so precious. The reward for me was being able to be with the now grown children, as now Larry and Lynn are both in glory with our Lord. This family with 4 children, 3 married and 11 grandchildren are living for the Lord.

Learnng to be content in your relationship...Lesson 5.

Being content with all the people our lives touch is sometimes hard. Good relationships, like the one with Lynn continues to bring untold joy and a great sense of contentment. Broken relationships, unforgiveness, hard feelings cause problems with everything in your life. Hebrews 12:15 says "Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and therby many be defiled." Forgiveness, true forgivness is essential if you have offended or been offended to regain the joy and contentment in relationships with people in your life.

We may reason that it "hurts" to much to deal with; or that they don't "deserve" to be forgiven. We simply must be reminded from the scripture Christ's great love as He choose to die for our sins. Did it "hurt"? Do we "deserve" to be forgiven. The author, Juanita Purcell states: "When a relationship is broken, most people attack the person rather than the problem. Another mistake people make in broken relationships is to ignore or cover them up, as if they had not happened. Words inflicted in the heart must be dealt with, or they will grow like a cancer. Some people treat relationships as disposable goods; they just discard them. Fixing relatinships seems to be more trouble than the relatinships are worth."

According to God's Word we need to restore broken relatinships. Christ paid the price of death so that you and I could be reconciled to God. Jeremiah 31:3 tells of an everlasting love God has for us. Christ humbled himself ( Philippians 2:8) in obedience because He loves us so much. But in many cases we "think" we are better than the offender so we lift ourselves up in pride refusing to be humble and obedient to God. Don't be afraid to humble yourself or open yourself up to be hurt. God will use a humble spirit to mend a broken relationship that will be priceless in the future.

Several times Lynn and I had disagreements in our early years of friendship. I felt lonely and broken until the relationship was mended. The gift of a "friend" is worth the pain it may take to repair a broken relationship. My friend Lynn didn't know the friends she had. I heard her say that no one will come when she died. At her funeral, there were many family members there remembering her life, as well as many friends...lives she had touched because as the Pastor said at her memorial service "she was an 'others' person"...always reaching out to help and give and encourage.

I believe one of the biggest things that separates friends is assuming you know what the other person "might be thinking". My Bible (and your's too) says to think on things that are true, not on things that "might be". Also we are taught that to have friends we must be a friend. Put aside feelings, that probably are not even real, and have a life full by joy by having lots of friends.

Having contentment in my relationships does not just happen, I have to choose to work on it. I may have hurt you or you may have hurt me. Let's humble ourselves and forgive one another so that we can be free from an unforgiving, bitter spirit. Unforgiveness and bitterness are costly. The freedom from forgiveness is peace, joy and contentment - a great value that we cannot put a price tag on.

Your comments are welcome and encouraged. Please select the "comment" button at the end of this lesson. Type your message/testimony/encouragement and sign your name (if you want to make your identity known). Click on the anynomous button and publish your comment. We appreciate your involvement in this women's Bible study ministry.

Learning to Be Content in Every Circumstance Lesson 4

2007-07-25T17:18:00.001-05:00

An Attitude of Gratitude...most everyone in our world knows the value of a grateful heart. It affects the daily outlook, it is a source of good health, and just overall well-being. There have been books written about how the attitude can change our whole life. With our children's Bible Clubs we ask the children for an "attitude check" to get their attention and then to direct that attention toward God. They shout together "PRAISE THE LORD!" What is your attitude today?

In the lesson this week, we are encouraged to look at Paul's writings in Philippians 4:12 where he has learned to have a grateful heart not only when the going was good, but when things were not so good either. It is easy to be thankful when things are good. But it is another whole issue when we are struggling with hardships. How do you give thanks when things are so hard? It isn't easy, but with the power of God who lives in us we can choose to be thankful for everything!

I love the quote from Matthew Henry in our lesson book, where he wrote the following in his diary after being robbed: "Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, let me be thankful that although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed." A thankful heart is truly a choice!

I Thessalonians 5:18

"In everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

God's desire for me is to a thankful heart...how can I argue with this good God desires for me? Does this have anything to do with living a life of contentment? I believe that this aspect our our life is vital to living a contented life. Being thankful in everything and all things. Read our memory verse again. No matter the circumstances we find ourselves in, we God desires us to be content.

Do you find it easier to find fault, complain and grumble? If you have a ungrateful heart discouragement and discontentment will overcome you. If a grateful heart is the path you choose to follow a contented life will come followed with peace and joy. If you having a hard time getting stated with a thankful heart, turn to Psalm 107 and see some things God wants us to be grateful for. Count your blessing, they are there if you choose to look for them. A good exercise to help determine your attitude is to make a chart and list your complaints and thanks. Your heart attitude will be revealed by the length of complaints vs thanks.

The Israelites while in the wilderness, had God visibly with them everyday. A cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They saw the miracles of God's leading and provision on a daily basis. Yet they began to complain and grumble and were discontent with everything. This sin became a pattern and they grumbled and complained. Ungrateful attitudes penetrate into our hearts and minds. Proverbs 23:7 says "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Disciplined Bible study and prayer can change this pattern and you can learn to live a grateful life a contented life.

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 We must learn to cast down our ungodly and discouraging thought. We must imprison the unbiblical thought that are in our minds. We must be obedient and pleasing to Christ.

Philippians 4:8 & 9 will help us to direct our thought toward godliness. "Finally brethren, whatever things are true (real), whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS. Those things which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and see in me DO, and the God peace shall be with you."

Be encouraged, trust God in His Word. Don't keep struggling with past issues. Don't keep trying to guess the future. Don't keep trying to fix things happening today. God assures us throughout the Bible of His love, forgiveness, comfort, encouragement, and care. If you find yourself discontent and discouraged, stop and pray. Evaluate your situation and ask yourself if you are dwelling on unbiblical thoughts? Claim the promises in the Word . The author of our study encourages us to try a daily mental exercise in the Bible. Think on these truths as you find yourself thinking unbiblical thought:

Sunday - God is my protector Psalm 91:1,2

Monday - God always does what is right Genesis 18:25

Tuesday - God hears me and wants to help me Psalm 34.4

Wednesday - God is near me Psalm 139:7

Thursday - God has good things planned for His people (yes, even me) Jeremiah 29:11

Friday - God will not give up on me Philippians 1:6

Saturday - god will never give me more than I can bear I Corinthians 10:13

Start your own list of promises from God. Then claim them and stand on them.

A secret to living a life of contentment is giving thanks to God in everything. Have a grateful attitude in the good and bad times. Knowing God in His power is in control.

Learning to Be Content Lesson 3

2007-07-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

Paul wrote Philippians when he was in prison. The memory verse for the week Paul states how he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in. How about you? Are you always content? It is easy to be content when "all is well". But when there are waves of trouble, discouragement, frustrations, illness etc. we become discontent. This weeks lesson will be teaching us that the state of being content is a learned response. It doesn't just come automatically when we get saved. The memory verse states "I have learned to be content."

So how do you define "contentment"?

Content isn't getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have.

Rejoice ever more.

Pray without ceasing.

In everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I Thessalonians 5:16 - 18

What is the source of contentment? OR...what enables us to be content at all times and in all circumstances? Philippians 4:13 gives us a big clue as to the source of contentment. "I can do all things....(don't stop yet)... THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHS ME". Also a favorite verse of mine, Isaiah 40:31 "They that WAIT UPON THE LORD, will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint."

God is our source. He enables, empowers, and strengthens us. We can lean on Him for whatever we need whenever we need it. We can learn to be content in whatever state we are in. To plug into this power source, we must be in the Word of God. Without this connection with our Savior, we will never be content. You've heard the old adage "Sin will keep you from the book, and the book will keep you from sin". Plug into the power source that will enable you be content - READ THE WORD

You don't think Paul had too bad of a life? Read 2 Corinthian 11:23-28. Let this remind you that Paul is a great teacher on this subject, he truly had a hard life, but with his reliance on Christ he has the ability to be content.

The following is from our book, but thought it really needed to be included in this post. A missionary in Africa who faced many trials, learned to be content and this was her recipe:

1. Allow thyself to complain of nothing, not even of the weather

2. Never picture thyself to thyself under any circumstance in which thou are not

3. Never compare thine own lot with that of another

4. Never allow thyself to dwell on the wish that this or that has been, or were, otherwise than it was or is. God Almighty loves thee better and more wisely than thou dost thyself

5. Never dwell on the morrow. Remember that it is God's, not thine. The heaviest part of sorrow often is to look forward to it.

Learning Contentment

We've defined contentment, found it's source, now let's apply this learning...

When we complain, we are not content. Romans 8:28 teaches "that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Do you tend to complain, be discontented when things are not going the way you"think" they should be going? Don't just quote this verse you have heard so many times in your life, apply it. KNOW GOD WORKS ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD! and then live as though you believe it.

The author of this study encourages us to live a "palms-ups" life. When we turn our hands over with our palms up we are accepting whatever God is bringing into our life and then trusting Him to work all things together for His good. God's goal for our life according to verse 29 of Romans 8 is "to be conformed to the image of His Son." Living a palms-up life, accepting what God brings into your life (good or bad), is part of the process of transforming us into HIS IMAGE," learning to be content Don't complain, get weary or frustrated, trust God and wait on Him as He performs the work of transforming us into His image. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future...BE CONTENT IN THE LORD!

Romans 12:1,2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

You cannot find contentment from getting what you want...

But from wanting what you already have.

Every person lives in one of two tents:

conTENT

disconTENT

In which do you live?

Click on comments and leave your thoughts or insights. Click the anonymous button and publish your comments. Thank you for participating in this study. Remember if you would like to purchase a book, select the Regular Baptist Press link and place your order. If you would like to leave a private comment, e-mail me at pl.armitage@earthlink.net

Your study leader,

Patty Armitage

A Daughter of the King of Kings

FAITH: The First Factor in Finding Contentment

2007-07-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

As we begin week 2 of our study on the "Secret of Contentment" by Juanita Purcell, I want to encourage each one to:

Memorize the verse of the week

Meditate on God's Word to find wisdom

Apply the teaching of God's Word

Pray the Word will help you to grow in the truth

The memory verse this week will cause you to ponder whether you "please God" with your life. God is faithful to us everyday in every way. But so often we don't live our life by faith, trusting in His sovereignty. I Thessalonians 5:19 teaches us that we are not to quench the spirit. Literally by living an unfaithful life we drowned out God's blessings in our lives. If we believe he is, we will diligently seek him, live by faith and be rewarded (blessed). Have you had a "faith" check-up lately?

"But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Content or Discontent...which are you? Full of joy, peace, and satisfaction ---or--- complaining, murmuring, and unhappy because you don't think you can trust God? Know you cannot please God without faith!

Okay the first question this week asks How do you define faith? Write down your answer and then let's look at what God says faith is. Look up Hebrews 11:1 then check to see if your definition is the same as God's. Read Romans 10:17 to find how we get faith? Read Romans 12:3 to find where faith comes from.

When you accepted Christ as you personal Savior, you read or heard what the Word of God said. You then by faith believed it to be true and trusted the Word by faith. According to First Corinthians 16:13 "in faith" we are to "watch, stand fast, and be strong". In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we are to "walk by faith, not by sight". Our human nature wants to "see" to believe. God want us to trust Him by walking in faith without sight.

Walking by faith becomes more natural as we grow in the knowledge of truth by seeking Him. We must stand fast and feed on the Word of God and we will mature in our walk of faith. In Psalm 25:15 David says "Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord." As we learn to live a life of faith, keeping focused on our Savior, He will carry us though the difficult times as well in the good times. This walk is spelled c-o-n-t-e-n-t-m-e-n-t. Will you take a minute and comment on people you've studied in the scriptures who have learned to fix their eyes on the Savior in times of difficulty and continued to walk by faith and live content...

Personally, my faith continues to grow as I experience life with God. My life verses, Proverbs 3:5-7, became key to me in a very difficult time in my life. I questioned God and could not reason, no matter how hard I tried, what in the world God was doing. I decided that if I really had faith in God I must trust Him, even if I didn't understand why. A few months later, it was very clear to me why God directed in my life the way He did. I'm so grateful He did change my path, it saved my life. God's does not always reveal His "reasons" and sometimes He does. Nevertheless the truth is we must trust Him.

As I remember my mother, a godly faithful wife and mother, a verse on contentment she often quoted was Philippians 4:11"Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." She would joke and say that no matter what state she found herself living (ie Washington, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio) she would be content. But seriously, she was a godly woman who walked a faithful content life. She was not only a wonderful mother, but also a friend and mentor as I became a wife, mother, and pastor's wife.

What is your level of faith? Have you learned to seek God, stand fast, walk by faith not sight? Has God tested your faith lately? How did you respond? The "faith chapter", Hebrews 11 you can study those God choose to show to us as examples of faithfulness. Verse 2 says they fixed their eyes upon the unseen Lord, the author and finisher of their faith. Where are your eyes fixed? On circumstances or on God?

What area of your life do you have most difficulty trusting God? Remember Proverbs 3:5-7.

Faith to trust God, no matter the events, comes through the Word of God alone. If you are in the Word of God, seeking Him, you can by faith find contentment. Psalm 119:105 tells us that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When we walk by faith we can take God's hand and let Him lead us through every step of the way.

Streams in the Desert is a wonderful devotional book first copyrighted in 1925. This week, July 6th the devotional was on this walk of faith. 2 Chronicles 20:12 "Neither know we what to do; but our eyes are upon thee." Stated in the book "If we wholly trust an interest to God, we must keep our hands off it; and He will guard it for us better than we can help Him. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Things my seem to be going all wrong, but He knows as well as we; and He will arise in the right moment if we are really trusting Him so fully as to let Him work in His own way and time. There is nothing so masterly as inactivity in some things, and there is nothing so hurtful as restless working, for God has undertaken to work His soverign will." - A.G. Simpson

FAITH: The First Factor in Finding Contentment--Is God asking you to walk by faith in some particular area? Has He asked you to trust Him in that area? Are you trusting only in what you can see, or are you trusting in God's Word?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for loving me even when my faith is so weak. Help me Lord to walk by faith, trusting you alone. Thank you for the life of contentment I can have simply by trusting my life to you.

As you visit this study site, please publish comments on ways God encouraged you this week as you studied the lesson and God's Word. If you haven't gotten a study book yet, order it today.

Searching for Contentment

2007-06-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

What are you searching for in your life today? Is it success? happiness? money? peace? Our study on the "Secret of Contentment" begins with Searching for Contentment. Once true contentment is found, you will find all the other things you may be searching for are not as important or even what you really need or desire.

True contentment starts with peace with God. You can receive this peace when you accept Christ as your Savior. Without accepting Christ as your personal Savior, your life will be troubled, full of unrest and anxiety, always searching for "something". Ephesians 2:13 & 14 says without God you are without hope. God loves us all, and wants us to live an abundant, full, content life. But without the peace that comes only through Christ and His redemptive power can any one have that peace. The peace of God which comes through salvation will lead to true contentment. To learn more about having a personal relationship with Christ read the following scriptures: John 3:16-17; John 10:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; John 14:6, John 1:12, Ephesian 2:8.

Peace with God, what's next in the search for contentment? As your personal relationship with God grows you learn to trust Him with your life. In this process you learn that God is sovereign so you can trust Him with your life in any circumstance. The sovereignty of God means God is God; He has no equal (Isaiah 40:25). "The earth is the LORD'S, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him" Psalm 24:1.
In God's sovereignty He...

Directs your steps Proverbs 16:9
God's works are perfect, even if He made them "crooked" Ecclesiastes 7:13
God does whatever He pleases, with whom He pleases, and when He pleases Psalm 115:3
No one can change or thwart God's will. He works out every event to accomplish His will Daniel 4:34, 35
God determines whether you can do what you have planned Lamentations 3:37,38

I like to say, "if I can trust God to give me eternal life and save me from the depth of hell, I can certainly trust Him with the "little" day to day issues". Put your confidence in God, trust Him fully and then you can be content with whatever comes into your life. Life can be so much more simple if we can trust it to God, no worries, no concerns. Trust the King of Kings.

Sometimes it is hard to understand what God is doing in your life. Somestimes life brings hurts, grief, sadness, sickness...God does not always explain Himself. Know God has a plan and purpose for your life and He is fulfilling His will in your life. Isaiah 55:8-12 is a favorite passage for me in this area of the soverignty of God, is says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than you thoughts..." Trust the God of heaven.

So, what is going on in your life right now? Things going good, or not so good? How is your attitude? Good, or not so good? Is God in control of your life, are you willing to allow the sovereign God of heaven to work out His plan and purpose for your life. God takes all the good and all the bad experiences in your life to help conform you to the likeness of God, Jesus Christ. Will you allow Him to conform you, make you into His likeness?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaser, to give you a future and a hope." TRUST GOD!

Have faith, submit to God and His Word. You will then find true contentment and be able to rest in God as you learn to TRUST AND OBEY.

2007-06-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

Bible Study is an important way for us as women to grow our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, and to be an encouragement to one another. With the busy schedule so many have, it is often difficult to find a specific day or time to meet on a regular basis. The purpose of this blog is to study the Word together at your convenience each week. You are encouraged to make comments on this blog as you study the lesson. If we each share what the Lord is teaching us by sharing our heart, it will be an encouragement to all who participate.

To COMMENT on a lesson, click on the comments button on the bottom of the lesson. After typing your comments, click on anonymous followed by the publish button. You are able to also read the comments others have published. If you have a personal comment or prayer request, send an e-mail.

"The Secret of Contentment" our first study, is based upon the study book written by Juanita Purcell, published by Regular Baptist Press. The study can be ordered on line by choosing the Regular Baptist Press link on this blog or by calling to place an order at 1.800.727.4440

Each of the studies will be available on this blog, so if you miss one you can always catch-up! I am really excited and looking forward to studying the Word together in this format.

A Daughter of the King,

Patty