Alright Ladies, grab a pen, journal, and Bible. Let’s inscribe God’s Word together. For the month of April we will be journaling through the book of Galatians. So much gold in this book.
2. The audience: groups of churches within the Roman providence of Galatia. (In Acts 13, 14, & 16 You can read more about Paul’s missionary trips in Galatia)
3. The meaning and message: “Is a person saved by faith alone, or by a combination of faith plus works? Paul’s letter to the Galatians proclaims that salvation is through faith alone. It also emphasizes freedom in Christ to live by the power of the spirit, knowing that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. So we are truly free, not to serve our sinful nature, but to love and serve our Lord and others.”
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”
We recently began a study of 2 Timothy with Beth Moore's latest study Entrusted. In it she encourages handwriting each verse in the book. But before I get to that, I re-read chapter 2. I had forgotten how rich this single chapter is. Choosing one verse or concept to share is unfair to whole of it. So here it is:
“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
I highly encourage you to handwrite scripture too. Choose a book, stick to a chapter, or if all you've got is time for a verse—just do it. It's proven to be both therapeutic and fortifying in my life.
All of us are too inexperienced to try to make it through life without a guide. God’s Word is that guide. Psalm 119 unfolds the manifold features of God’s Word, showing how dynamically and practically it will assist us in all of life’s circumstances. But no single verse focuses this more clearly than verse 105, which shows how God’s Word lights the way, giving direction for each step (“to my feet”) and giving wisdom for long-range plans (“to my path”).
Joshua links the regular application of God’s Word to life as the most certain way to both success and prosperity in living (Josh. 1:8). Further, Psalm 119:130 notes the wisdom God’s Word gives to the “simple,” reminding us not to make decisions based on human delusion or outright senselessness. Also, Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that the reproofs of God are essential and for life.
Let God’s Word guide, correct, instruct, lead, teach, and confirm. Do not hasten ahead without it—ever.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life. Proverbs 6:23
Christmas is almost here and I am so excited. Gift giving/recieving is my numero uno love language. I love shopping and selecting gifts for those I love. You are not the exception! I have a Christmas gift for you too. Today's post was written by my lovely friend Stephanie for you. She's no stranger to Living As A Lily, here is the link to her Thanksgiving post from 2012 that'll give you a little history: click HERE. Go make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, with lots of marshmallows, and unwrap what Stephanie and Jesus have prepared for you!
I am so honored Raquel invited me to write on her blog! When she first asked, I quickly responded, “YES!” Not having any idea what to write about, I took a leap of faith and trusted God would reveal exactly what He wanted me to share on this blog. After a couple of days, I knew exactly what to write about, and so here it goes…
Summer of 2013 was when I first found out I was going to start my career as a 1st grade teacher. I was filled with excitement but so much more with FEAR. Fear of the unknown! And so, I began my career where I almost immediately fell in love with those 1st graders. Not only were they amazing, but so was the administration and my coworkers. After a very short time (1 month and a half), I quit! Yup, I quit! (If you know me, you know I’m not a quitter)
Well, within that short amount of time of teaching, I struggled so much with fear and anxiety. Endless nights of not sleeping because my mind would not shut up. I felt like I needed everything to be perfect and so rather than allowing myself to plan, do the best that I can, and “let it go” (yes, I totally quoted Frozen), I drove myself insane. (I seemed to have forecasted the rest of my life based off of one moment) I lost a great amount of weight, I disconnected myself from almost everyone, my faith in God was lost, etc. which led me all to a deep depression. My family, fiancé, and friends were all extremely concerned about me.
I remember the day that I quit. I felt like a complete failure. I felt like I lost my identity. Even now as I write this, my eyes fill up with tears because the way I felt that day and even months after, was THE hardest time of my life. Now please don’t judge me. I understand God has blessed me with SO MUCH, but at that time, I did NOT have the right perspective and was completely lost. I felt like my identity was in my career (I now know my identity is found in Christ and Christ alone; He defines me) and once I lost that, I felt a great amount of anguish.
Almost my entire life, I thought I was created to be a teacher. I had all these plans set for my life. You would think that I had already learned my lesson about FULLY trusting God and letting Him do as He pleases (you can read more about thise HERE).
Almost 6 months later, I figured it all out. I had all these plans, but God had His ultimate plan and I could not be happier. His purpose did prevail (as it always does) and I found my niche in life and that is to be a Middle School teacher. (I know, I’m crazy, but there is something so special about the middle school students) I won’t bore you with the details as to how I got to this point in my life, but its crazy how all along God had been molding me.
God is able to do “exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all that we could ask or think.” I believe this and because I do I will trust Him, take Him at His word, keep on moving forward. I will fight fear by declaring the promises found in God's word over my life. I have learned a lot and I've shared all of this to strengthen you. I encourage you to make plans in your heart, and get moving, but give God room to direct your steps. Make plans, but keep them fluid. Don’t make them concrete! Allow God to flexibility with those plans, to move them around if needed, to line up those desires to His Word and will. A lot of us sit around waiting for direction from God, but He is waiting for you to draw near to Him. Do step out in faith! Filled with the Holy Spirit you can take gutsy risks on the desires of your heart. Get those feet moving as He leads you.
God is the keeper of your heart and will protect it. He will inspire, encourage, nurture, and breathe new life when needed. Dream big! Make plans! Get moving! He's got you!
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1
God led me to do the unexpected. Out of my very mouth unimaginable words poured forth, "I'm stepping down." Say What?!?! Who... Me... Yes! And there I sat, in tears, knowing that these very words were not spoken by my will but by God's very Spirit.
You see, I'm not an educated person like most of my peers. I didn't go to college. I have no degree, or even an AA. And though I had no title to define me, I was defined by service and ministries.
In a very inconspicuous way, these works were idols in my life. I was going to church to serve, and without notice my attendance for God alone was less and less. Don't get me wrong, I didn't drift from God. On the contrary, my service was for Him. But I was all works and neglectful of my own heart. The words of Jesus echo loudly to me concerning Mary, "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.
The next day I sat in my car crying. I doubted that God had spoken through me. I was afraid that this decision was the wrong one. I feared that this decision would affect my youth girls and the various ministries I was involved in. Worst of all, was I trusting God or cowardly running? I wept bitterly. At that moment I knew I needed to hear from God. I read from Jack Hayford's YouVersion Plan, Praise In The Presence of God:
God never demands a sacrifice for the divine pleasure of smelling its aroma or because He needs us to tickle His pride. The objective is our release—our growth.
God asked Abraham to offer Isaac. Not to exploit Abraham’s emotions or to destroy Isaac, but to take away forever Abraham’s fear that God might not have his best interest at heart. Only in worship do we draw close enough to discern God’s true nature and loving heart.
God gave Abraham no immediate monetary reward for worshiping Him, but the reward was immensely grander—God Himself! (Jack Hayford)
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:1
God was asking me that very moment to willingly offer my works. Not to exploit my emotions or to destroy these ministries but to take away forever my fear that God might not have His best interest at heart. It was in fact through this act of worship that I have been able to draw close enough to discern God's nature and loving heart. He has been my shield these past few months, my exceedingly great reward.
The sacrifice was more than just stepping down from serving at church. It meant seeking a place of refuge where He would restore, revive, and renew me. Even I can recognize that old habits don't die so easily. I prayed for God's guidance and He provided such a place. Remember, God's objective through our sacrifice is our growth. And I have been growing. That is something beautiful that can not be taken from me.
I can't put to words all that He has been revealing to me, or even what He is stirring in my heart. But I can tell you this, He is making me new.
Labels: birthday series, birthday surprise, church, doubt, exceedingly great reward, fear, great reward, happy birthday, I'm Back, make me knew, mary and martha, ministry, sacrifice, service, surrender, works
This fragrance free, light-weight lotion is perfect for hydrating the skin and is even more powerful when combined with the essential oil or blend of your choice. The way to silky, smooth skin lies in the perfect blend of antioxidants, botanicals, and important humectants. Extracts of cruciferous vegetables contribute to the formula's ability to help build the skin's natural protection and environmental defenses.
Promo #2: Product of the Month: Current wholesale members earn a free 15ml bottle of Cedarwood with your 125pv LRP order placed between May 1-15. Known for promoting clear, healthy looking skin, Cedarwood has a warm, woody, balsamic fragrance that promotes relaxation.
Promo #3: A Refreshing Twist: Earn a free 5ml of Cardamom, 15 ml of Breathe oil, Breathe Vapor Stick and Breathe Respiratory Drops (retail value of $91.99) by placing any 200 PV order from May 1 through May 31, 2016. For more details, follow this link.
Photo: Glazier House, ca. 1912, 1043 10th Avenue, Greeley, CO. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Photographed by User:Jeffrey Beall (own work), 2012, [cc-by-3.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons, accessed February, 2016.
The Greeley Daily Tribune was first published in 1870, the same year the town of Greeley was founded, inextricably linking the newspaper's and the town's beginnings. The Greeley Daily Tribune was established by New York editor Nathan Meeker, who also founded the town.
Meeker was born to an affluent family in Ohio in 1817 and graduated from Oberlin College in 1840. Then as now, Oberlin was a place friendly to radical ideas, and Meeker became intrigued with the Utopian plans advocated by the French philosopher Francois Fourier. In 1844, he joined the "Trumbull Phalanx" in Ohio. The "Trumbull Phalanx" was an agricultural co-operative community based on Fourier's concepts. He remained at the "Trumbull Phalanx" into the 1850s. Moving to New York in 1865, Meeker became the agricultural editor of the New York Tribune. In his columns, Meeker championed the idea of establishing agricultural co-operatives in the American West. In 1869, Meeker, with the support of his boss, Horace Greeley, the editor-in-chief of the widely read New York daily newspaper, announced plans to start a co-operative in the Colorado Territory. The group, called the Union Colony, was organized at a meeting at New York's Cooper Institute. Meeker offered membership in the Union Colony "for sale to temperance men of good character."
In 1870, the Union Colony group came to the banks of the Cache la Poudre River and set up the town, naming it Greeley in honor of Meeker's former boss and mentor. On arriving at the settlement Meeker immediately built an adobe house for himself and his wife and daughter. The Meeker Home, a simple adobe Italianate style residence, still stands at 1324 9th Avenue near downtown Greeley. It has been a house museum since 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Meeker founded a number of Greeley institutions that first year including opening a post office, establishing a museum, and not surprising, considering his career as a newspaperman, a newspaper. The Greeley Daily Tribune was named after the New York Tribune. The script style used for the typeface of the title of the Greeley Daily Tribune was designed by Greeley himself. It was modeled after the typeface used for the New York Tribune. The Greeley Daily Tribune still uses this Greeley-designed typeface for its title today.