Ordinances of Biblical Dress

Recently at Church Pastor preached a message on standards, specifically standards of dress. We both thought it was really good and different from the standard dress message you hear. I thought I would post my notes from that Wednesday night.

Ordinances of Biblical Dress



"Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things,

and keeo the ordinances, as I delivered them to you."

I Cor.11:2

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions

which ye have been taught, whether by word, or by our epistle."

II Thess. 2:15

Traditions: teachings or commands that are handed down.

Principles of Dress:

1. A Sense of Shame
I Tim. 2:9 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness..."
Shamefacedness- a bashfulness, reverence, easily embarassed.
Adorn - To put in proper order, to decorate or trim
Modest - orderly, decorous, of good behavior
Apparel - costume, to put down
Gen. 2:25;3:6-11,21 Adam and Eve were unashamedly naked at first, then embarassed after the fall. Why? Their bodies were completely holy, no sin. There was nothing immoral, or unpure. But after the fall, the holiness left and they obtained bodies of sin. Thus nakedness became a problem because of unclean thoughts and actions. So they tried to fix it by making aprons.
Apron- a loin cloth
An apron didn't cover enough, God made them coats from a slain animal. Blood had to be shed for their sin.
Isaiah. 47:2-3 - nakedness was shameful Lev. chpts 18-20 - speaks of being modest within family
Ex. 28:42-43 - breeches were made to cover the priests nakedness under their robes.



2. A Distinction/Straightness
Deut. 22:5 "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are are abomination unto the Lord thy God."
Yes, people in Bible times all wore robes. But the robes for men and women were different and distinct. And they were commanded not to wear each others clothes. A woman was not to put on her husbands breeches, or his robe. And he wasn't to put on her robe, which would have been longer and automatically identified as a woman's robe. So yes, they both wore robes but there was a distinction between the two.

3.For Chastity
Proverbs 7:10 "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot..."
There's nothing wrong with being attractive, wellgroomed and dressed, but it is wrong to dress seductively. Your dress ought to be holy, pure, and not give anyone opportunity for impure thoughts.

4. Keeping From Strangeness/Worldliness
Zeph. 1:8 "And it shall come to poass in the day of the Lord's sacrifice, that I will punich the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel."
Lev. 19:28 - This goes for piercings and tattoos too.
Strange - like the world does

5. For Glory and Beauty
Ex.28:1-2 (Vs2)- "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy borhter for glory and for beauty."
The clothing for the high priest set him apart to show glory to God.

Ps. 29:2b "...worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Holy dress should be part of our lifestyle and it is a part of our worship to the Lord.



6. Dispell Confusion
I Cor. 14:33, 40 -God is not a God of confusion, but a God of decency and order. Our clothes shouldn't look like we were confused when we put them on. Our God is one of order, design, and laws.

Serving Your Generation

(From June 11)

“For David, after he had served his own generation
By the will of God, fell on sleep…”
Acts 13:36

    Twice now this past week someone has mentioned this verse to me. And for some reason it never stuck out to me before. My sister and I always say that we wish we lived a long time ago, even though the work was hard, life was simple and people were satisfied. But I was talking to my friend while working one day about my desire to start a website to help teen girls with the issues they face. She was saying how God puts us here, in this time period, to reach our generation. In some ways we must come up/ keep up with ways that our generation lives. A website is a prime way for people to be reached in this generation.
     Apparently God felt it important to mention that David reached his generation. And the Bible is still true for us today. May we reach our generation too.

         But how did David serve and reach them?
              And How can we?
Looking at his life just briefly I found some things that stuck out to me.
1. He was faithful and obedient to His father.
       He tended the family sheep(a girl’s job in Bible times) and carried supplies to his brothers.
2. He had courage to stand up to Goliath without protective armour
        He knew this enemy of God needed to be taken care of and he didn’t need anything but God and a strong dose of faith. He is mentioned in Hebrew’s Hall of Faith because of this.
3. He used his talents for God’s Glory
        He played his harp skillfully, first for his sheep and then as a form of comfort for King Saul’s troubled spirit.
        He also wrote or composed the majority of the Psalms which still give comfort today.
4. He had friends that encouraged his to do right
        Jonathon was like a brother, but he was older than David. He gave us his position with out a fight - so David could do God’s will.
5. He tried not to abuse his position
         He was king and could have let his position pull him away from the Lord. Instead he prepared to build the Temple (furthering the work of God)
6. He knew how to confess and forsake when he sinned
         He did abuse his position but not going to war, seeing Bathsheba bathing, killing Uriah, and marrying Bathsheba, but we was convicted, he confessed,  and he was restored.
7. He Fought and was a man of war
          David had to conquer the land, defeat the worldliness. He knew God didn’t want His children influenced by the pagan customs and lifestyle.
8. He was a man of God with Convictions
       God called him a man after God’s own heart and we know he was chosen, not because of the outward appearance but because of his heart.
9 He did great things for God
       Battles were won, preparations were made for the Temple, songs were written, God was glorified, and he raised Solomon to be the next, and wisest king.

There are more things I know, but the point is: David’s generation could see what he lived for and he served/ reached them. Esther had her generation to serve “For such a time as this.: (Esther 4:14)       

                              How will I serve and reach my generation?
                                       How will you?

A Well Seasoned Life

One of my favorite t.v. shows to watch is the Waltons. I love the earlier seasons more so than the later, but the more I watch it the more I notice the love between Grandpa and Grandma Walton. Now I don’t base my life on t.v. shows but I think that God can use anything to get your attention and teach you a lesson.
On one of the episodes the other day Grandpa made a comment to John Boy that Esther was a “well-seasoned wife.” Grandma was standing nearby and when John Boy left she walked over to Grandpa and demanded what he meant by that phrase. Grandpa’s words were priceless. “Like a fine tree, Esther, that’s endured all wind and weather and still stands in beauty.”
That line made me really think. I want to be a well seasoned wife for Matthew. I want to radiate godly beauty now and 50 years from now after we’ve weathered all sorts of trials and tests. I want to be the best wife I can be, filled with the Spirit and made strong by the power of God.
There are so many things I want to be as a wife.

• I want to be a wife like the Virtuous Woman that my husband can trust, that will bring him good all his life, that makes him known to all for the blessing he is, that cares for him. Proverbs 31


• I want to be a fruitful vine for him bringing beauty and fruitfulness into his life. Psalm 128:3


• I want Matthew to be able to rejoice in me, thanking God for bringing me into his life. Proverbs 5:18


• I want to be his “good thing” Proverbs 18:22


• I want to be a prudent wife for him, being wise with my time and resources. Proverbs 19:14


• I want him to want to cleave to his wife Matthew 10:7


• I want to please my God and my Husband in all that I do I Corinthians 7:34


• I want it to be easy and a pleasure for him to fulfill his command as a husband- to love me. Ephesians 5:25


• I want to reverence and honor him Ephesians 5:33

These are the guideline I want to follow to be the wife God wants me to be. In order to become that “well-seasoned” wife I’m going to need to gear up with the Word of God to survive the trials and tests that come.
You never know what God will use to speak to your heart.

Old Love

Is there anything more beautiful in life than a young couple

clasping hand and pure hearts in the path of marriage?

Can there be anything more beautiful than

young love?

Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path.

Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped;

Their faces are seamed, but still radient;

Their hearts are physically bowed and tired,

but still strong in love and devotion for one another.

Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love.

Old love

Being A Girl Who Serves Notes

The following are points taken from a book that I recently read that was an encouragement to me, Being a Girl Who Serves by Shannon Kubiak Primicerio. I will put a disclaimer in and say that I don’t agree with everything she says and she doesn’t use the right Bible version but in all it was a really good book and help me put some things back in line.

• True servant hood is a lifestyle and a lifelong commitment. A servant who trusts their master is always going to be more willing to serve.
• Life becomes exciting when we dare to take risks that count for something.
• What are we risking out lives for? Because everything in life is a risk. Be sure that in the risks you take you aren’t rash in your decisions. It’s little steps of obedience that prepare you for bigger ones. The places God asks us to go and the things He asks us to do may not always be earth shattering but they will make an impact.
• God uses those who are out there moving and searching because they have no plans of their own.
• God gives us talents and gifts to use to serve Him, not lie dormant. He has a purpose for the things He made you good at.
• Insecurity is a form of pride- dwelling on what we can or cannot do or what people will think of us.
• Sometimes we are called to serve in places that make us uncomfortable, and pride keeps us from doing God’s will.
• Many times it’s what we don’t want to do that God has for us. Don’t refuse to stoop and have God force you to stoop!
• So many hope they have to courage to die for Christ but they won’t even live for Him now.
• Mary and Martha both had a servants heart. Take times to be still and know God rather than rushing around like a maniac. Great peace and joy come from sitting at His feet. Before you can serve you must sit. Forget about everything and everyone and spend time with Christ.
• How often do we look for someone to serve? Three things a servant of God should do when serving: 1). Call them by name, 2). Put them at ease, 3). Give them a place of belonging.

The Consequences of Complaining

I was praying the other day and the Lord brought something to mind. I was convicted lately about complaining and this is the thought the Lord gave me:
The Israelites were known for their grumbling and complaining in the wilderness. God had taken them from Egypt with the promise of the land flowing with milk and honey; all they had to do was follow Him. Yet, what did they do? Murmur and complain
*See Exodus 16:7-12, 17:3 and Numbers 14:1-4, 26-34 They complained about not having food, then water, and then that they were going to be defeated by their enemies. They complained to Moses and Aaron, who in turn said “Hey! Why are you complaining to us? We are just doing what God tells us! You aren’t complaining about our decisions, you are complaining about God’s” (Yes, this is my paraphrased version.)
Think of the results of their complaining. God didn’t allow them to go into the Promised Land, He killed them off. They ruined their chance of the greatest blessings of God by complaining, they saw God work and lead, yet still they complained.

Now to the practical application:
God has led me to this college and He’s “called” me to study here because it’s going to prepare me for the Promised Land later. But if I keep sitting around murmuring and complaining about the changes I don’t like I’m not complaining about the authorities’ decisions in my life, I’m complaining about God’s decisions!
I may miss out on the greatest blessings of God because I repeatedly disobey with my complaining. So, I can stop and have the chance to see the Promised Land (God’s specific will for me later) or I can keep complaining and risk the chance of God taking me out. He may not do it physically but I may never get to do His specific will for my life because I will not trust the way He is leading. Quite a sobering thought.
So, my challenge is: Will you continue complaining when you think about the severe consequences of it against our God?
Just remember that complaining about one thing in your life leads to complaining about everything in your life. It’s like a disease, but Praise the Lord it’s curable!

Benefits of the Will of God

Colossians 1:9-14
Paul was telling the Colossians that he was praying for them to find God’s will and do it. When we find God’s will and do it there are some things that may come with our obedience:
1. You’ll be walking worthy of the Lord – When we do His will we are pleasing Him and accepting what He’s told us to do.
2. You’ll be fruitful in all you do – Now you might not see the fruit, but your labor is not in vain.
3. You’ll grow closer to the Lord – Your knowledge of Him will increase which will strengthen your relationship with Him.
4. You’ll be strengthened – God gives strength to the weary, strength to those who are afraid, and strength those who are weak.
Eph. 3:20 – We have the power to see God do above and beyond the normal with His strength and power.
5. You’ll be given strength in patience ad you’ll have joy while showing it – We are never patient all the time, there is always at least one area where we are lacking in patience. But it is possible to suffer through things and still have joy.
6. You’ll realize all you have to give thanks for – Did you ever stop to think of all God’s given you? He’s given so much, Thank Him!
What are some things to be thankful for?
a. He’s given us eternal life
b. He’s delivered us from Satan and will continue to do so
c. He’s given us a home in Heaven
d. He’s bought us with His blood and call us His brethren
e. He’s forgiven us of all sins – past, present, and future.

The real question is: why don’t people want to do the will of God when there are so many benefits from doing it?

*originally taken from a journal entry from September 2008*

Challenge to College Students

My Dearest College Students,
If there were one bit of wisdom I could impart to you as you start this journey of college it would be to keep your focus on the Lord, letting nothing sway you or distract you from Him. I’ve been to college and lost my focus on the Lord. Freshman year of college was new and exciting to me, I was the shy girl, just observing everyone around me. By my second semester I had warmed up to my surroundings, loving every part of college, even learning. But seemingly without my notice my eyes slipped and the Lord wasn’t my main focus. The more I became friends with those around me the more I cared about them and their lives. By my second year of college other things came into my life that were not right at the time and further distracted me from the Lord. Oh, I still read my Bible and prayed and served in my ministries but not with my whole heart. After my second year I didn’t expect my plans to change, I would be back in the fall to finish my schooling. Little did I know that God had other plans. A ministry opportunity arose, teaching three missionary children while their parents attended language school. Someone volunteered my name, so I said I’d pray about it but I had no intention of giving up my plans. I fought it, I did not want to go across the ocean and teach, I didn’t even have my degree! I heard college horror stories of how people that drop out for a year most times don’t return. I didn’t want that, I loved college. But during a camp service where I was a counselor that summer the Lord got a hold of my heart and I surrendered. Two months later I was across the ocean teaching children without a college degree, but I was right where God wanted me. It was there that He revealed to me that my focus was not on Him and Him only. My God became so real to me, my Bible, my greatest comfort. The Lord had to take me across the world to get my attention, but it worked and college now is so different. You see He knew how much I love college and He has allowed me to come back and finish what I started but I came into this year with a new focus. “I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Ps. 16:8. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way, start your college years with the right focus, so you can end your years of college with the right focus.

Joy when God says “No”

Have you ever found yourself praying fervently about a situation and God says “No”? How many times have you been upset that they Lord told you “No”? We’ve all done it, it’s because our human flesh wants it’s own way.
This past week I was praying for direction from God over a situation. I really wanted direction from God, I didn’t care what He chose, I just really wanted an answer. I had been reading about giving everything to the Lord; every desire, plan, thought, everything. And I did, I gave it all to the Lord. I was still praying about it but not dwelling on it.
On Monday I received an answer from the Lord. During my devotions I read about how we give everything in our life as an offering, sacrificing it to the Lord. Sometimes He takes it and never gives it back, other times He takes it like He did with Abraham and Isaac and gives it back to us. He just wants to know we are willing. Later that morning during chapel I got a direct answer from the Lord saying “No, not now”. He was impressing upon my heart, “I care about your situation, and I want to give you my best, but that best you want is not now.” It was amazing that God answered so directly and I knew that it was Him, not myself.
The best part was the peace and joy that came with hearing the answer of “No”. Most times when someone tells us “No” it upset us and we just have a hard time accepting it. But with God we have the free will to choose how we respond to His direction; we can readily accept it or rebelliously reject it. Why do we always seem to reject it? There is such a phenomenal amount of happiness that we gain when we accept His will for our own. I was just rejoicing that day, literally my heart was overflowing that my Father had answered, and He even said “No”. But I knew it was from Him and that made all the difference in the world.

What's Stopping You?

Have you ever gone somewhere like college or camp or some conference and you felt like you were right in the will of God? You had joy and peace and you were contented where God had you. You were in awe of your God. But then when you go home you feel that at times you can't even figure out where God is and why it seems He left you.
I don't know about you but I definitely feel this way sometimes. Especially when I am here at college. I'm learning, growing, serving, falling, getting back up, but when I go home I feel like I'm struggling. Greer and I were talking about this last night, trying to figure why it is we feel that way(and no we don't run by our feelings) and I'm going try to explain what we found out.
When we are here at school we are in the Word of God all the time, and we set out schedules. If we feel overwhelmed and just need to be with God, we just sit with our Bible and read and pray. We don't even have to go to another room, the others just know they wanted to spend some time with God. Now when I say this I'm referring to times other than you normal everyday devotions which you should have everyday. We also established at the beginning of the semester that between 10-10:15 we start a wind-down mode. By 10:30 we are all reading our Bible or another "self-helps" book, this helps us at the end of the day get our thoughts re-focused on the Lord before we go to sleep. We forget the troubles of the day and think on Him.
Greer and I both have the same struggle: when we go home, we love our families, and there are those times when we want to be alone with the Lord, yet we don't want to be rude to our families and just go hide somewhere. Neither of us have our own room, we share it with siblings, making it difficult to find a place at night to read. But we realized that we have to learn to find other times to get alone with God, God will present them.
We've got to learn to deal with our situations because this could be God preparing us for the future when we have families of our own and we can't just run away and hide, though I'm sure we will want to at times. We've got to find ways to keep that peace and joy of being in God's will real in our lives no matter where we are.
These were just some thoughts on it, I might post more about it later, once I ponder on it more.

Our outward obedience
is a show of
our inward love for God.

Giving Up What I Want

I was reading the biography of Hudson Taylor yesterday and was amazed by his life. One thing really stuck out to me and reminded me of some things.
Hudson Taylor had not yet left for China, he was preparing and while he was he fell in love with one of his sister's friends. They got to know each other for a while but apparently she wasn't willing to go to China with him. Hudson has a choice to make: follow God's call or follow his heart. Every person longs to find that someone who seems to complete them. But Hudson knew to do God's will was far better, so he chose China. Then all seemed to go wrong and it looked like he would be stuck at home, some might say "He could marry the girl! ". Instead he said, "My hope is in God alone, I need no other." He wasn't going to marry her, he was going to keep trusting God to send him to China, which God did in His timing.
I just though it was neat and a powerful reminder that all of us long to have someone, like I said earlier. But if God calls us to do something, we need to be willing to leave those longings or even that someone(if we've found them) behind and follow Him. If God calls me to teach missionary children for the rest of my life I've go to sacrifice those longings for that special person I hope to meet someday.
I don't know, maybe this will help you, it sure helped me.

A Lesson From Germany

Spending time with my family yesterday got me to thinking about one of the biggest things I learned while I was over in Germany. I seemed to have forgotten some of the things I learned. How could I forget? It's a good thing I wrote in a journal everyday, so I'll never forget it. But back to the lesson I learned...

While in Germany I was away from my family and friends, of course. Though the Robinson's were wonderful and I called home twice a week it still wasn't the same as being with my family. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my family and spend much time with them. And I love and missed my friends, you know who you are: you're there to encourage me, rebuke me, love me, and care about me. Being away from everyone though was just what the Lord knew I needed.

You see, I realized how much I had taken my family for granted. Hard to believe, isn't it? I also learned that not even your friends or family could be there for you all the time, and know just the right thing to say to you.But, I found a friend that I seemed to have taken for granted. He was there with me, always telling me the exact thing I needed. He fights for me, loves me, cares for me unconditionally. Yes, the Lord became my best friend, I could talk to Him about everything, things I couldn't even tell friends. He knew what was in my heart even if I couldn't find the way to say it. I learned to fully rely on Him. He showed me how precious my family was and how I had taken them for granted, how I let things come between us. I cared more about my friends and their lives than my own family. The realization that my family and my Lord were the only real best friends in this world hit hard. No matter what I say, think, and do, good or bad, I know that I can always go to them. They are there and will forgive me for anything. They understand me better than anyone else ever will. They're there for me no matter what. I still love those of you close friends, but I realized you all will be moving on in your lives, we may drift apart, but my family and my Lord are always there.

So just a quick challenge: Are you taking your family for granted? Do care more for your friends than you family and your Lord? Let your Lord and your family be your best friends, the ones you go to first.

Singleness Poem

I have so many things I want to post while I can, but right now I'll just post this poem I read that was a blessing to me. So it's dedicated to all those out there who are single still.

The Single Gift
How blessed you are, you single one,

Don't talk of care and woes.

You've got too much to be thankful for,

Oh, what, you'd like to know.

It's no mistake, no misdirection

Of God's perfect plan

That you've not found your special lady

Or you, that certain man.

God loves you so and has much more

To give you than you've ever received.

That He's giving His best to you right now,

You really must believe.

His best is in Himself, do you have it in full

Or only a bit on the side.

No man can meet your needs like God,

Nor can a lovely bride.

If your life's not complete, you know that Jesus is

And your life He will fulfill

If you'll only put Him first each day

And live to do His will.

He's gifted you for undistracted

Devotion to the Lord.

There should be nothing that can interfere

With Him and prayer and the Word.

Unless you let down the guard of your heart

And let others take His place,

Then you'll lack joy and peace and hope

And not experience His grace.

So give your heart right back to God,

Let Him keep it safe for you.

And when its better then is best,

He'll make your one into two.

Donna L. Mihura

Message for Singles

Last weeks my pastor preached a really great message for singles and their parents. It was entitled Finding a Marriage Partner.

Ephesians 6:1-3

Some are making the process( immoral lifestyle, courtship, betrothal, dating, ect...) too big of a deal. We need to forget the process and stick to what the Bible says.

1. Build a good relationship with your parents. They are your authority given by God. If they are Christians, they really want the best for you. Heed their instruction by humble faith. Listen! Give parents the highest regard of counsel in your life . Prov. 1:8 - There's a problem with children not listening to their parents. Parents must spend time with their children, you must have a close relationship with each other.
2. Learn now the skills you will need to be a good husband and wife. Prepare now, not after. Learn the qualities now. *Ladies: Titus 2:4-5, Keep a good spirit of live- you set the spirit/tone of the home, keep laundry washed, make beds, clean dishes, clean the house, prepare meals, shop frugally, budget, keep garden sew, serve your dad and brothers, care for children, homeschool, clear up any debt, save money, keep your body clean and neat. *Men: Budget, work skills, house and car in good repair, pick up after yourself, show respect and consideration, provide security, clear up debt, get a house ready, ask your father and godly men for advice.
3. The man is the pursuer and not the woman Song of Solomon- the woman waits Proverbs- the strange woman seeks Issac and Rebekah- both were obedient and waited and God provided.
4. Commit your desire for a partner to the Lord. Psalm 37:5 Do you really believe the Bible? God has to bring it together, trust Him to take are of it. Don't be impatient! Keep busy serving and praying. Serving ought to dominate your life, not being anxious about the "who". Be content while you are single. Phil. 4:11 - Give everything to the Lord. Surrender it all to His glory.
5. Never consider an unbeliever fro a mate. II Corinthians 6:14-17- be resolved that y0u will not even consider it. Some say they are saved but they aren't. Do you have a fervent desire to serve the Lord? Don't start a relationship with someone less than that! I Corinthians 7:39 - only those who are saved. Father knows best!
6. Work with and through your parents Samson did, and so did Isaac and Jacob. Amnon didn't, instead he listen to his wicked friend. Pray together, it's a godly decision. It will affect your family for the rest of your life. Discuss it with each other frequently. Have a relationship with each other and be willing to let your parents have control. If they say "no" then drop it and trust them.
7. Keep the relationship pure ICor. 6:13 - God made each of us unique and to be saved for marriage. I Cor. 6:18 - Only a fool. Romans 12:1 - Not our minds, our bodies. Run away from any temptation . Watch what you put into your mind. Eph. 5:3 - not once among us I Thess. 4:3 - Abstain from fornication

Only a rebel fights against God's will. I Thess. 5:22 - What does it look like? Stay away from the wrong crowd, the dark. Stay chaperoned at all times. Keep your relationship pure. As a teen to fail this is to ruin your life, as a parent to fail it to ruin your children's life.

How can we Do the Will of God?

The following is from a sermon preached by my pastor. Sunday nights he has started a series on the Lord's will for young people and for parents to help their young people. I was transferring this to my devotional and I thought that it was really good and might help someone. I know I read anything I can on finding the Lord's will.

How can we do the Will of God?

When we do understand what God wants us to do, Just do it!

1. God reveals His will to us one step at a time

Job 23:10 - We need to be praying; pray and ask Him to show you.

2. Each step requires obedience

Are we really willing to obey what He says?

3. What God orders God provides for.

God can take anything and use it to make our needs. God's will begins as a walk of faith,

we can't see ahead. He isn't going to let us down!

Heb. 10:36- God's going to take care of you

Gen. 22:7-8 - the devil is going to cause you to doubt once you've found God's will for you.

Just get out and do it! Put your faith into action!

Matt. 7:21 - It's all talk until we do it.

Gen. 22:13-14 - Jehovah Jirah, the Lord sees and provides

John 6:35, Phil. 4:19 - What God orders God provides for.

4. Do the things that you've learned!

Phil. 4:9 - Reading your Bible, keep praying, keep trusting the Lord!

Ps. 40:8 - We must delight in it- Christ doesn't give us fear. Have joy in your heart!

I Will Follow

Mac Lynch

I will follow Thee, My Savior,

Where'er the pathway may go:

Through the storm or throught the valley

Or through great Trials so low.

I will live for Thee, my Savior,

Tho' war and strife mark the way.

I'm so weak, but Thou are mighty,

So live through me day by day.

I surrender all, my Savior,

I hold no thing back from Thee;

Every part is Thine to use, Lord,

Thy living sacrifice be.

I rest in Thee, trust in Thee,

I place my life in Thy hands.

I will follow Thee, my Savior;

Lead on, my Shepherd, lead on.

Lesson from a Single's Activity

We had a singles activity last Thursday and Mr. Serafin(he hosted our activity at his house) gave a challenge that made a lot of sense and all of us singles deal with it.
Genesis one is the creation of the world, and how after everything that the Lord made He said, "it was good." And on the sixth day He said "it was very good." God created it all, it was perfect.
In chapter two the Lord created man, but there is an interesting thing mentioned in verse eighteen that, "It is not good that man should be alone;"(Vs.18) First God made everything and said it was very good and then He made man and said it wasn't good for him to be alone. So He brought a woman along in His timing, mind you, and it was all good again. God has someone for everyone, except for those who are serving the Lord in areas that a relationship doesn't seem to be the wisest. But we can know that it isn't good for most of us to go through life alone. Two heads are better than one. So much more can be done, when two people are serving the Lord together. Anyway, I thought this was interesting, hope is may have touch someone else's life.

Resting In His Will

I was reading a pamphlet the other day called The Joy of Resting In The will of God. I had a lot of good points, so I thought I would post it. I know how much I love reading things on God's will. So I will post some of the thoughts.

When Christ was in the garden and Peter chopped off the soldiers ear Jesus said this, "Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:11 The Lord gives us all a "cup" to drink of, that's His will. But there are some things about the cup.

1. It is a Planned Cup ~ It isn't an accident what the Lord gives us, He's known His plan for us even before we were born. "The One who is perfect in wisdom has planned all the cups of life." But sometimes we don't like the cup and we feel it is bitter. "Never forget, however, it is the cup, no matter how distasteful it may seems, that my Father has given me. God is my Father and as such will allow nothing to come into my life that is not good for me."

2. It is a Personal Cup ~ No one Jesus could drink His cup, and no one else can drink the cup that God has specifically poured for us. These are God's specific plans for each one of us.

3. It is a Bitter Cup ~ Christ took the sin of the whole world, He who knew no sin. But He didn't shrink from this great task he had to perform. Sometime we will have bitter cups, those times when a loved one passes away or some other tragedy happens to us. I Peter 4:12 "We will have cups of suffering, as well as cups of blessing."

4. It is a Measured Cup ~ Some times we feel like we have too much, we can't handle what God has given us. But remember, "Its contents are measured and limited by divine omniscience. He knows how much we can take." I Cor. 10:13

5. It needs to be an Accepted Cup ~ "This is the key to Christian joy --the repudation of my will and the acceptance of His will." we may think we know what is best for us, but really we don't, God knows best. Ps 18:30 "The acceptance of God's perfect will has a very practical outcome.
a. There is constant joy because I know I am in my Savior's will.
b. There is constant courage when facing life's trials because I know I am in His hands.
c. There is constant peace. John 14:27