What is a friend? A friend is someone who you can entrust with your inner most secrets and you know that the secret will never leave their lips. A friend is someone you may not talk to on a daily basis but is there for you when you call. A friend is someone who is honest with you and will, as we say, keep it 100 and knows that keeping it 100 doesn't mean be hurtful or insensitive with your words.
Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
A true friend is one who may hurt you at times for your own good.
Proverbs 27:6 The kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend.
Not many women have "true" friends. Or...or the characteristics of what they consider a friend should hold are diluted. Since childhood, I, for good reason, did not consider many people my friend. However, throughout life, I've also heard many people call others their friend just to have that "friend" gossip about them behind their backs...be it true or false statements that are being made.
And truth be told, I've had the very thing done to me. However, and thank God, I've had the discernment to determine who are true friends and who are not. And those who are not...only hold the title of being "associates". I am learning now that it is not only important to clarify your definition of friend but to also learn to associate myself with godly people. Know those who are in your circle and do not hesitate to eliminate those that do not fit the qualifications of a true God fearing friend.
As women, we love having friends. Therefore, it is very easy for us to consider just about anyone who smiles and laughs with us our girlfriend. Its sad that in this world we can't allow all to be friends. Be Godly, be courteous and cordial, and mostly be CAUTIOUS!
Please feel free to share your experiences with "friends". Thank you and be blessed.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Gossip
We see that God's next priority for women touches on the matter of gossip. I believe from time to time we as women are involved in gossip and we don't realize it.
Because gossip inevitably will affect us one way or another and because it is easy for a conversation to turn into gossip, it would be beneficial to learn what God thinks of gossip, its effects, and how we can show godly examples in our speech.
1 Timothy 5:13---Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.
Idle tale bearing and constant conversation about others is a characteristic of many unbelievers. Still as believers we should not indulge in these conversations but instead, engage in encouraging words to build others up rather than tear them down.
Malicious gossip is vindictive and slanderous speech often stems from a bitter, unforgiving heart.
I know many of us don't feel like we engage in malicious gossip. But if you have ever made an unkind statement about a brother/sister in Christ; repeated something about someone else that was false or at least not completely true or juiced up a story to try to make a person look bad, then you have engaged in slander and malicious gossip. This too can be doe even if you are only thinking it and not saying a word.
2 Timothy 2:23---Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments because you know they produce quarrels.
Those critical thoughts produce a quarrelsome spirit in us and this is not how God wants us to act.
The words we speak come from our hearts, which is why we must make the content of our thoughts a priority.
The quickest way to undermine unity, harmony and fellowship among believers is to engage in the lies and deceitful whisperings of gossip. Instead, we are urged to preserve the unity of the Holy Spirit by walking in a manner worthy of our calling with humility, gentleness, and patience.
Eph. 4:1-3
Because gossip inevitably will affect us one way or another and because it is easy for a conversation to turn into gossip, it would be beneficial to learn what God thinks of gossip, its effects, and how we can show godly examples in our speech.
1 Timothy 5:13---Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.
Idle tale bearing and constant conversation about others is a characteristic of many unbelievers. Still as believers we should not indulge in these conversations but instead, engage in encouraging words to build others up rather than tear them down.
Malicious gossip is vindictive and slanderous speech often stems from a bitter, unforgiving heart.
I know many of us don't feel like we engage in malicious gossip. But if you have ever made an unkind statement about a brother/sister in Christ; repeated something about someone else that was false or at least not completely true or juiced up a story to try to make a person look bad, then you have engaged in slander and malicious gossip. This too can be doe even if you are only thinking it and not saying a word.
2 Timothy 2:23---Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments because you know they produce quarrels.
Those critical thoughts produce a quarrelsome spirit in us and this is not how God wants us to act.
The words we speak come from our hearts, which is why we must make the content of our thoughts a priority.
The quickest way to undermine unity, harmony and fellowship among believers is to engage in the lies and deceitful whisperings of gossip. Instead, we are urged to preserve the unity of the Holy Spirit by walking in a manner worthy of our calling with humility, gentleness, and patience.
Eph. 4:1-3
How we should respond to slander/gossip
1. First, console yourself knowing you are in good company. Jesus said you are blessed if people insult you and say false things about you.
2. Know that nothing can happen to you without God's approval.
3. The best way to dispel disagreements or misunderstandings is to simply go to the person.
4. Always respond in a Godly manner. When we are insulted and reviled we are to give a blessing, which will bring shame upon those who slander and falsely accuse us.
Psalm 34:13 tells us to keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking deceit. Understand, it is not ok to use ungodly speech. The Bible makes it clear in Romans 1:28-32 that those who make a habit in gossiping and slandering others actually hate God. We don't want to bring shame on the name of Christ by speaking like unbelievers.
The key to learning how to control our tongues is to spend less time in the flesh and more time walking in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 assures us that when we walk in the Spirit we won't carry out the desires of the flesh. Remember when you walk in the flesh the Holy Spirit is not in control.
Don't fool yourself and try to justify the words you carelessly or wrongly speak because you end up in denial about your sin and forfeit the blessing and power of walking in the Spirit.
Before you talk bout someone else, consider these things:
1. It is true? If you don't have all the facts, you should withhold your comments or at least admit you don't have all the details.
2. Is it king? What you want to say may be true, but is it kind to say? Many people have been hurt by someone just telling them the truth.
3. It is necessary? How would what you say benefit the listener? Eph. 4:29 tells us we are to speak words "good for edification according to the need of the moment", so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Psalm 19:14---May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lesson 3 Study Guide
1. Read Job 12:12; Psalms 71:6-9, 17-18, 92:14 and 148:12-13. What do you learn from these verses about age and spiritual vitality?
2. Read Deut. 34:5-7; Joshua 14:6-12, 24:29; Luke 1:5-9 and 2:36-38. How does the aged serve God's people?
3. If you are an older woman, how did the verses from the previous questions encourage or challenge you to press on in serving others?
4. If you are younger, how did the verses from the two questions challenge your thinking about the spiritual vitality of the aged?
5. What are some ways you can show an attribute of honor and respect toward the aged?
6. If you are a young woman, as yourself, "Am I living in such a way now that I will be qualified to teach the younger women someday?" And "What priorities do I need to work on more so that I will possess the godly qualities of Titus 2 when I am older?".
7. If you are older, ask yourself, "Am I living according to the priorities of Titus 2:3-5? Do I possess the qualities listed in Titus 2:305? If not, consider what steps you can take so you can begin to live this way.
8. The goal for every woman, whatever the age, is to live according to God's priorities. And we have privilege of following those priorities all of our lives! What disciplines and habits do you have now that will aid your spiritual growth in the long run?
2. Read Deut. 34:5-7; Joshua 14:6-12, 24:29; Luke 1:5-9 and 2:36-38. How does the aged serve God's people?
3. If you are an older woman, how did the verses from the previous questions encourage or challenge you to press on in serving others?
4. If you are younger, how did the verses from the two questions challenge your thinking about the spiritual vitality of the aged?
5. What are some ways you can show an attribute of honor and respect toward the aged?
6. If you are a young woman, as yourself, "Am I living in such a way now that I will be qualified to teach the younger women someday?" And "What priorities do I need to work on more so that I will possess the godly qualities of Titus 2 when I am older?".
7. If you are older, ask yourself, "Am I living according to the priorities of Titus 2:3-5? Do I possess the qualities listed in Titus 2:305? If not, consider what steps you can take so you can begin to live this way.
8. The goal for every woman, whatever the age, is to live according to God's priorities. And we have privilege of following those priorities all of our lives! What disciplines and habits do you have now that will aid your spiritual growth in the long run?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Lesson 3 From Youth to Maturity
"At Twenty we worry about what others think of us; at forty we don't care about what others think of us; at sixty we discover they haven't been thinking about us at all." Author Unknown
If we think about it, this is a realistic quote (lol). When we are young and in our 20s, we (most) only think about ourselves and what others think of us; especially the youth of today. If you've reached 40 or close to it, yo9u realize that what people think of you is not as important as what you think of yourself. Then we have all seen cases where once we are elderly, sometimes, in some cases, we are left alone and not thought of.
There is no better place to compare attitudes about youth and aging than within the word of God. For every woman, the examination process begins now because Titus 2:3-4 tells us that older women should encourage younger women. So if we are going to do this, we have to learn how to respond rightly with each other...young and old. We should be encouraging and encouraged to learn to understand how God uses people of all ages to help us grow.
It is common nature for us to feel more comfortable with/around thoseinour same generation. However, this keeps us from reeping the benefits of getting to know those of other age groups. It is God's design for people of all ages and life situations to minister to one another in teh church body.
Remember God desires the older women to train the younger women in the art of Godly living.
Gradually the inner lives of both younger and older women are revealed as they pray and study scripture together.
Even if you've just recently become a Christian and your former life was not characterized as it should be, you can still begin the process of ministering to other women in your life. God saved you to save others.
Job 12:12---Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.
Developing the porper mindset towards those older
Because God uses older, mature women to train the younger women, the younger women should develop a mindset listen and respect older women so they can receive their help and counsel.
Lev. 19:32 Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and reserve your God. I am the Lord.
The book of Proverbs calls gray hair the crown of glory and honor (Prov. 19:31, 20:29)
Develop the proper mindset toward younger women by older women
Although we get wiser with age, young women often lead the way in their deligent pursuit of godly wisdom and biblical understanding.
1 Tim. 4:12 Don't let anyone look dwon on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
It can be difficult for an older person to receive encouragement and instruction from a young person, but its helpful to remember God has often used young people in His plans.
Steps to Spiritual Growth (reiterated)
If we think about it, this is a realistic quote (lol). When we are young and in our 20s, we (most) only think about ourselves and what others think of us; especially the youth of today. If you've reached 40 or close to it, yo9u realize that what people think of you is not as important as what you think of yourself. Then we have all seen cases where once we are elderly, sometimes, in some cases, we are left alone and not thought of.
There is no better place to compare attitudes about youth and aging than within the word of God. For every woman, the examination process begins now because Titus 2:3-4 tells us that older women should encourage younger women. So if we are going to do this, we have to learn how to respond rightly with each other...young and old. We should be encouraging and encouraged to learn to understand how God uses people of all ages to help us grow.
It is common nature for us to feel more comfortable with/around thoseinour same generation. However, this keeps us from reeping the benefits of getting to know those of other age groups. It is God's design for people of all ages and life situations to minister to one another in teh church body.
Remember God desires the older women to train the younger women in the art of Godly living.
Gradually the inner lives of both younger and older women are revealed as they pray and study scripture together.
Even if you've just recently become a Christian and your former life was not characterized as it should be, you can still begin the process of ministering to other women in your life. God saved you to save others.
Job 12:12---Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.
Developing the porper mindset towards those older
Because God uses older, mature women to train the younger women, the younger women should develop a mindset listen and respect older women so they can receive their help and counsel.
Lev. 19:32 Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and reserve your God. I am the Lord.
The book of Proverbs calls gray hair the crown of glory and honor (Prov. 19:31, 20:29)
Develop the proper mindset toward younger women by older women
Although we get wiser with age, young women often lead the way in their deligent pursuit of godly wisdom and biblical understanding.
1 Tim. 4:12 Don't let anyone look dwon on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
It can be difficult for an older person to receive encouragement and instruction from a young person, but its helpful to remember God has often used young people in His plans.
Steps to Spiritual Growth (reiterated)
- Salvation---life changing salvation is your building block for Godly living. Accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
- Seek God's Word---God uses His word to teach us about Himself and His ways. Because the Word of God is what he uses to transform us into His image, the mor eyou read His Word and let it dwell in you, the more you will grow and love the Lord. At minimum, you should read your Bible each day and have quiet time with God.
- Seek to be rid of sin---lay aside sin and anything that destracts or entangles you. Salvation calls for you to turn away from sin but you have to practice it.
- Seek to obey God---Your obedience to God is what sets you apart and marks you as a Christian.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Death and Dealing With Grief
At some point in each of our lives we will be faced with the death of a loved one. Yet, death is still a touchy subject for a lot of people. Many times when someone dies we don't like to talk about the person. And quite often I've been where the simple mention of death is totally avoided. For those who have experienced such a loss, it is important to know that God is still with you and he loves you.
The believer will dwellin God's house forever
John 14:1-4 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house ar emany rooms; if it were no so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and tak you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
There will be no mor suffering and sorrow
Rev. 21:1-4 Then I saw a new heaven and new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beatifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. Hw will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
When we are hurting, we should learn to still trust and praise God. Have faith that he will bring the peace back into your life.
Christ gives peace and rest to all who come to him in faith
Matt. 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace
Isa. 9:6 He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God is always leading and protecting us!!!! Read Psalm 23 ( you probably already know it by heart)
God works all things together for our good
Rom. 8:28 We know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For those who have lost a loved one or someone near and dear to them, know that God can fill those voids that you are left with.
2 Cor. 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
When grieving the death of a loved one, you may experience several emotions: denial, disbelief, depression, anger, confusion, and guilt just to name a few.
Coping with death is very important to your mental health. Here are a few ways to cope effectively with grief:
GriefNet.org---an online community support for people dealing with grief, death, and major loss. This is for kids and adults
Compassionate Friends---National, self help organization for those grieving the loss of a child. If you enter your city or zip code it will give you the information to the nearest Compassionate Friends location. The information below is for Wichita, KS:
Sunflower Chapter
Chapter # 1134
Meeting: 1st Thurs. of each month at 7:00PM
Place: Central Community Church 6100 W. Maple Ste. 217 Wichita, KS 67209
Be Blessed
The believer will dwellin God's house forever
John 14:1-4 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house ar emany rooms; if it were no so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and tak you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
There will be no mor suffering and sorrow
Rev. 21:1-4 Then I saw a new heaven and new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beatifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. Hw will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
When we are hurting, we should learn to still trust and praise God. Have faith that he will bring the peace back into your life.
Christ gives peace and rest to all who come to him in faith
Matt. 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace
Isa. 9:6 He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God is always leading and protecting us!!!! Read Psalm 23 ( you probably already know it by heart)
God works all things together for our good
Rom. 8:28 We know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For those who have lost a loved one or someone near and dear to them, know that God can fill those voids that you are left with.
2 Cor. 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
When grieving the death of a loved one, you may experience several emotions: denial, disbelief, depression, anger, confusion, and guilt just to name a few.
Coping with death is very important to your mental health. Here are a few ways to cope effectively with grief:
- Express your feelings---tell others how you feel to help you work through the grieving process.
- Seek out caring people---find relatives and friends who can understand your feelings of loss. Join support groups.
- Take care of your health---Eat and get plenty of rest.
- Be patient---It can take months to years to come to terms with your loss.
- Seek outside help when necessary---if it seems too much to bear, seek professional help
- Share the sorrow---allow/encourage them to talk about it and share memories. Listen. You may also share your own experience with death.
- Offer practical help---baby-sitting, cooking, running errands.
- Be patient.
- Encourage them to seek professional help if you feel they are not coping well with the loss.
GriefNet.org---an online community support for people dealing with grief, death, and major loss. This is for kids and adults
Compassionate Friends---National, self help organization for those grieving the loss of a child. If you enter your city or zip code it will give you the information to the nearest Compassionate Friends location. The information below is for Wichita, KS:
Sunflower Chapter
Chapter # 1134
Meeting: 1st Thurs. of each month at 7:00PM
Place: Central Community Church 6100 W. Maple Ste. 217 Wichita, KS 67209
Be Blessed
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
As many of you already know, the world lost yet another great voice last week...Whitney Houston. I was a great Whitney fan. My heart goes out to her family and close friends whom will truly miss her just as her fans will.
We've seen Whitney's life play out in front of our lives. Her becoming a superstar at an early age. Bringing us hit after hit. She grew into a beautiful woman who happened to fall in love with another young star, Bobby Brown. And yes, we saw her demise as she fought her drug addiction. With many speculations roaming, we still do not know what was the actual cause of her early death. But I want to get some insight on how God viewed drug and alcohol abuse. Primarily, the difference between a drug that is prescribed to you and one that is not. Does God view drug use as sinful if it is prescribed? For the past several years we have seen several celebrities lose their lives do to an overdose of prescription drugs. How does this compare to lets say, smoking marijuana. I will use that drug because it is the least harmful and life threatening amongst a host of other illegal drugs and is the most controversal being that some states are now legalizing the drug and still others are considering to do the same.
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by then is not wise.
Heavy drinking brings misery
Proverbs 23:29-35 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has needless bruises? Who has blood shot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaz at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me", you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"
This gives you a visual picture of what a drunk person looks like
Eph. 5:15-18 Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, becasue the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not gt drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
No drunkard shall enter heaven
1 Cor. 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdon of God? Do not be deceived; Neither the sexually immoral...nor drunkards...will inherit the kingdom of God.
The Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use. That's not to say that recreational drug use is permissible. There are several very clear biblical principles that place drug us well outside the realm of acceptable behavior.
Christians are mandated to respect and obey the laws of the land...
Many argue that marijuana does not mandate prohibition since prescription drugs, nicotine and alcohol are legal. Being that marijuana is being used to treat medical issues and pain: cancer and glacoma patients. Dutiful submission to authority and patient preseverance through unjust suffering and/or perceived unfairness is God's high standard for us--even if that means abstanining from marijuana in compliance with "unfair" legislation.
Now, that leads me to my confusion. Does that mean if mairjuana becomes legalized, would it then be ok to use it? Would that use of the drug be sinful?
In some nations (the Netherlands for example) recreational drug use is legal. But we as Christians have to remember we are to be a good steward of what God has entrusted in us regardless of our national identity. This includes our earthly bodies. And unfortunately illicit drugs destroy your body not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, im this present world.
With all this being said, and from my own studying I ponder on those who unfortunately develop an addiction to prescription drugs. Many of these drugs are mind altering and harmful to the body as well especially once the person becomes dependent on the drug and abuses it. Is this any different from smoking marijuana.
This leaves a lot to think about. My belief...I stick with... anything that is harmful to the temple of Christ is unacceptable behavior as a Christian.
I hope that my viewers are able to log in and comment to this blog. I really would love to hear your opinions and thoughts.
We've seen Whitney's life play out in front of our lives. Her becoming a superstar at an early age. Bringing us hit after hit. She grew into a beautiful woman who happened to fall in love with another young star, Bobby Brown. And yes, we saw her demise as she fought her drug addiction. With many speculations roaming, we still do not know what was the actual cause of her early death. But I want to get some insight on how God viewed drug and alcohol abuse. Primarily, the difference between a drug that is prescribed to you and one that is not. Does God view drug use as sinful if it is prescribed? For the past several years we have seen several celebrities lose their lives do to an overdose of prescription drugs. How does this compare to lets say, smoking marijuana. I will use that drug because it is the least harmful and life threatening amongst a host of other illegal drugs and is the most controversal being that some states are now legalizing the drug and still others are considering to do the same.
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by then is not wise.
Heavy drinking brings misery
Proverbs 23:29-35 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has needless bruises? Who has blood shot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaz at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me", you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"
This gives you a visual picture of what a drunk person looks like
Eph. 5:15-18 Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, becasue the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not gt drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
No drunkard shall enter heaven
1 Cor. 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdon of God? Do not be deceived; Neither the sexually immoral...nor drunkards...will inherit the kingdom of God.
The Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use. That's not to say that recreational drug use is permissible. There are several very clear biblical principles that place drug us well outside the realm of acceptable behavior.
Christians are mandated to respect and obey the laws of the land...
Many argue that marijuana does not mandate prohibition since prescription drugs, nicotine and alcohol are legal. Being that marijuana is being used to treat medical issues and pain: cancer and glacoma patients. Dutiful submission to authority and patient preseverance through unjust suffering and/or perceived unfairness is God's high standard for us--even if that means abstanining from marijuana in compliance with "unfair" legislation.
Now, that leads me to my confusion. Does that mean if mairjuana becomes legalized, would it then be ok to use it? Would that use of the drug be sinful?
In some nations (the Netherlands for example) recreational drug use is legal. But we as Christians have to remember we are to be a good steward of what God has entrusted in us regardless of our national identity. This includes our earthly bodies. And unfortunately illicit drugs destroy your body not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, im this present world.
With all this being said, and from my own studying I ponder on those who unfortunately develop an addiction to prescription drugs. Many of these drugs are mind altering and harmful to the body as well especially once the person becomes dependent on the drug and abuses it. Is this any different from smoking marijuana.
This leaves a lot to think about. My belief...I stick with... anything that is harmful to the temple of Christ is unacceptable behavior as a Christian.
I hope that my viewers are able to log in and comment to this blog. I really would love to hear your opinions and thoughts.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Reverent Behavior
Proverbs 31:30 helps define reverent behavior when it sums up the life of the godly woman: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised". A woman who fears or reverences the Lord will act accordingly in her daily life. She is careful with her speech and considers her actions because her love for God hems in her behavior.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 helps explain why...God says, "I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for making a claim of godliness."
What does this mean? When we make a claim of godliness (calling ourselves Christians or followers of Jesus Christ) then our lives should line up with our proclamation. Our reverent behavior authenticates our words that we are followers of Jesus.
Understanding the debt of love and gratitude we ow to our heavenly father helps motivate us to obey and love Him more readily and faithfully. We will still find it difficult to obey the Lord, but the desire to show our love and gratitude to Him overrides our tendency to rebel.
Reverent behavior begins with a reverent mind. What we think about something determines how you respond or act. So it is essential we think on the right things.
All reverent behavior begins with:
1. A true love for God
2. Reading the Word of God
3. Seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness
4. Renewal of the mind
The thoughts that lead to reverent behavior comes from mentally marinating ourselves in the things of God and that marinating occurs when we set aside time to read, study, meditate on, or memorize portions of scripture and prayerfully seek to apply what we learn to our lives.
When the Word of God permeates our hearts and minds, our behavior will naturally become reverent. The more our minds are filled with God, the more our behavior will reflect Him.
Be Blessed
1 Timothy 2:9-10 helps explain why...God says, "I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for making a claim of godliness."
What does this mean? When we make a claim of godliness (calling ourselves Christians or followers of Jesus Christ) then our lives should line up with our proclamation. Our reverent behavior authenticates our words that we are followers of Jesus.
Understanding the debt of love and gratitude we ow to our heavenly father helps motivate us to obey and love Him more readily and faithfully. We will still find it difficult to obey the Lord, but the desire to show our love and gratitude to Him overrides our tendency to rebel.
Reverent behavior begins with a reverent mind. What we think about something determines how you respond or act. So it is essential we think on the right things.
All reverent behavior begins with:
1. A true love for God
2. Reading the Word of God
3. Seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness
4. Renewal of the mind
The thoughts that lead to reverent behavior comes from mentally marinating ourselves in the things of God and that marinating occurs when we set aside time to read, study, meditate on, or memorize portions of scripture and prayerfully seek to apply what we learn to our lives.
When the Word of God permeates our hearts and minds, our behavior will naturally become reverent. The more our minds are filled with God, the more our behavior will reflect Him.
Be Blessed
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