Home Sweet Home

Check out my new site:)

2007-04-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

I decided to change my site to the following address:

http://happytoknowhim.wordpress.com/

Wordpress allows for a much nicer looking home page. Hope you like it.
Thanks for all your help Cara in setting up my site.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" Acts 16:31.

BRF - Mark 13-16

2007-03-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

I guess the biggest truth that was revealed to me this week was what an awesome Lord and Saviour that I serve.

I am always humbled and saddened when I read all that my Saviour suffered for me that I might have eternal life with Him one day. Praise the Lord, He didn't stay in the grave but rose again and I serve a risen Saviour! I remember when I was a new Christian and reading this and thinking how brutal these Romans were to Jesus "Why would anyone want to crucify the Saviour?" I wasn't seeing at that time that I was also responsible for Christ's Crucifixion because of my sin. I am so thankful that Christ was willing to suffer shame and be brutally beaten and nailed to the cross, without His Crucifixion, I would be doomed to an eternity in Hell. Praise the Lord for His great love!!

Many times in the Book of Mark, Jesus mentioned about the hardness of hearts, and to be watchful for false prophets. It seems to me that this is very important for us to be aware of.
The Bible tells us in II Timothy 2:15 to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".

He also stressed the importance of watching for His return that we would be ready. In Chapter 13: 33-37 Jesus says, "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch".

I am looking forward to the rest of the reviews as well as for next weeks challenge. Until next time "Watch and Pray"!!!

BRF - Mark 9-12

2007-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I must say that I found this book challenging. I think because I have read, not studied, the book a few times that I tend to read over the words but not spend time thinking about what I read. I was reminded of a few things though, so I will share these.

In Chapter 9:24 Jesus teaches us about the importance of believing Him. It is not a difficult thing to believe in Jesus when everything is going well, but my belief is most certainly tested when the difficult times come. I can say with this boy's father, "...Help thou my unbelief".

Also we see the blessing of children and the lesson we can learn from them. Little children don't have a problem believing and because of this Jesus uses children as His illustration to us for entering into the Kingdom of God. "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein". Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not...". God sees children as a blessing and of importance.

I noticed in chapter 10 that Jesus again talks of the hardness of the hearts of the Pharisees. He has already talked about the disciples having hardened hearts in Mark 6:52 and Mark 8:17. It seems to me that Jesus is warning us about having hardened hearts that we will not hear the truth of His Word and be willing to let Him change us to be conformed to His image.

We are also told that we are to forsake all the things that pull us away from Christ if we want to be His disciple. The rich young ruler had many riches, that is not necessarily a bad thing as long it is not more important than Christ, it is plain that the rich young ruler did not have the proper attitude concerning his riches because they were more important than following Christ. I don't believe that God says we can not have money, but I do believe He expects us to keep money and the material things of this world in prospective. I need to ask myself, "What good will money and material things be to me in eternity?"

In Chapter 11, I am reminded again of how quickly we forget as the people in Jesus day did. They saw His miracles they walked with Him, they saw Him personally but we see Him through His Word. The people were praising Jesus and treated Him as a King crying,"And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest". Then not many days later they were crying Crucify Him,Crucify Him . I wonder would I have been any different, this flesh would like to believe that I would have been different!

Jesus also teaches in this chapter the importance of His house, vs15-17, "And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves". These people were making money off the people that had travelled many miles and could not bring their sacrifice with them. We are to be careful to treat His house with respect and not make it common.

Jesus teaches in Chapter 12 in this parable about Himself and the chief priests and scribes were upset with Him because they knew that it was of them that He spoke and what they would do to Him in a short time. They tried very hard to find something to tempt Christ, but nothing worked for them. You would think that they would have gotten the message by now.

Another thing I found to share in this review is in 10:38 where Jesus tells us again to be aware of false teaching. I am to know His Word so well that I will not fooled by false doctrine. This definitely encourages me with our BRF to keep going and study His Word. It helps to have all you ladies to keep me on track.

It is encouraging to me that as the song says,"Little is Much When God is in It". The widow lady with two mites is a testimony of how God sees a surrendered life to Him. She gave her all.

I hope this review is not too disjointed and that it will encourage you ladies. Until next Friday, keep trusting our Lord! Now I off to read other reviews:)

BRF - Mark 5-8

2007-03-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is Friday already and time for another BRF review. Does everyone find the week flying by or is it just me?

A few thoughts from this week's reading of Mark 5 to 8. I found that Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the crowds of people as sheep having no shepherd, how He healed the sick, how He fed the hungry. I cannot remember reading at anytime that Christ refused anyone that came to Him for healing and He refused. What a great Saviour we have!!!!

Chapter 6 was true for Jesus as it is many times for us as we witness to our family and friends, His family would not hear Him either, even though they had witnessed the many miracles that He did and knew that He was different. Jesus said in v.4, "But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house". I have often thought and said that it is easier for a stranger to win our families to Christ than it is for us.

In 6: 23 Herod made a foolish promise to his step daughter and no doubt because of his pride and the fact that he was expected to keep his word that when the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist he complied even though he would have to bear the consequences. The Bible says,"And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her". This situation reminds me to think carefully before I open my mouth and make a promise. (Anyone who knows me, knows how often I open my mouth and speak before I think things through. I too often overbook myself).

In Chapter 7 Jesus teaches about traditions. There are many good traditions that we have as families, but we do need to keep these in perspective. If our traditions are more important than doing the things of God, I would say we need to let them go. Jesus taught in this chapter that the Pharisees were diligent to keep their traditions, but left doing the things of God. He taught us that the things we put in our mouth are not the things that are poison to us, but it is the things that we keep in our heart. In v. 18-23 He says,"And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man".

Chapter 8 the Lord was teaching his disciples to beware of the false teaching of the Pharisees, but the disciples didn't get it even though they had just witnessed the miracles that Jesus had done in feeding the hungry, they thought Jesus was annoyed that they had forgotten to bring food. They didn't understand the deeper things that Christ was teaching. I think that it is easy to criticize the disciples for not understanding, but would I have been any different. I find things hard to be understood and I have all of God's Word to guide me!

I like what Peter said in v 29 "And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ". Christ told them not to tell this to anyone as He had also told many of those that He healed earlier. I have heard said that this was because it was not yet time for Him to be revealed as the One who would go to the cross and pay the price for our sins, He had much more to accomplish before that day.

There is more to be said but this has become a book and not a review, so I am going to stop now wand go and glean truths from all of you.

I am looking forward to continuing on in Mark next week. Until next time!!

BRF - Mark 1-4

2007-02-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

The first thing I saw while reading this book is that so much more today we can say as Jesus said in1:15 "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel". It makes me shudder when I share the Gospel with people and they are not a bit interested in their eternal destiny. The more I look at this world and the sin that is so prevalent, the more sure it makes me that the coming of Christ is very close.

Jesus says in v.17 that it is He who makes me a soul winner and not yself, "And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." (emphasis mine). When I have an opportunity to witness and it is received favorably, I can think what a good job I did, NOT it is all of Christ. "I can of mine own self do nothing:" John 5:30. Jesus asks me to be willing to follow Him and He will go with me whithersoever I go. I have heard it said that Jesus never gives us a job to do without the tools and ability to do it with. I need to remember this when I am being cowardly to witness to people especially my own family. I pray for the boldness to warn them of Hell. So many of my family are not saved.

In Chapter 2:15-17 I am reminded that I am not to look at the outward appearance of people but to see them as a soul that Christ died for. I wonder how people looked at me before Christ saved this wicked sinner. Too often I think we want to put every one into the mold that we think is the right one. I am so thankful that Christ does not save souls according to my standard. Where else would Christ be but among the sinners He came to save from an eternity in Hell? I trust that the next time I see someone that is not exactly welcomed by our society, that I will remember this passage and reach out to them with the love and Gospel of Christ and not shy away from them.

In chapter 3:23-26 it brought to my attention that I need to be protective and zealous for my Pastor and Church that I am not the cause of any division that would cause my sisters and brothers in Christ to be divided. Jesus said in v. 24,25, "And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand". I have a wonderful church family and I am so thankful to God for the love and care that is shown one toward another, I also know that I must not take this for granted but be ever careful myself not to be uncaring or thoughtless with my words or actions. I am sure that there are times when I have offended people and don't even realize it. I pray that God will keep me aware of the words I say, that I not offend anyone. I realize that this is not when I am sharing the Gospel (as the Bible says there are some that will be offended because if His Word), but the truth must be told in love.

I want to be a hundred fold Christian, I have a long way to go but I can keep striving to reach this goal with God's help. I want to keep my heart willing and teachable to the truths of God's Word. In 4:9 Jesus said, "And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear". Jesus also taught with illustrations (parables) because we can understand better the truth that He is teaching us.

Verse 21 While I am not sure that this verse means that I am not to hide that Christ is my Saviour, but to let my light shine brightly for Him that others may see Him in my life, it is true that I am to make sure that my testimony must be above reproach that the cause of Christ be not harmed. My prayer is that I would not hear these words from anyone, "I couldn't see anything different or better in your life than mine, so why should I want Christ?" God wants me to sow the seed to as many as I can, the reaping of souls is His job. Jesus uses the little mustard seed to show that even my little efforts could bring forth much fruit, if I am just willing to sow the seed.

Lastly I see that when the disciples thought that Christ did not care if they perished in the storm, He stepped forward and said three simple words, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and the winds and seas obeyed Him. The same great God that stilled the storm with three words offers us His power to help us each day. I can see God's hand of peace, comfort and protection in the midst of the storms of my life. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. As He calmed the storm with the words of His mouth "Peace be Still" He is the same Lord today and can calm the storms in my life.

What a wonderful God we (I) serve!!! Now I am waiting to see what each of you gleaned from these chapters. To keep me from temptation at looking at any one's review before I have done mine, I am writing this on Thursday, but will post it on Friday. I can say of myself "O ye of little faith. Yield not to temptation"!!!

Until next time, just keep trusting the Lord!:)

BRF - Psalm 119

2007-02-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

My first thoughts on this Book were of Praise, Prayer and the importance of the Word of God for my everyday life. Words like "teach me" and "help me to understand" are used repeatedly. I will try to pick out a couple of things that affected me the most in this chapter as one review would not do justice.

So often I forget to rely on my Lord and things don't go very well. Right from the start this Psalm says if I "walk in the law of the Lord","keep His testimonies, and seek Him with my whole heart" I will be blessed. David continually seeks the Lord in times of trouble and praises Him in all his situations. O, that i could say that when I am faced with difficulties or sorrow, my first thought was to flee to the comfort and help of the One who is the great Comforter. I have a long way to go in this area I am afraid. I know in my heart that God makes no mistakes and He knows what is best for me to bring me to a place of trusting Him fully and not my own self, so why is He my last resource?!!!

David talks about hiding God's Word in his heart in verse 11, I am so thankful that when I first became a Christian that my Pastor encouraged a Scripture Memory Program in my church. I can not count the times God has brought to mind a verse of Scripture that I needed for a difficult or sorrowful time in my life. To me memorization and meditating on God's Word are so very important for our lives. In Canada we take God's Word for granted. We can pick up our Bible(S) any time, I think we would be able to understand the importance of "hiding" the Word of God in our hearts if we were to be in a country where the Word of God is not readily available. OK enough of how I feel now back to the review.

Verse 18 David asks God to, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law". This is a prayer that I often pray when I don't understand something I am reading. I want to know and apply God's Word to my life. I know that if David, who was called a man after God's own heart, had to ask God to "....teach me thy statutes.Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works" Verses 26,27, how much more do I need the Lord to teach me. I'm so happy that He doesn't give up on me but as His Word says,"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippines 1:6..

In verse 67 David says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word". and in verse 71 he says "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes". It amazes me how often I find myself in situations that cause me to be afflicted before the Lord has my attention. I wonder when I will ever learn. The Lord is so merciful and long suffering.

This last verse to comment on and that I would like to be true in my life is verse 165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them".

I know that there is much more to learn from this chapter but I will end this review for this time and maybe we will come back to this chapter at a later date. So very much to learn!

Until nest time, keep trusting our Lord! Maybe I will even surprise you all and have my review submitted on time. Thank you Shannon for not giving out a penalty for late submissions:)

Haggai - BRF

2007-02-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

This Book made me realize how much I need to learn about God's Word. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the reviews to see what you gleaned.

A few things I did notice were that in Chapter 1 the Lord was rebuking the people through Haggai that they were so caught up in the things of themselves that they were neglecting the things of God. They had time to build their own houses but did not think it was time for the Lord's house to be built. I thought about my priorities, how often do I put God on the back burner for a more convenient time. Sobering thought!

God used the words "Consider your ways" or just the word "consider" a number of times in this little Book of the Bible, I think that if God uses the word this many times He wants me "to consider MY ways".

We are told that are ways are fruitless, "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes" vs 6. We cannot expect God to bless us if we have no time for Him.

God is so merciful to me. He forgives when I repent of my ways. I see that when the people repented and were willing to obey, God blessed them. The Lord promised to be with them as He does each of us when we are obedient to His Word.

There was a lot in this Book that I didn't quite get, so more study is needed. I feel like this review is disjointed.

Now I am off to our winter camp "Chill-Out" to act like a teenager for the next couple of days. Looking forward to reading each review when I get home. Until next time, keep trusting in our great Lord and Saviour!

Have You Been Mistaken for Jesus?

2007-02-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

I hope this will be an encouragement to you, it was to me. Have a great service in our Lord's House on Sunday.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God" 1 John 4:7.

I just got this from a dear friend and I had to share. As you read this think about what you would do!

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago.
They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush through the terminal, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere.
Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived
at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.

The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay? She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his, way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul:

"Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised
by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Please share this . . .Sometimes we just take things for granted, when we really need to be sharing what we know...Thanks

2 Timothy Review

2007-02-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

I think I must be dull of hearing. This book was a little hard to dig out truths to apply to my every day life. Here are some of the things I did see to live a Christian life.

In Chapter 1:5 there is a Christan heritage of at least three generations; what a blessing to be able to have this kind of heritage in our families. If I want to see my faith passed down to the next generations, I need to be a bold witness to my family and all those that I come in contact with and not be afraid of what might be thought of me. Fear does not come from God, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (vs7). God is not pleased with me when I am not willing to share the Gospel, I need to be ready to suffer reproach if need be. God is my strength and I can be assured that He will always keep His promises,"...I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (12).

In chapter 2 I am reminded that I am not to be entangled with the affairs of this world, but rather to please my Saviour. I need to to keep looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my salvation to give me wisdom and strength to avoid the pitfalls of the world I live in.

Vs.12 makes me shiver just to think that Christ would deny me because I am not willing to claim Him. I want to be a bolder witness for Christ and be more faithful to Him. He has done so much for me, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay..." Psalm 40:2. I am also reminded to " Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" vs. 15.

Vs. 25 tells me to have a meek and humble attitude when I am witnessing to those who do not know Christ as their own personal Saviour. There are times when frustration shows through my attitude when those I love just don't want to listen. I have to stop and think how many times those who were witnessing to me, and I would not listen, felt the same!

When I read Chapter 3 it became very apparent that we are in the last days, ""This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away". This to me is a definite picture of the day we are living in. I suppose it should not be so surprising that this is happening, since God has already warned us about the way our society would be. I still get upset and disgusted at the wicked things that are allowed to be made law because of "this is my right" opinions.

I cannot pick and choose what parts of God's Word I will obey. God says:,"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 3:16. I need to keep pressing on and not become discouraged with the things I cannot change. I would like to be able to say with Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" 4: 7; and to hear my Lord say".. Well done, good and faithful servant; ..." Matthew 25:23. It is not possible to love this world and God at the same time they are totally in contrast to one another. My prayer is that I will forsake the things of this world and cling to the things of my Lord with all my heart.

I hope this makes some sense, I feel like I am all over the place.

Now I am off to read the reviews of my BRF friends:) Until next time, keep trusting in the One who gave His all - our Saviour!

Book Review Friday - ! Timothy

2007-01-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

This week's reading was a Book for living a practical Christian life on a day to day basis, a lot to think about and an excellent goal to strive for. I really don't know where to start so this review will probably be all over the place.

Some things that stood out to me. Chapter 1:3,4 and 4:1 there is a warning given to us to beware of false teaching and to hold fast to sound doctrine. We are told not to hold to genealogies and fables that don't do anything to build our faith or glorify God. The result of heeding this commandment, "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:". (vs5) I want my faith to be strengthened as I go through trials and challenges (even though I can't say I will be happy during these times) in my life. I do know that God promises that He will be with me and that all that comes into my life, good or bad, is to bring me closer to Him. How can I complain about this end result?

Chapter 2: 1, 2 gives me a wake up call with complaining about those who God has put in authority over me, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty". It is not easy for me to give thanks to those that are not doing what is pleasing to me, but I am told that this is well pleasing to God, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (vs 3) It really doesn't matter whether we are daughters, wives, mothers, widows, or a church member, we all are under the authority of someone. God has ordained this for our protection as ladies.

Chapter 2:4 Salvation is not just for some people but God is not willing for any to perish, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9. I am reminded that I need to look at people in every walk of life and see them as a soul that Christ died for, and that they are destined for heaven or hell. Christ didn't just die for a certain few people, but "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" 1John 2:2. I need to be more bold to witness for Christ at every opportunity, I am not the most brave person when it comes to witnessing. I am thankful that God is longsuffering and mercifull to me, and that I heard the Gospel message of salvation. I can say with Paul that, "...that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" 1Timothy1:15. (emphasis mine).

In today's world, where so many things are contrary to the Word of God, we as woman must always be on guard that we are portraying ourselves as God wants us too. We are so often looked upon as "unusual" to say the least, no surprise, we are to be pecular people. God has a perfect plan for me as a woman, I wish I could say that I have always lived up to God's standard, but that would not be so and God knows it. God wants me to be modest in my appearance and to be godly in my conversation. It has always been difficult for me to have someone in authority over me, not a good thing, and to let my husband be the leader of our home. God has the order in the home that works for harmony and so many times the roles have been reversed and so chaos occurs in homes. Woman are seen as weak by today's standards if they don't have a career, work outside the home and would dare to follow what God's Word says, what a tradgedy. It is such a blessing to me to see wives and moms that want to be "keepers at home", they surely have choosen the better things of life. Ladies this is a most important occupation and with the greatest rewards. No to mention well pleasing to God. Be happy to go against the view of society!!
As a widow I feel very blessed to have a family and church family that loves me and cares for me. My youngest son and his wife, (they have been married just two years last September), bought a house that had an apartment so that I could live in the same house, (I have the best daughter-in-law ever) , but have our own homes. I believe that they are fuling the Scripture of 5:4, "But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God ". God has been so good to me! I am very blessed and undeserving of such love and care.

There was so very much to learn in all areas of this Book and much more can be said. While reading this Book words used a lot were"faithful", "acceptation" and "true". I want to work toward being more faithful, acceptible and true in my every day life, and more pleasing to my Lord in all that I do.

This definitely was a challenging week of new truths from the Word of God to apply to my life. Looking forward to next weeks Book and what I need to learn:) I am looking forward to reading what each of you learned from this Book.

Until next time!

Book Review - Ruth

2007-01-20T10:42:00.001-08:00

What a blessing the Book of Ruth is of the goodness and working of God! This week God has shown me how God can take wrong choices and turn them into something for good. He has changed my life and is still showing me where I need to change.

When things appeared to be difficult, Elimelech went to the world and this did not show to his family that he trusted in the Lord for provision for his family. It made me think about myself and how often I have gone to the world for provision for my life instead of asking God first. Sobering thoughts! Is God able? Definitely! Does He care about me and my little problems? Yes He does! 1Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you". (emphasis mine).

Again when Naomi decided to return to her homeland, she told her daughters-in-law to return to their people. Orpah was not willing to trust God, but went back to her homeland where things would be easier and familiar to her, (I liken this to the world). Ruth choose to stay and take whatever would come her way; I see this as trusting in the Lord and for His will for her life. She choose the best way - to follow the Lord! Too often I find myself looking for the way that causes me the least stress or problems in my life. I don't like confrontation at all. I pray the Lord would help me just to trust Him and to remember that nothing touches my life except the Lord allows it to make me more like the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no affliction that I can suffer on this earth that would ever be as bad as missing spending eternity with the Lord.

God blessed Ruth for her love and care of Namoni. She had a testimony of being a virtuous woman, "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. " 3:16. She was not known for being a flirt with the young men, "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich." 3;15. Ruth is an example for each of us to follow whether we are young ladies or older women.

God never promises us an easy road but as the song says"he promises us that He will go with us". Ruth is the kind of woman that I want to be like and I know that I just need to obey the Lord whether it be difficult or enjoyable to do.

Now I'm off to learn some things from each of you ladies that I missed in the Book of Ruth. As usual I found it hard not to read the Reviews before I did my own, so I just kept myself busy so I would not yield to temptation:-) I am looking forward with anticipation for the next Book you have for us Shannon. Thank you for your faithfulness in choosing the Books to challenge me in my Christian walk.

Until next time!!

Book review - 2 Thessalonians

2007-01-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

This book has much to say about faith, prayer and being steadfast in His Word. I praise the Lord for His Word! This was another week of mediating and searching His Word for what He would have me to learn.

Paul starts out with exhortation to the Thessalonians, reminding them of their prayers and thanksgiving to God for them. I want to be careful to show this kind of care and concern for those God brings into my life. It is easy to see the faults in others and quickly point these out and not give any encouragement. I am thankful for my church family and the evidence of the caring one for another and I pray that I will never take my sisters and brothers in the Lord for granted , and that I would be an exhorter to good works and not a discourager.

I would like to say that I am always patient when faced with difficult situations as these people were, but I know that my Lord has more work to do in me in this area of my life.

Again in this book, we see that God doesn't want us to take things into our own hands with those who treat us unjustly, but rather leave it to Him who will take care of the problem justly and at the right time. These people could look at Paul's life and see his testimony of belief and faith in God. He knew that God would fulfil all His promises. I pray that I might have a life that reflects my faith and love for God relying totally on Him whatever the situation .

I am reminded that I need to be always on guard and to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15 , as well 1 John 4:1.tells me "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world".

Paul tells the people in Chapter 3 to separate themselves from those who walk disorderly and not after the example that they had witnessed in him. He tells them that, " if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother".

He again brings up the point of looking after our own affairs that we be not busybodies, interfering or gossiping about the affairs of others. This makes me realize that if it is important enough to mention more than once in God's Word that it is an area I need to take heed to in my own life.

Paul began this book with encouragement of the peace and comfort of God and ends with the exhortation of the peace and grace of God.

Many more lessons can be learned from this book, but for now I have many things to strive for, all with God's help and teaching. John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing".
Until next time. Keep looking to the One that is worthy of all our praise.

Book Review Friday - 1 Thessalonians

2007-01-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

This book was a comforting book with some exciting promises to look forward to.

I am exhorted to pray continually for my sisters and brothers in Christ, I know that I can be more diligent in this area of my prayer life. When I read our Missionary Prayer letters, there are many struggles that they endure. I can continually pray for each of them as they serve the Lord.

I want to be gentle but firm in my witness to others, but I don't want to be pleasing man but rather to God. The glory all belongs to God for every soul that comes to Him, I desire to be a tool in God's hand to show the unsaved Calvary. Paul had a testimony that was without reproach. The people knew it was God's word not man's. I hope that my life and actions show forth a good testimony as Paul's did with the people he was giving the Gospel to. I am reminded that by living for Christ I can expect to be persecuted for my faith. God's Word tells me this in 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution".

I am also reminded that the Lord is the avenger of wrong doing - not me. I find it very difficult not to speak my mind, when I hear those that are unsaved using the Lord's name in vain, and doing those things that are so ungodly, but God's Word says that He will take care of these things. Romans 12:19, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord".

Another area to remember is that if I am doing all that I should be doing to keep the things in my own life on track and right before the Lord, I will have no time left to see the wrong in others. Chapter 4 :11,12 , "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing".

It is a blessing to have such a great promise and hope in Verses 16 - 17; "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord". Wow: "What a Day That Will Be" No more sin to contend with!

I am told in this book to always be ready for the Lord's return. This is something to continue to strive for. I pray that I will not take the opportunities to witness for granted. I am very blessed to live in a country where I can carry my Bible openly, go freely to my church and suffer very little, if any persecution for witnessing to the lost, even when they are not interested. I thank the Lord for His blessings to me.

This was a book full of hope and promises, many more comments could be made, but I fear this will turn into a book, not a review.

Looking for the next book to be challenged with! Until next time, may God bless you richly.

Best Decision of My Life

2007-01-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

I never can look at the pure white snow without remembering my salvation. Isaiah1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". I have been thinking about posting this for awhile and yesterday as I looked out the window while at church and the snow was so bright and clean, I decided that today would be the day.

These verses describe me 27 years ago, Psalm 40:2 "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

27 years ago this month in a third floor bedroom on Aberdeen Street in Kentville, NS at about 3:00AM, my Lord heard the cries of this wicked sin filled person and saved my soul. John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out". After a life of rejecting Him, He still loved me and promised to never leave me or forsake me. Hebrews 13:5, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee".

I wish that I could say that I have always obeyed His Word since He saved me, I am still striving to be "More Like The Master". He has made me a different person and all the glory belongs to Him. Psalm 40:3 "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD".

My prayer and desire this next year is to grow closer to my Lord, obey His Word, share His Word with the lost. My goal is to read through the Bible this year, be faithful in my devotions, continue to read a Proverb every day, and read the portion that Shannon chooses each week.

I have many unsaved family members that I would like to see come to the Lord and not say as Agrippa said to Paul, Acts 26:28, 29 "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds". I want to be a good testimony before them. I hope that I would never be a stumbling block.

Thank you ladies for your encouragement. Your book reviews give me much to think about. I hope and pray that we will all be better servants for our Lord in the coming year. Truly focused on Him!

Daniel Chapter 4-6 Review

2006-12-30T11:36:00.001-08:00

I didn't quite complete my goal of reading Daniel 4-6 everyday this week, missed a couple days. There were many nuggets of gold in these chapters to give me a glimpse of myself . I can see more of myself in Nebuchadnezzar than Daniel as well, my goal for the future - to have more of a Daniel testimony in my life. Why do I think of myself as doing so great, when I am actually being disobedient to what God says? Proverbs 30:12 "There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness". I'm glad God doesn't give up on me.

I am thankful that the Lord is merciful and forgiving. Even when Nebuchadnezzar was lifted up with pride and boasted how he built his empire with his own might, giving God no glory, God forgave him when he repented.
Unlike Belshazzar who had seen all the things that his father had done and the consequenses of his actions, he allowed his pride and idol worship to be exalted in his life. I can see the things in this man's life, but what about the sin that I repeat? Why do I not learn from the past mistakes?

Daniel's is the life I long to mirror. He did not know the outcome of disobeying the King's decree, but he did know how important it was to obey God. God was pleased with Daniel and rewarded him for his faithfulness. I know that the same God that was pleased with Daniel's obedience is the same God that I want to please and I also know that God will not allow me to continually disobey without consequenses. As Galatians 6:7,8 says: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting".

There is much more to be said from the chapters we have been reading, I hope that I will take heed to the things that God has revealed to me about myself . I want to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer only. James 1:23 "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:...".

Until next time! I am looking forward to reading 1 Thessalonians this week. Count me in. There is nothing like being accountable to others to keep me pressing on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Daniel 1-3 Review

2006-12-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

This has been a challenging week for me, so much going on it's hard to keep everything in order what with Christmas programs at our church to shopping to baking and of course sleeping (I really need that) I'm with you Shannon I like my sleep:_)

OK here we go, on with the "Book (Chapters) Report".

There is so much to learn from the life of Daniel and the three Hebrew Boys. Some of the things I learned (I hope) was how important it is to determine or purpose in my heart what I will do or not do before a situation arises. Daniel did this when he purposed not to defile his body with the king's meat. If I have not determined ahead of time what is right or wrong to do, I will probably regret my decision when faced with a situation. Daniel was humble in his request to the prince of the eunuchs and was willing to take the consequences for his decision. I must be ready and willing also to accept the consequences for my decisions, even when it is an unpopular decision as far as the world's view.

It is so hard to understand how I can praise God and trust Him with my salvation when things are going my way and just as quickly question Him when things become difficult or hard to be understood. Verses I try to keep in my heart and mind in times of trouble are Proverbs 3:5 & 6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" and Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD" The king was pleased when Daniel could tell him what he wanted to hear and in the next breath (I don't know how long) could throw the three Hebrew Boys into the fiery furnace in his anger. This goes to show that I am no different, my pride can cause me to show ungodly actions when I least expect it or don't get my way.

It is so encouraging to read how the three Hebrew Boys were so brave to state their position and trust the Lord for whatever the outcome when faced with the fiery furnace. I pray that if a situation like this should occur in my life that I could completely trust my Lord for the outcome, but I trust that I will not be tested that far. When the king saw how God protected these boys he again turned from his pride and anger and praised the Lord.

These are some things that blessed me in this weeks reading. I am looking forward to this next week and what I can learn in Chapters 4-6. Count me in Shannon and I would be pleased to be added to your link:-)

Merry Christmas and blessings in 2007 to all who are reading this blog. Enjoy time with family and friends. Until next time. God bless!

Book Review Friday

2006-12-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

This book is one one of my favourite and is an encouragement as well as conviction in areas that I need to work on.
First in Chater 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". God promises that He will not give up on me. I am so thankful for this promise, I would be in deep trouble if He stopped working in my life right now. There is still so much for Him to change in my life.
Second in Chapter 2:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings". This is an area of my life that I need to continually work on. Even when I think I am doing so well, I am reminded that I have not fulfilled this command.
Next in Chapter 3: 13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Too often I dwell on things of the past, which I can do nothing about, my desire is to change the things that I can today.
Lastly in Chapter 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice". This is what I want to be true in my life. and 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things". As I read this I am reminded how much I have to work on with God's help John 15:5 "... for without me ye can do nothing". 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content".
I have come to the conclusion that if I want to accomplish this task, I will need to be thinking about others and not dwell on myself and what I want.
This is only a brief account of all the things my Lord has shown me in this precious book.
Until next time.

Finally

2006-12-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

Finally! I am so happy that I have a blog. Thanks Anne for your comment:) I am looking forward to keeping in contact with everyone. Just to let everyone know that I am enjoying reading the books of the Bible that Shannon has choosen each time also I am a Proverbs lady, reading a chapter each day. Thank you ladies for this great encouragement.