tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307081899882069982024-03-08T00:51:02.067-08:00Preachers At Home"So you, O son of man, I have set you a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me."(Duet. 6:7)
We as mothers and grandmothers need to warn our dear ones of the coming day of the Lord. Oh let us teach them to love Him and point to the Lord Jesus Christ daily not only through our words but in our living.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-84592565928001774692015-04-19T14:06:00.000-07:002015-04-20T11:54:16.572-07:00Instant Obedience!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Dearest Mothers and Daughters,<br />
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I will post section #2 on "Mother" next time, but I had to share this
with you today as I was inspired by a picture my dear husband showed me
earlier today. It is the picture you see on this post. My husband said
to me, "How would you like to see something like that coming at you?" as
I looked at the picture I said "I did!" <br />
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Yes, that picture immediately took me back, I was there in my mind, 17
years ago. We were living on a little farm in North/West Illinois and I
was with my two youngest children at the time 10 and 8 year olds. We
were busy in the back garden, hoeing and weeding and planting, It was a
beautiful day with blue sky, warm breezes and each of us were busy doing
our own project, being across the expanse of our medium/large size
garden. Looking to the North was our <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">neighbors</span> property, a vast expanse
of field, as far as the eyes could see, farm country you know, and it
was early Summer and the crops were just beginning to show green
sprouts. We were having a wonderful time, singing as we worked and
praising Jesus Christ, as is our custom in all we do. We had been out
for over an hour when I stood up from my work and looked North, my heart
stood still, it was<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> surreal </span>I had seen things like that in videos but
never first hand, it was a rolling wall of cloud as high as a mountain
(or so it seemed) full of brown dirt and debris rolling in the distance
right towards us! I dropped my garden tool and yelled "RUN!!!" my
children followed my lead, didn't stop and ask any questions but obey
instantly. We made it to the house just in time and just as we closed
the porch door, branches, dirt and stones hit the door and house with
such force it was remarkable. We ran around inside the house closing
windows as the dust began to enter through them, the sky became as dark
as night and we just watched out our windows, amazed at what was taking
place, thanking God for His protection and praying </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> safety </span>for
our <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">neighbors</span>. It lasted a good 10 minutes, yes a very large dust
storm, after it passed we found such a mess outside, yet all was well,
our neighbors were safe, we were safe and things soon went back to
normal, praise to Jesus!<br />
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This story made me think about the obedience of my two youngest
children, they obeyed instantly. How did this happen? Why didn't they
just look at me and say "Why?" or decide to ignore my words and do their
own thing? It was instant obedience, I didn't see them stop and turn
their heads, they just began running on the command! I can answer that
question, it was training. Ever since they were small I taught them to
obey on command. There were numerous stories I had shared with them of
how obedience to parents had saved children from death, I also taught
them God's Word in which He commands children to obey their parents in
the Lord. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with
promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on
the earth."(Ephesians 6:1-3)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Sometimes we <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">practiced</span> instant obedience in creating a
scenario in which something threatening was about to happen and when
they obeyed it kept them safe. There are many creative ways to teach your children,
ask God for wisdom! I taught them in love because love is the way to
win the hearts of your children... God's love, genuine love, true love
which takes time, interest and work. I taught them the Bible, I read His
word to them, we had many talks about what God teaches in His word. I
taught them the truth of the cross, what Jesus has done for us and of
His death and resurrection. I taught them to keep thanking God and
praising God in and for all things. We didn't watch t.v. we rarely
watched a movie or played video games and my two youngest children were
rarely bored! Life was busy and exciting.<br />
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After having said all that, I know there were many things that I did do
and didn't do in which I regret... I wasn't perfect that is certain, but
I do praise God for the insight He had given me in those early years of
their lives, and time spent with them to teach, train and bond is
cherished.<br />
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Where are they now? My 10 year old daughter has grown into a beautiful
women, married and with children and she and her husband are lovers of
Jesus, training thier children now for Him and His glory. My 8 year old
son is grown and in college training to be a missionary in China, he has
been in China twice and feels called of God to serve Him there, he
loves Jesus so much and I love conversations over the phone with him
since his main subject line is Jesus' love and being filled with His Spirit.<br />
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Investing holy time into the lives of our children reaps a beautiful
harvest to the glory of God. Our children belong to Jesus Christ- teach,
train and point them to Him- you will never, never regret it.<br />
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In His love,<br />
Sarah<br />
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</span>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-48349811243693568262015-04-05T15:59:00.000-07:002015-04-05T20:45:27.452-07:00"Mother" A Chapter From an Old Book Published in 1876<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> "Mother"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">From, "The Royal Path Of Life" written by: T.L. Haines A.N. and M.W. Yaggy M.S. 1876</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">(Please see previous post for explanation) </span></b></span><br />
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<u><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Mother"</span></span></b></i></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is true to nature, although it be expressed in a figurative form, that a mother is both the morning and the evening star of life. The light of her eye is always the first to rise, and often the last to set upon man's day of trial<b>. She wields a power more decisive far than the syllogisms in argument, or courts of last appeal in authority</b>. Nay, in cases not a few, where there has been no fear of God before the eyes of the young--where His love has been unfelt and His law outraged, a mother's affection or her tremulous tenderness has held transgressors by the heart-strings<b>, </b>and been the means of them back to virtue and to God.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Women's charms are certainly many and powerful. The expanding rose, just bursting into beauty, has an irresistible bewitchingness;--the blooming bride, led triumphantly to the hymeneal altar, awakens admiration and interest, and the blush of her cheek fills with delight;--but the charm of maternity is more sublime that all these. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heaven has imprinted in the mother's face something beyond this world, something which claims kindred with the skies-- the angelic smile, the tender look, the waking, watchful eye, which keeps its fond vigil over her slumbering babe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Mother! ecstatic sound so twined round our hearts that they must cease to throb ere we forget it! 'tis our first love; 'tis part of religion. Nature has set the mother upon such a pinnacle, that our infant eyes and arms first uplifted to it; we cling to it in manhood; we almost worship it in old age. He who can enter an apartment and behold the tender babe feeding on it's mother's beauty--nourished by the tide of life which flows through her generous veins, without a pantng bosom and a grateful eye, is no man, but a monster.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Can a mother's love be supplied ?" No! a thousand times no! By the deep, earnest yearning of my spirit for a mother's love; by the weary, aching void in my heart; by restless, unsatisfied wanderings of my affections, ever seeking an object on which to rest; by our instinctive discernment of the true maternal love from the false-- as we would discern between a lifeless statue and a breathing man; by the hallowed emotions with which we cherish the depths of our hearts the vision of a grass-grown mound in a quiet graveyard among the mountains; by the reverence. the holy love, the feeling akin to idolatry with which our thoughts hover about an angel form among the serphs of Heaven- by all these, we answer, no!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Often do I sigh in my struggles with the hard, uncertain world, for the sweet, deep security I felt when, of an evening, nestling in her bosom, I listened to some quiet tale, suitable to my age, read in her tender and untiring voice. Never can I forget her sweet glance cast upon me when I appeared asleep; never her kiss of peace at night. Years have passed away since we have laid her beside my father in the old church yard; yet, still her voice whispers from the grave, her eye watches over me, as I visit spots long since hallowed to the memory of my mother.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh! there is an enduring tenderness in the love of a mother to her son that transcends all the other affections of the heart. It is neither to be chilled by selfishness, nor daunted by danger, nor weaken by worthlessness, nor stifled by ingratitude. She will sacrifice every comfort to his convenience; she will surrender every pleasure to his enjoyment; she will glory in his fame and exult in his prosperity; and if misfortune overtake him, he will be dearer to her from misfortune; and if disgrace settle upon his name, she will still love and cherish him in spite of his disgrace; and if all the world beside cast him off, she will be all the world to him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>To be continued in the next post!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>blessings to you dear ones!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sarah </b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b></span><br />
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<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-42138632995106650672015-04-05T14:32:00.000-07:002015-04-05T14:32:57.771-07:00An Old Book On Issues of Life From 1876Dearest Mothers and Daughters,<br />
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I found an old book on my shelf called "The Royal Path Of Life" dated 1876- The book was given to my great aunt Mable Hathaway when she was 5 years old, 1878, in South Paris Maine, USA. An old book indeed! I found it to be very profound in it's writings and teachings yet the teachings are not altogether after the heart of God. However, we are able to glean from such books and pullout the lovely thoughts and enjoin them to our thinking. This old book is very incisive, does not beat around the bush, so to speak, on the issues of life in it's day and yet very profoundly for our day as well if one would expiate the "not-acceptable terminology" so as to learn the deeper and perhaps better perspective of thought and way of speaking. As you may know, our society has been"dumbed down" to a lesser and even poverty level of education and thinking,which has progressively/ or degressivly been happening through-out the past Century. Consider, the book that I'm talking about, it was given to a <u>5 year old</u> for reading. Indeed! Even many Journalists writings of our day would have been considered on an elementary level One Hundred years ago. (Including mine, I'm sorry to admit)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Front Cover </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First Picture/print "the Past and Future"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Aime's and Aides to Success and Happiness"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the next post I would like to share the chapter on "Mother" because it truly reflects the high and honored position of "Mother" that should be recognized now in our day as it was one hundred years ago. This Chapter is long so will take a few posts to complete it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings in Jesus Name!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." (Proverbs 1:7-9)<br /> </b></i></span>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-64463295954381219052014-07-05T20:04:00.000-07:002014-07-10T16:50:55.548-07:00I Love The Glory Of God!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dearest Mothers,<br />
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I love the glory of God! Anything that will bring glory to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ is what I want, it is what God wants<i>, "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." Isaiah 43:7 </i><br />
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Oh the glory of God ! The earth glorifies Him, the heavens declare the glory of God, and we are created for His glory and for His pleasure!<br />
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Oh there is so much to write about the glory of God! Books would fill the entire universe and still not be complete!<br />
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But I would like to touch on just a small point concerning the glory of God:<br />
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I questioned in my heart lately, "What can I do that would bring more glory to God?" The answer came- obey Him, His Word tells me what to do.<br />
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Yes, I have an appetite for God, his commandments are a pleasure to me, but subtle disobedience's sometimes creep into my life which mercifully, His Spirit convicts me of so I can repent-<br />
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Recently it has been inner (or internal) grumbling against Him.<br />
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The weather was very chilly for Spring up here in the Northern part of the U.S. I don't like the cold, the Winter was especially bitter cold, I was looking forward to warmth and sunny days and it took an extra long time for Summer to finally come, so I began inner grumbling. God was so merciful to bring the conviction that startled me to realize, I was no better than the children of Israel wondering in the wilderness as they grumbled against Him! I felt great shame and remorse and truly repented.<br />
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I also complained to Him about not answering my prayers the way I wanted:<br />
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Someone I love was sick, I prayed expecting them to get healed right away which did not happen, so I had inner grumbling against Him, and since God looks upon the heart, He heard it.<br />
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I wanted to be able to pray and just see healing right away. I had watched some videos on healing but caution/concern filled my mind as I watched videos of men walking the sidewalk and praying for people in Jesus Name to be healed from broken limbs, shortened legs, internal pain, etc.. and all seemed to be healed right away. I know God has all power and in the Name of Jesus healing can happen, He has answered my prayers for healing in the past so I do not question that. What alarms me is that these men call themselves evangelical healers, yet I have not heard the gospel preached by them.<br />
Here is a sobering scripture to consider:<br />
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<i>Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)</i><br />
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God spoke to my heart about praying for healing of people and asked, "What brings more glory to God, to praise Him when He heals a person, or to praise Him even if you do not see Him healing after earnest prayer?"<br />
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After His resurrection, Jesus said to Thomas, "Do you believe now? blessed are those who believe and have not seen." I think to praise and thank God even if we do not see Him answering our earnest prayers is far more glorifying to Him then to see it.<br />
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It's true that sometimes God will bring people to salvation after observing healing in Jesus Name and He can use healing (s) to further His Kingdom, I am not putting that down. My only point here is to say- Praise God in and for all things!<br />
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Things are hard? Praise Him! Things are all going wrong? Praise Him! Sickness? Praise Him! Let us not put conditions on our thanksgiving and praise to God. As He said in Proverbs 3,<i> "Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear God and depart from evil."</i><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">If you learn this well- teach it to your children- what a gift this kind of teaching is for them!</span></u></b><i> </i><br />
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<b><i>By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)</i></b><br />
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<i>Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. </i><br />
<i>(Isaiah 60:1-3)</i><br />
<i>Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? (Isaiah 43:7-13)</i>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-27025329053230053092014-04-06T18:03:00.000-07:002014-04-06T18:03:16.922-07:00To Women---A Sermon For You Who Are Weary Of Sin.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">(John 4:13-14)</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Women! I'm talking to you! This is a serious sermon you need to read. </span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">If you already know the way of salvation and are a child of God, please pray and proclaim this message to other women:</span><br />
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If you are longing to be free from sin- look to the Lamb of God! Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the World! He came to earth, yes He came earth to redeem you, free you when He died at Calvary. He, Jesus Christ, knew no sin-- He is sinless, He is perfect-- HE NEVER sinned, but you have sinned. All have sinned and cannot reach God's glory-- WE fall short of His glory. Jesus Christ, who never sinned, became sin for us on the cross- for you, for me. He suffered on the cross bearing your sin, God the Father poured out His anger and wrath upon Jesus. Jesus Christ took your punishment on the cross, took your hell. He took what you and I deserve, He took it all for you on His body on the wooden cross. His suffering was so incredibly great that none of us can even begin to understand what HE suffered for us. He suffered until God the Father was satisfied that is was sufficient. Justice was given. Our just and holy God poured just punishment on Jesus as HE took our sin on His body on that wooden cross. OUR punishment is what He took, our griefs and sorrows. He was chastised for us... He is the Lamb- the Sacrifice Lamb-- He laid down His life for us as a sacrifice for our sin. Jesus Christ shed His blood and died. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, takes away the sin of the World.<br />
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Now we can be saved! Saved from God's fearsome wrath! BUT He cannot save you if you do not believe in Him, nor are ashamed of your sins to repent of them. Jesus commands that all people repent of their sins and believe the GOOD NEWS of salvation!<br />
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Jesus Christ died for us on the cross.. He is God in the flesh- no man took His life from Him- He laid down His life for us willingly as a sin sacrifice for you and me. He laid His life down and died for us and HE was able to take up His life again-He arose from the dead! The grave could not hold Him He is alive forever more! He arose from the dead! Up from the grave He arose! With a mighty triumph over His foes- He arose the victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign! Hallelujah Christ arose!<br />
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Are you longing to be free? Jesus said ,"Come unto me." ... "Come unto me and I will give you rest."... "Come unto me all you who are weary and oppressed" .. "Come unto me and I will give you rest." Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? Are you sore distressed? Jesus said, "Come unto me and I will give you rest."<br />
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Have you any room for Jesus? He bore your load of sin-- sinner, will you turn to Him? Do you have room for pleasure- room for business- But no room for the one who bore your load of sin? No place that He can enter in the heart for which He died?<br />
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The chiefest of sinners Jesus Christ will save if he but come to Him and Believe. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! Confess with your mouth that Jesus is God-confess HE died for you- you deserve hell but He took it for you- repent- believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved!<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ wants to redeem you Oh sinner- He wants to save you!<br />
<br />
BUT how can He save you if you do not believe in Him? How can He save you if you take for granted His sacrifice for you on the cross?-If you do not care? If you trample under foot His blood?<br />
<br />
Can you be saved if you simply say a prayer and then go your way and continue to sin and not care? Can He save you if you refuse to admit you are a sinner? Can He save you if you blaspheme His holy name by proclaiming to be a Christian yet live just as wickedly as those who do not profess to be a Christian?<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ said, " You must be born again." He told us He would send His Comforter- His Spirit, even the Holy Spirit! God's Word says of those who believe in Jesus Christ and have repented of their wicked sins- are children of God, His Spirit comes to dwell in the heart of those Who believe, they become "Born again." Born now of the Spirit of God. The believer becomes the temple of the living God! One who is a true Christian has the Spirit of God dwelling in them. God's Word says that they become a new creature, old things are passed away and behold all things become new!<br />
A true Christian cannot continue to live in willful sin because the Spirit of God grieves within them if they sin. They feel the grief and are truly repentant and sorry for sin they have done. That person changes from not caring to caring. From blindness of sin to sight of sin. Their life changes as God shows them their sins. That person becomes free from sin as God gives him power and strength to not sin!<br />
<br />
Jesus said. "No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will love the one and hate the other." " You cannot serve God and mammon." Mammon represents love for the World, the flesh and anything that becomes more important to you then God. If you love to get drunk, commit fornication or adultery, are sexually impure, are a homosexual, love to plunge into pleasures of this World. If you steel, hate, lie or use God's Name in vain, love anything above God, you are a servant of satan. Satan is your master- - If you continue in this way until you die, you will perish in hell fire.<br />
<br />
Jesus came to set you free from your slavery to satan and sin.. He came to set the captive free!<br />
<br />
What can wash away your sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.. Jesus shed His blood for you. Do you want to be free and whole? The blood of Jesus can cleanse you. Ask Him to pardon you, repent of your sins- ask Him to wash your sins away with His blood. He will cleanse you from your sin.<br />
<br />
You cannot save yourself. All your good works are as a filthy rag before God. NO! There is not any one who is righteous, no not one! No one is good, no one is sinless-- Except for Jesus Christ! You cannot save yourself.<br />
<br />
Do not think your good will out-weigh the bad when you die and stand before God the Judge. God makes it clear that your good works cannot save you. God says your sins have separated you from God. How many sins does it take to separate us from God? ONE SIN! But you and I have sinned many times-- sin is disobedience to God. His law gives us an idea of sin and reveals to us what sin is. God says, "You shall not lie" ... not to steel, not to commit adultery, not to covet, not to murder, not to take God's Name in vain. He says to honor your Father and Mother, He says to love Him and worship Him above anything or any other. Jesus said to look on someone with lust is equal to committing adultery or fornication. He said if you hate someone in your heart it is equal to murder. You and I have disobeyed God...that is called sin.<br />
<br />
The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin-- for those who believe in Him and repent of their sin. He is our only hope--- Jesus Christ the Lord.<br />
<br />
Jesus said He is the way and the truth and the life, no man can come unto the Father but by Him. He is the only Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you understand this?</span><br />
<br />
The fool has said in his heart, "there is no God." Oh do not be a fool! God has some very serious things to say about fools-- they have no wisdom, shame shall be the promotion of fools.<br />
<br />
There is not any hope for you if you refuse Jesus Christ the Lord. Desolation, distress and anguish will come to those who hate knowledge and who do not choose the fear of the Lord.<br />
Receive God's Word! Apply His Word to your heart to to understand. Find the knowledge of God, He keeps the paths of judgement and preserves the way of His people. Do not walk in darkness and delight in the forwardness of the wicked. These are paths of the dead, the dead who have not any life in them. Do not forsake mercy and truth. Trust in Jesus Christ the Lord.. fear God!<br />
Turn from your sinful ways and Be wise now! You will never regret it! You will find rich blessings and know the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace, life and truth, joy eternal and internal that cannot be compared to anything earthly.<br />
<br />
Once I was foolish and sinned ruled my heart. My life and living were not pleasing to God, I was an enemy of God. I was proud and self righteous. But Jesus found me! Found me as a lost sheep astray from the sheep fold. He opened my understanding, He let me see--<br />
<br />
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."(Isaiah 53:4-6)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">My iniquity</span>- <span style="font-weight: bold;">my sin</span> was <span style="font-weight: bold;">placed</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">upon</span> Jesus Christ. He shed His blood for me. How can I turn my back on such a Savior? I believed in my heart and repented of my sin now I am free from the slavery to sin and satan.<br />
<br />
Oh come to the Lord Jesus Christ! He said, "Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." Do not turn your back on such a Savior! No! Turn your back on your sinful life! Turn from your pride-- turn from your own works/efforts for salvation. Turn from eternal death, darkness and damnation and come to Eternal Life and Light!<br />
<br />
You are in darkness and you do not even know it. You are sin sick and you do not even realize it. You are a slave to satan and you so not even understand that.<br />
Turn form the old sinful way- Turn to Jesus Christ! Let Him give you freedom and true Life and Truth!<br />
<br />
Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and life more abundant" This is new life! Freedom to not sin! Liberty from bondage of sin.<br />
<br />
O He freed me! Oh the pure joy of knowing Jesus. I love His name, Jesus Christ the Lord. He died for me to set me free! What joy and comfort He gives, rest to the weary, peace and joy. Jesus is all the world to me. Jesus is the Rock in a storm, we can hide in Him. He is a shelter in the time of storm. Jesus is a shade by day and defense by night, He is our helper, our safe haven, our safe retreat. Do you know Him?<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ the Lord is the Rock in a weary land. Come to Jesus. Come safe to the Rock that is higher then you are. Run to Him! Seek Him! Ask Him to save you. Beg Him for understanding and faith in Him.<br />
<br />
Jesus said:<br />
Ask and keep on asking ..<br />
<br />
Seek and keep on seeking..<br />
<br />
Knock and keep on knocking...<br />
<br />
For everyone who asks receives, and He who seeks shall find, to him who knocks the door shall be opened.<br />
<br />
Do you want to know Him but don't know how? If you are truly desiring to be saved and in your heart you know what God says is true and want Jesus to save you... Do this... Ask Him! Go to Him and let Him know. Ask Him for understanding and faith in Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins! Let Him know you understand how sinful you are and want Him to save you. Ask Jesus Christ the Lord to wash your sins away with His blood and save you. I cannot tell you how to pray but only point you to the cross and say, talk to Jesus. Please read your Bible if you have one, start in the gospel of John and ask God to talk to you. If you don't have one ask me and I'll send one to you. If you desire to contact me, leave a comment, I will keep it private and contact you back.<br />
<br />
God bless you who are His!<br />
In His love forever,<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-18201290783550157652014-04-06T17:51:00.001-07:002014-04-06T17:51:43.386-07:00"I Trust In A Great And Faithful God."Have you ever read the story of Hudson Taylor, Missionary to Inland China, in 1857?<br />
<br />
I have read the book, "Hudson Taylor" to some of my children when they were young and at home, but recently watched a video on his life from YouTube. I already knew much of what I watched but something stuck out that I had forgotten, Hudson's answer to people when they commented to him of being a great man of faith, he answered,<i><b> "No, but I am a man that trusts in a great and faithful God."</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-81545546629389193672014-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:002014-04-06T17:49:19.009-07:00Who is our helper but the Lord Jesus Christ through His Spirit? Dearest Young Women,<br />
<br />
Who is our helper but the Lord Jesus Christ through His Spirit? Who can enable us to love our husband and children the way they aught to be loved but Him?<br />
<br />
It is our sweet Lord Jesus Christ who enables us to love. "We love Him because He first loved us" He exhibits true love to us through His life and death and resurrection. But it is not the example of His life that enables us to follow His path of love, but His Spirit indwelling in the saved believer, the born again one. A person can strive to follow the example of love and forgiveness that Jesus exhibited in His life on Earth, but without the infilling of His Spirit such love can never be reached, that is, the true love of God. Such love cannot be forced, faked nor fabricated.<br />
<br />
I like the true love of God, there is peace in His love. There is comfort, quietness, deep joy, sweetness, glory and salvation~ <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. <br />
(Titus 2:3-5)sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-45182679334648952992014-04-06T17:46:00.000-07:002014-05-16T18:39:34.097-07:00Fool's Gold & Fair- weather Faith<div class="moz-text-html" lang="x-western">
<div>
<h3 style="margin-top: 3em;">
Fool's Gold & Fair Weather Faith</h3>
<h3 style="margin-top: 3em;">
<span class="post-labels">By: <a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/search/label/Flavel" rel="tag">Flavel</a> in <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/search/label/Preparations%20for%20Sufferings" rel="tag">Preparations for Sufferings</a></span></span> </h3>
"He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you
hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but
their heart is far from me."<br />
(Mark 7:6)<br />
<br />
<br />
Part 10: Preparations for
Sufferings<br />
<br />
In John Flavel's writings,* especially his time-honored work
"Preparation for Sufferings,"[1] we find a sharp demarcation between traditional
beliefs about salvation and God's grace, and the easy-believism, cheap grace
gospel of today's postmodern churches. Have we become so watered down, so
drenched in post-modernism's syrupy <a href="mailbox:///C:/Users/Mick/AppData/Roaming/Thunderbird/Profiles/bvwrgjae.default/Mail/pop3.centurytel-1.net/Inbox?number=865294">pap</a>, that we cannot remember
what Scripture actually says about the way of salvation? Perhaps we have never
been taught.<br />
<br />
Today's excerpts come from a chapter inserted in between
Flavel's instructions for general preparations for suffering (see <a href="mailbox:///C:/Users/Mick/AppData/Roaming/Thunderbird/Profiles/bvwrgjae.default/Mail/pop3.centurytel-1.net/Inbox?number=865294">Part 9</a> of this series) and his writings about enduring actual
suffering. Flavel apparently felt it necessary, before proceeding to describe
how to prepare for actual persecution, to make sure that the reader knew fully
well beforehand what it means to be a true believer of Christ. Note: this lesson
may come as a hard one to those who haven't heard it before, and we even
considered omitting it. Yet it is apparent that without this chapter the rest of
Flavel's writings might seem formulaic or prescriptive. And unless the reader
grasps the spiritual implications of this chapter in his heart it would be
fruitless to proceed.<br />
<br />
<br />
A Palpably Evident Change<br />
<br />
Flavel
outlines "God's work of grace" which "consists in the real change of the whole
man by the Spirit of God, whereby he is prepared for every good work." This work
of grace is accompanied by a "palpably evident change" in the life of a true
believer, which Flavel describes as "old things are passed away, behold all
things are become new,"[2] and "a turning from darkness to light."[3] Flavel
emphasizes this point -- that a believer is a "new creature,"[4] a concept that
is foreign to the man-centered, psychology-infused false gospels of today. He
isn't just a re-made old man. He isn't simply patched up, equipped with various
fadish appendages, reshifted, reshaped and remolded. He is a new
creature!<br />
<br />
Flavel takes pains to distinguish God's "work of grace" that
consists "in a real change of the whole man" from other changes that men may
manifest -- superficial, partial, insincere or incomplete changes which can
easily be mistaken for true salvation. Indeed, in our day, when discernment is
greatly denigrated, it is easy for men to act like believers, go through the
outward motions, say the right words, perform the correct activities, and fool
everyone. This is especially true in the ecumenical realm of church or mission
organizations, where one can get by a good long time by playing the game,
without ever experiencing genuine salvation. This is also true in the Christian
Right, where common political causes have helped to create a climate of false
religiosity. One doesn't even need to profess the Christian faith to make huge
inroads into the faith. In fact, people are routinely permitted to get by with
the outer trappings of being morally "right," and possessing good character and
values, but in reality evidencing no true conversion in the inner man. There are
many who call themselves believers, but are really fairweather friends
professing a fool's gold faith. At the moment their external profession of faith
is no longer popular, expedient, politically or monetarily advantageous, or a
suitable means to obtaining more power, they will abandon it.<br />
<br />
Flavel
helps us discriminate between true and the false faith, as evidenced by
substantial changes in the life of the professing believer. Note what true faith
is NOT:<br />
"It is not a mere change of the judgment from error to truth, from
Paganism to Christianity. Such a change Simon Magus had, yet still remained in
the gall of bitterness, and fast bound in the bonds of iniquity, Acts.
8:23."[5]It is not merely a change of a "man's practice, from profaneness to
civility: This is common among such as live under the light of the Gospel, which
breaking into men's consciences, thwarts their lusts, and over-awes them with
the fears of hell: Which is no more than what the Gentiles had, Rom.
2:15."[6]"Nor is it a change from mere morality to mere formality in religion.
Thus hypocrites are changed by the common gifts of the Spirit, illuminating
their minds, and slightly touching their affections, Heb 4:4,5."[7]"Nor is it
such a change as justification makes, which is relative, and only alters the
state and condition, Rom. 5:1,2."[8]<br />
Not Fool's Gold<br />
<br />
What then is this
profound change that Flavel speaks of so earnestly? He says,<br />
<br />
But this
change consists in the infusion of new habits of grace into the old faculties;
which immediately depose sin from its dominion over the soul, and deliver up the
soul into the hands and government of Christ, so that it lives no more to
itself, but to Christ. This is that change whereof we speak.<br />
<br />
It is very
interesting that at this very point of distinction Flavel asserts such a
believer is so radically transformed by God's grace that he will be "presently
branded for a fanatic." This new creature, i.e., regenerate man, has been so
substantially altered that this change cannot be dismissed as merely conceits,
whimsies or fancies of faith. Putting it in our modern lingo, Flavel is
basically stating that faith cannot be a "fad." Flavel describes how true faith
is devoid of such superficiality:<br />
<br />
This new man "is called a creature,
Gal. 6:15; a man, 1 Pet 3:4; a new birth, John 3:3. Christ formed in us, Gal.
4:12."[9]This faith "appears to be real by the marvellous effects it hath upon a
man, turning him both in judgment, will, affections, and practice, quite counter
to what he was before. This is evident in the famous instance of Paul, Gal.
1:23."[10]"A divine and Almighty power goes forth to produce and work it; and
hence faith is said to be of the operation of God, Col. 2:12.[11] Yea, that the
same power which raised Jesus Christ from the dead, goes to the production of
it, Eph. 1:19,20."[12]"Conceits and whimsies abound most in men of weak reason:
Children, and such as are cracked in their understandings, have [conceits and
whimsies]: Strength of reason banishes them, as the sun doth mists and vapours:
But now the more rational any gracious person is, by so much the more he is
fixed, settled, and satisfied in the grounds of religion: Yea, there is the
highest and purest reason in religion; and when this change is wrought upon men,
it is carried on in a rational way, Isaiah 1:13,[13] John 16:9.[14] The Spirit
overpowers the understanding with clear demonstrations, and silences all
objections, pleas, and pretences to the contrary."True faith is much more than a
matter of fancy or conceit. Flavel notes, "It is a real thing, and gracious
souls know it to be so; else so many thousands of the saints would never have
suffered so many cruel torments and miseries, rather than forsake a fancy, and
so save all.... [T]hey have chosen rather to embrace the stake [i.e. burning at
the stake] than deny [Christ]. Surely no wise man would sacrifice his liberty,
estate, life, and all that is dear, for a conceit."The reality of faith "appears
in its uniformity in all those in whom it is wrought: They have all obtained
like precious faith, 2 Pet. 1:1.[15] They are all changed into the same image, 2
Cor. 3:18.[16] Three thousand persons affected in one and the same manner at one
sermon, Acts 2:37.[17] Could one and the same conceit possess them altogether?"
"It is manifest, it is a reality, and puts a real difference betwixt one and
another, because God carries Himself so differently towards them after their
conversion; now He smiles, before He frowned; now they are under the promises,
before they were under the threats and curses; and what a vast difference will
He put betwixt the one and the other in that Great Day? See Matt 25." Evidence
of the change in a man can be seen in his changed "soul, body, and practice: all
things are become new." These evidences include substantial changes of heart,
inclination, affection and meditation. These changes are both observable and
mystical. But not in the postmodern sense of being pragmatically measurable
(purpose-driven) nor esoteric. In fact, compare this biblical list below to both
the postmodern mystical (contemplative) mindset and its ultra-pragmatic
business-oriented counterpart. It will quickly become evident that the
mass-marketed, pop culture evangelicalism is barren when it comes to genuine
attributes of the faith! A true believer evidences the following profound
changes, which in today's worldly church might even be ridiculed or
mocked:<br />
His understanding is "strangely altered." Formerly he "admired riches
and honour, whilst Christ and glory were overlooked and despised. But now all
these temporals are esteemed dung, dross, vanity, Phil 3:8,11; Rom
8:18."[18]"Jesus Christ is now esteemed the wisdom and the power of God, 1 Cor.
1:23,24."[19]Saints are no longer looked on "as despicable persons, but now as
the excellent of the earth, Psalm 16:3."[20]"Strictness and duty was once
esteemed as a needless thing, but now the only thing desirable, Psal
119:14."[21] The "stronghold" of the will "is taken and delivered up to Christ.
It did rebel against God, and could not be subject, but now it submits, Acts
9:6."[22] Love "changeth its object: It seizeth not so greedily on earthly
objects as before, but is strangely cooled and deadened to them, by the
appearance of a far greater glory in Jesus Christ; which hath so captivated the
soul, and strongly attracted the affection, that it now becomes very remiss in
all its actings towards [earthly things].... Now Jesus Christ (Cant. 1:3), His
ordinances (Psalm 119:97), and His saints (1 John 3:14) are the only delights
and sweetest companions; he could sit from morning till night, to hear
discourses of Christ his beloved, and could live and die in the company of His
people, whose company is now most delightful and sweet, Psalm 119:63."[23]"The
desires are altered, they pant no more after the dust of the earth, Psal 4:6,
but pant for God,... Psalm 42:1... Psalm 119:20."[24] "The thoughts are changed
(Psalm 119:113) and the thoughts of God are now most precious (Psalm 139:17),
musing when alone of Him; and in its solitudes the soul entertains itself with a
delightful feast, which its thoughts of God bring in to refresh it, Psalm
63:5,6."[25] "The designs and projects of the soul are changed; all are now
swallowed up in one grand design, even to approve himself to God, and be
accepted of Him, 2 Cor. 5:9[26].... and it will not much trouble him if all his
other designs should be dashed.""When the sabbath comes (that golden spot of the
week,) oh how he longs to see the beauty of the Lord in his ordinances. Psalm
73."<br />
Flavel concludes his observations with a heartrending section describing
the precious relationship between a believer whose will is in conformance with
God's, who rejoices and delights to do God's will, who seeks the Lord's face,
and who loves to meditate on God's law in his heart. Flavel observes, "The
command to such a soul is not grievous, 1 John 5:3."[27] All this distinguishes
a true believer from the false:<br />
<br />
"O there is a vast difference betwixt a
man that works for wages, and one whose work is wages to him. And here you may
at once see wherein the principal difference betwixt the hypocrite and real
Christian lies in the performance of duty; and also have a true account of the
reason why one perseveres in his work to the end, when the other flags. Why,
here is the true account of both; the one is moved to duty from a natural
inclination to it, and the other is forced upon it by some external motives: For
the hypocrite takes not delight in the spiritual and inward part of duty, but is
secretly weary of it, Mal 1:13,[28] only his ambition and self-ends put him upon
it is as a task. But now the upright heart goes to God as his joy, Psalm
63:4."[29]<br />
<br />
<br />
The Truth:<br />
<br />
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear
beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all
uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)<br />
<br />
<br />
Endnotes:<br />
1. Works of John Flavel (6
vol set), Banner of Truth Trust (1820, 1968), ISBN 0-85151-060-4. Flavel's
dissertation titled "Preparations for Suffering, or The Best Work in the Worst
Times" appears in Volume 6, pages 3-83.<br />
2. 1 Corinthians 5:17 states:
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new."<br />
3. Acts 26:18 describes salvation
most fully: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and
from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and
inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."<br />
4. I
Cor. 5:17, Ibid.<br />
5. The full account of this story can be found in Acts
8:9-24. Scripture tells us that Simon Magus "believed" and "was baptized," but
offered Peter and Philip money in order to obtain more spiritual "power." But
Peter told him that "thy heart is not right in the sight of God" and advised him
to repent of "this thy wickedness... For I perceive that thou art in the gall of
bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity" (vs. 22-23).<br />
6. Romans 2:15 explains
of these types of men that: "Which shew the work of the law written in their
hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while
accusing or else excusing one another."<br />
7. This is an interesting view of
Hebrews 6:4,5 (and we have included verse 6), which says: "For it is impossible
for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and
were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and
the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again
unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and
put Him to an open shame."<br />
8. Romans 5:1,2 states: "Therefore being justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we
have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of
the glory of God." We do not believe that Flavel is denigrating justification
here, but rather, in the context of all of his remarks, he is pointing out that
this is not an ending point, but rather a place from which to grow in the
faith.<br />
9. Galatians 6:15 states: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision
availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." 1 Peter 3:4
describes it as "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible,even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight
of God of great price." In Galatians 4:12, Paul exhorts believers to model him
as he has modeled Christ for them, "Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I
am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all."<br />
10. Galatians 1:24 tells of
Paul's miraculous testimony that "But they had heard only, That he which
persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he
destroyed."<br />
11. Colossians 2:12 state this profound change: "Buried with Him
in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the
operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead."<br />
12. Ephesians 1:19-20
explains, "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who
believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in
the heavenly places," and this sentence continues on with several more amazing
verses, 21-24, which should also be read in this context.<br />
13. Isaiah 1:18 is
the well-known verse where the Lord states to us, "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."<br />
14. There
are many unfortunate copy errors in the Bible references in Flavel's writings.
We believe Flavel is referring to John 16:13, which makes more sense in his
subsequent statement, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he
shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."<br />
15. 2
Peter 1:1 states: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to
them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:" <br />
16. 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains the
miraculous nature of this substantial change: "But we all, with open face
beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image
from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."<br />
17. Acts 2:37
testifies to this miracle that: "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in
their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and
brethren, what shall we do?"<br />
18. Philippians 3:8 is where Paul proclaims,
"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," and in verse 11 he
reveals his focus, "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the
dead." Romans 8:18 also reveals the eternal focus: "For I reckon that the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."<br />
19. I Corinthians 1:23-24 explains, "But we
preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks
foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God."<br />
20. Psalm 16:3 encourages us with, "But
to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my
delight."<br />
21. Psalm 119:14 says, "I have rejoiced in the way of thy
testimonies, as much as in all riches." Is this focus true for you today?<br />
22.
In Acts 9:6 we read of Saul's immediate obedience to the Lord on the Road to
Damascus. "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to
do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do."<br />
23. Are these sayings true for you today, dear
reader? Are these your priorities? Song of Solomon 1:3a proclaims love of the
Lord: "Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment
poured forth...." Psalm 119:97 proclaims love of His ordinances, which are
meditated on continually: "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the
day." Verse 63 in the same Psalm announces, "I am a companion of all them that
fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." And 1 John 3:14 also proclaims
love of the brethren, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because
we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."<br />
24.
Psalm 4:6 expresses the need and desire for the Lord, "There be many that say,
Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon
us." Psalm 42:1 is a familiar verse of longing for the Lord, "As the hart
panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." And Psalm
119:20 expresses a longing for God's judgments: "My soul breaketh for the
longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times."<br />
25. Psalm 119:113
confesses, "I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love." Psalm 139:17 (the
error in the original text has been corrected here) reads: "How precious also
are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!" And Psalm 63:5-6
explains what biblical meditation really is all about: "My soul shall be
satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful
lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night
watches."<br />
26. 2 Corinthians 5:9 professes the desire, "Wherefore we labour,
that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him."<br />
27. 1 John 5:3
promises us that, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:
and his commandments are not grievous."<br />
28. Malachi 1:13 warns of a
false-hearted faith, "Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have
snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and
the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of
your hand? saith the LORD."<br />
29. Psalm 63:4 expresses this joy with "Thus will
I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."<br />
<br />
*ED.
NOTE: Italics in original, bold added. We have taken minor liberties to reformat
some of the published text by altering some of the punctuation, Roman numerals,
and other obsolete forms.</div>
</div>
sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-34090965888392542282013-10-07T13:37:00.000-07:002013-10-07T13:37:32.044-07:00An Exhortation On Praise and Thanks Giving to Jesus Christ our CreatorDearest Mothers, <br />
<br />
Do you know this scripture? "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)<br />
This scripture is for those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, who belong to the body of Christ, who are the bride of Christ through the faith and salvation He gives, those who are born again of His Holy Spirit. Those who fit this description are the ones who, "Press for the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."<br />
What is the mark? Well, what is our hope? Is it not to be with Jesus Christ in Heaven someday? We are looking for a "City" whose maker and builder is God. Faithful Abraham set out and fixed his eyes on the mark of the high calling of God, the scripture says- "For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10) Abraham went forward and obeyed God's voice.<br />
<br />
If we are fixed on this high calling of God then everything else in life pales in importance. Other people's opinions, judgements and criticisms are not going to move us if we know what our God has called us to and we are set and our hearts fixed on Him to obey Him.<br />
Obedience to God is crucial during our walk here on this Earth.<br />
<br />
We know the things God has told us to do through His Word and He gives much blessings to us as we obey His voice.<br />
But so often we forget to be obedient to this command: "By him therefore let us offer the<b><u> sacrifice of praise to God continually,</u></b> that is, the fruit of our lips <b><u>giving thanks to his name.</u></b>" (Hebrews 13:15) and "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, <b><u>giving thanks</u></b> to God the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17) and one more of many more: "<b><u>Giving thanks always</u></b> for all things unto God, even the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" (Ephesians 5:20)<br />
<br />
Dearest ones, obedience to this command brings much, much glory to God! Obedience to this command reveals faith in Him- it testifies of your faith in Him and it blesses Him...<br />
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalms 34:1-3)<br />
<br />
Today I was going through a certain trial and complaining to God about it in my heart. During a moment of silence while I was crying and filled with self pity I heard the still small voice of God ask, "Have you thanked me for this, or praised me? Have you obeyed me?"<br />
I was shaken in my spirit and confessed to Him, "No, and I'm so sorry.".. So I very quickly began thanking and praising Him for everything and also anything I could think of.<br />
It lifted! The burden and hard feelings left as I surrendered my will and left things up to Him.<br />
<br />
God is so wonderful!<br />
<br />
Let's obey God dear mothers! He is the answer to every problem. Obedience to God is the best resolve and the wisest resolve for the people of God.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to your body, and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)<br />
<br />
With love in our sweet Saviour.<br />
Sarah<br />
sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-56754196817367102202013-06-11T12:53:00.001-07:002013-06-11T12:53:38.283-07:00Coming To Christ<span id="yiv4942105221role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div align="center" class="yiv4942105221MsoTitle" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4033" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span id="yiv4942105221role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Coming to Christ</span></span></strong></span></div>
<div align="center" class="yiv4942105221MsoTitle" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4033" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span id="yiv4942105221role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-size: large;">John 6:37, 44,
65</span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<div align="center" class="yiv4942105221MsoTitle" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4033" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span id="yiv4942105221role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span id="yiv4942105221role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
<div align="left" class="yiv4942105221GNBody" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4016" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4018" style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4017" style="font-size: 14pt;">Holy Scriptures contain
many calls from Jesus Christ to men regarding coming to Him for
salvation.<br /><br />Consider a few.<span>
</span>“Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth!<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4034"> </span>For I am God, and there is no other”
(Isaiah 45:22).<span> </span>“Ho!<span> </span>Everyone who thirsts, come to the
waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat.<span> </span>Yes, come, buy wine and milk without
money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).<span>
</span>“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. <span> </span>Take My yoke upon you and
learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls” (Matthew 11:28).<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4032"> </span>“If
anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. <span> </span>He who believes in Me, as the Scripture
has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37f). <span> </span>“And the Spirit and the bride say,
‘Come!’ <span> </span>And let him who hears say,
‘Come!’ <span> </span>And let him who thirsts
come. <span> </span>Whoever desires, let him take
the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).<br /><br />In these texts, coming to
Christ is equated with looking to Him in faith, acknowledging that no help is to
be found in self, and that all that is desired is found in Him.<br /><br />And we
would add that at the very moment one <i>begins to come</i> to Christ, he has <i>fully arrived</i> at Christ.<br /><br />Here is
Christ’s doctrine on this subject in John chapter 6.<br /><br /><b id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4047">I. <i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4046">“All that the Father gives Me will come to
Me”</i></b> (v.37a).<span> </span>Here is an
unmistakable affirmation of the glorious doctrine of election to salvation.<span> </span>Those whom Christ calls “all the Father
gives Me” are those whom the Father in grace chose in Christ to salvation before
the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-5).<br /><br />Here also is an
unmistakable affirmation of the glorious doctrine of the effectual call to
salvation.<span> </span>Christ declares “All the
Father gives Me <i>will</i> come to
Me”.<span> </span>Elsewhere we read the manner
in which they will be effectually called (2 Thessalonians 2:13): those whom
“God from the beginning chose ... for salvation” will come to Christ “through
sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by
our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”<span> </span>Every one of God’s elect will come to
Christ for salvation!<span> </span>None will be
cast away!<br /><br /><b id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4041">II. <i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4040">“No one can come to Me unless the Father who
sent Me draws him”</i></b> (v.44).<span>
</span>Here is an unmistakable denial of the false doctrine of salvation by an
act of man’s freewill.<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4031"> </span>Man is
completely incapable of coming to Christ of his own will.<br /><br />Christ
elsewhere declares, “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have
life” (John 5:40).<span> </span>In comparing
these two texts, we observe that man of his own will is <i>unable</i> to come to Christ because he is
<i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4045">unwilling</i> to come to
Christ.<br /><br />Man is <i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4036">unable</i> to come
to Christ because he is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).<span> </span>He is <i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4030">prevented</i> from coming to Christ by
virtue of being in “the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to
do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26; Ephesians 2:2f).<span> </span>He is <i>unwilling</i> to come to Christ because, as
Christ said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father
you want to do” (John 8:44).<span> </span>We are
all therefore by nature “slaves of sin” (John 8:34; Romans 6:17, 20).<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4042"> </span>Consequently, “There is none who seeks
after God” (Romans 3:10).<span> </span>And none
is either willing or able to come to Him whom he will not seek.<br /><br />However,
the Father in time “draws” to Christ all that He in eternity “gives” to
Christ.<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4029"> </span>He draws men to Christ
through His gracious influence, not by forceful coercion.<span> </span>“Your people shall be volunteers in the
day of Your power” (Psalm 110:3).<br /><br /><b id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4020">III. <i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4019">“No one can come to Me unless it has been
granted to him by My Father”</i></b> (v.65).<span> </span>Every aspect of coming to Christ is
freely performed by the one coming, but graciously granted by God.<span> </span>God opens the heart so that it may
voluntarily heed the gospel (Acts 16:14).<span>
</span>God grants the repentance with which the heart is turned from Satan and
dead works to Himself (Acts 5:31; 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25f), and the faith
with which the gospel is believed (Ephesians 2:8f; Acts 18:27; Philippians
1:29).<br /><br />This doctrine of Jesus Christ so offended His <i>nominal</i> disciples that they would no
longer follow Him (vv.60‑66).<span> </span>But
it so blessed His <i>true</i> disciples that
they would not depart from Him (vv.67-69).<span>
</span>Will you receive it?<span> </span>Have
you truly come to Christ?<br /></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370979690751_4035" style="font-size: 11pt;">– Daniel
E. Parks (December 28, 2003;
#508)</span></span></div>
</span>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-87265445696477058352013-04-27T19:49:00.000-07:002013-04-29T04:10:54.837-07:00"Tell Me The Old Old Story"<i><b>Tell the old old story to your children! </b></i><br />
<br />
Think about the words to this old hymn dearest mothers, we can never talk to our children too much about the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u> </u><b><u>Tell Me The Old Old Story</u></b><br />
<b><u>by: </u></b><b><u><span class="ve5"><span class="ve2"><b>A. Catherine Hankey, 1834-1911</b></span></span> </u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="ve5">Tell me the old, old story Of unseen things above,<br />Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.<br />Tell me the story simply, As to a little child,<br />For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled.<br /><br />Refrain:<br />Tell me the old, old story,<br />Tell me the old, old story,<br />Tell me the old, old story<br />Of Jesus and His love.<br /><br />Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in—<br />That wonderful redemption, God's remedy for sin.<br />Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon;<br />The early dew of morning Has passed away at noon.<br /><br />Tell me the story softly, With earnest tones and grave;<br />Remember, I'm the sinner Whom Jesus came to save.<br />Tell me the story always, If you would really be,<br />In any time of trouble, A comforter to me.<br /><br />Tell me the same old story When you have cause to fear<br />That this world's empty glory Is costing me too dear.<br />Yes, and when that world's glory Is dawning on my soul,<br />Tell me the old, old story— "Christ Jesus makes thee whole." </span><br />
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<span class="ve5">For History of writer/author: </span><br />
<a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/hymn_details.asp?PID=tellmetheoldoldstory#history" target="_blank">http://www.sermonaudio.com/hymn_details.asp?PID=tellmetheoldoldstory#history</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2jWAPyxnFfE" width="300"></iframe> <br />
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<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-11524395359445029302013-04-13T11:02:00.000-07:002013-04-13T11:07:45.807-07:00Is Your Life Centered Around Our Savior? Your Children Can Tell You!Dearest Mothers,<br />
<br />
Is your life centered around our Savior?<br />
<br />
How often are we praising our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the day? How often do our children hear His praises during the day?<br />
<br />
If children see parents getting excited and thrilled about movies, things on the computer such as,YouTube and other vast amount of entertainment and information offered, videos, sports, activities etc. . . and yet when it comes to the things of God they observe a ritual and duty performed with no joy nor excitement, then what are parents communicating to their children? What then will the children want to do if they see no life nor joy in the things of God? Will they not choose the things that please the flesh and mind, things that are forever empty and useless for all eternity? <br />
<br />
So I ask you dear mothers, are you excited about the things of God? Does the name of Jesus Christ the Lord thrill your soul?<br />
<br />
If not- I will ask you a question- Why not?<br />
<br />
Are you saved? Are you a child of the living God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you born again? If you are truly His own and yet are not thrilled about Him I must tell you- <i>there is something wrong- </i>But there is an answer for you- Go to Him and ask Him<i>, "What is wrong, why am I not excited about You?" </i><br />
<br />
Ask God to reveal to you anything in your life that might be offending Him. Ask Him for cleansing through the blood of His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. Ask Him for joy and excitement about Him, ask Him to make you real inside and genuine before Him in your heart. Ask Him to make the deepest intent of your heart be that He will be glorified! God does the work in us through His Spirit- He gives the true and genuine fruit of His Spirit. Ask, Seek, Knock! *Pursue the knowledge of the Lord our God.<br />
<br />
Children notice what pleases their Parents. This too is part of training your child for God. Your genuine love for the Son, Jesus Christ will impress your child's mind and heart to desire to have what you have as they see the living epistle of God in your life. <br />
<i><b>Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)<br /> </b></i><br />
<br />
The Song, "<u>Be Thou My Vision"</u> speaks of a heart that is centered around the Savior-<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both;">
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;<br />
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art<br />
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,<br />
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.<br />
<br />
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;<br />
I ever with Thee and Thou with
me, Lord;<br />
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;<br />
Thou in me dwelling, and I
with Thee one.<br />
<br />
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;<br />
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;<br />
Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tower:<br />
Raise Thou me
heavenward, O Power of my power.<br />
<br />
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,<br />
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:<br />
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,<br />
High King of heaven, my
Treasure Thou art.<br />
<br />
High King of heaven, my victory won,<br />
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!<br />
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,<br />
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.<br />
<br />
To listen go here: <br />
<a href="https://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/be-thou-my-vision" target="_blank">https://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/be-thou-my-vision </a><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/be-thou-my-vision" target="_blank">Be Thou My Vision </a></div>
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<a href="https://songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/be-thou-my-vision" target="_blank">History Of Writer</a><br />
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Dearest Mother, This life will soon pass- How are you investing your time for Jesus in raising your children for Him? Eternally? <i><u>or</u></i> Temporally? <br />
<br />
"One life will soon be past<br />
Only what's done for Christ will last."<br />
<br />
In His love,<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />
<b><i>*Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:1-3)<br /> </i></b><br />
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sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-49678981277193252572013-03-05T16:01:00.000-08:002013-03-05T16:01:12.794-08:00As Clay Is In The Potters Hand So Are You In My Hand .. Jeremiah 18:6.<br />
"But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." (Isaiah 64:8)<br />
<br />
Dearest Mothers,<br />
Have you ever considered the meaning of the above verse from Isaiah? How profound and amazing to think of our God shaping and molding us as a potter does a piece of clay!<br />
<br />
How about these verses:<br />
<br />
"The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."(Jeremiah 18:1-6)<br />
<br />
<br />
"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?" (Romans 9:20-24)<br />
<br />
<br />
Since God is the Potter and we are the clay what attitude should we have before Him concerning all aspects of life?<br />
<br />
The words that come my mind are:<i> submission, yield, obedience, reverence and fear.</i><br />
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<b>Submission to our loving Father</b>- He knows what is best for us and knows what things we need to go through to form us into that perfect vessel which He has planned from the foundation of the world, a vessel He can use here on earth and for all eternity. Who are we to resist His plan? As Elizabeth Elliot has said, "Nestle, don't wrestler." Trust Him dear mothers for your children- Yes, you have the weight of responsibility to raise and train them, but it's for Him, you are simply the vessel He has chosen to use. What a remarkable privilege He has given you! But keep in mind, they are clay in the Potters hand you cannot always have the say of what happens, things happen, heart breaking things- but remember- these little ones are intrusted to you to protect, love and care for but they do not belong to you, they belong to God who is forming them into the vessel He desires them to be.<br />
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<b>Yield yourself and your children to God's Keeping</b>- Our Lord Jesus is a loving and merciful God, He will not require us to go through things that are too difficult for us. He prepares us for the trials we must go through and lovingly helps us along the way. Trust Him, He is faithful and kind, remembering this helps us to yield ourselves to Him and to His will. If our heart is right before Him our desire will be for our Lord Jesus to be glorified in and through all things. After all, we are all created for Him!<br />
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Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)<br />
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<b>Obedience To His Word-</b> Consider your children and your desire for them to obey you. Why do you want them to obey you? Isn't it because you love them and know what is best for them? Disobedience will cause them to be in danger in one way or another. It is the same with us before our loving God ( But the comparison is only to help get a grasp of the concept since His love is perfect and we can never understand that kind of depth of love and pure judgement.)<br />
He is the potter -and as the potter dips his hands into water to form the clay- His discipline is His hand dipped in love to form us. Obey Him and be blessed.<br />
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be
your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I
have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." (Jeremiah 7:23)<br />
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"Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my
footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the
place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all
those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look,
even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my
word." (Isaiah 66:1-3)<br />
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<b>Reverence and Fear your great Creator and Designer:</b> God sees and knows everything you do. He knows the thoughts you think and the number of hairs on your head. He can speak a word and drop you dead. Shouldn't you fear and reverence Him? Reverence Him for He is your creator and designer you owe everything to Him- your life- your very breath- all things:<br />
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"Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? (Isaiah 29:15-17)<br />
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To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. <br />
(Isaiah 40:25-31)<br />
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Here is a little video with a song about our great Potter:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwhzZpI3xGLOb4mF7qFDj0mkHtOejeE7B6GXZIZfkEHByytmx2sRs1MS8fYPFUPKOWHWSKetZAacCOQoul8iA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<u>Clay In Potter's Hand Song :</u></div>
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Did the clay ever say to the potter, "Tell me why have </div>
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you made me this way?"For my sides are all thinning,</div>
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I'm tired of spinning around and around every day."</div>
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Did the clay ever say to the potter, "I'm afraid that I just don't agree,</div>
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For so often I feel that life on this wheel Is not what it's cracked up to be."</div>
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<b>Chorus:</b></div>
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It seems rather strange to imagine that my life is also like clay,</div>
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Until I remember that God formed my members and made me </div>
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In His special way.</div>
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So instead of a life of complaining about things that I don't Understand.</div>
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I will simply be grateful that my God is faithful,</div>
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To finish the work He began.</div>
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Did the clay ever say to the potter, "Oh your plans</div>
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Are much different than mine, And I do beg your pardon but if</div>
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I'm a star than I'd like a much different design"</div>
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Did the clay ever say to the potter, "Oh this oven is getting quite hot,</div>
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If the pot your designing requires refining I'd really would much rather not."</div>
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<b>... Chorus...</b></div>
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-24882880676800791372012-12-31T13:29:00.001-08:002013-06-11T20:21:07.701-07:00Happy New Year To The Saved Mothers Who Want To Serve And Seek Jesus Christ The Lord With All Their Hearts!As the year is closing behind us and the New Year is just hours away. . . I just want to shout-<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"THANK YOU LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR ALL YOU HAVE </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DONE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FOR ANSWERED PRAYER, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">YOUR GREAT COMPASSION</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> AND </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GREAT FAITHFULNESS" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">T</span>here is so much more I could say in thanksgiving to our precious Lord Jesus- I especially thank Him for saving me. His love and sacrifice causes me to want to fall flat on my face in worship of Him! I die daily- Repenting and seeking Him with my whole heart. Oh how I need Him, Oh how lost I am without Him, Oh how grateful and thankful I am for salvation. And now with great joy and thanksgiving I thank Him for allowing me to be His child and that He is truly my Father who loves me because I love Jesus Christ His Son!</div>
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I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!</div>
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<i><u>Remember: </u></i></div>
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<li><b>Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are idle, encourage the faint-hearted, </b></li>
<li><b>support the weak, </b></li>
<li><b>be patient toward all men.</b></li>
<li><b> See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. </b></li>
<li><b>Rejoice evermore.</b></li>
<li><b> Pray without ceasing.</b></li>
<li><b> In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. </b></li>
<li><b>Quench not the Spirit.</b></li>
<li><b> Despise not prophesying. </b></li>
<li><b>Test all things; hold fast that which is good.</b></li>
<li><b> Abstain from all appearance of evil. </b></li>
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<b><i>And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-24)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Keep In Praise of Our Lord Jesus and teach your children diligently the Word of God, love your husband and submit to him in the Lord! You will find great joy and peace in obedience to God's Word! I know! It's my testimony- God is faithful to His Word!</i></b></div>
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(If you have never gone to YouTube and watched "The Gospel of John" I would encourage you to do so. It is a word for word account of the Gospel of John. I am not sure what translation it is, but is pretty accurate when compared to the KJV.)</div>
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To see it go here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug2cn71CDeE" target="_blank">The Gospel Of John </a></div>
sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-48507214920308450552012-12-24T14:42:00.000-08:002012-12-26T14:12:14.675-08:00A Pinnacle Of Suffering - What A Deception! Mother's Beware!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljdNxyaodiM/UNjY8i1nSxI/AAAAAAAAA_8/zfr5ymL8gDg/s1600/pinnacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljdNxyaodiM/UNjY8i1nSxI/AAAAAAAAA_8/zfr5ymL8gDg/s320/pinnacle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some people will almost "honor themselves" because of past suffering.
They will look back at their past and actually place their suffering on a
Pinnacle to gaze upon and think, "Look what I have been through, most
people would never have been able to suffer like that." - This kind of
thinking produces pride and God resists the proud but gives grace to the
humble.</td></tr>
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Dearest Mothers,<br />
Where is your pinnacle? Pinnacle: A lofty peak<br />
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We live in a world of suffering. It falls on the just and the unjust, afflicting all of us at some time.<br />
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways" (<span class="bls" id="Isaiah_55_8_22168500">Isaiah 55:8</span><span class="popup" id="popup-Isaiah_55_8_22168500" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; height: 200px; left: 272.5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: auto; position: absolute; top: 509.717px; visibility: hidden; width: 300px; z-index: 999;"><br /></span>)<br />
God has a reason for allowing suffering in our lives. I believe the greatest reason for the believer to suffer is to bring us on our knees to God acknowledging our need for Him and our helplessness without Him.<br />
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Some people suffer because they are Christians who actively give the gospel so others might know the Lord Jesus Christ the Only Savior and way of salvation. Just as God's Word warns- people will slander those who are active in the work of the Lord they will speak all manner of evil against you falsely for His Name sake. (But rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in Heaven!) <br />
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Some women suffer internally because of the difficulty they are
having with husbands or frustrations with children. Many women
suffer sacrificially and often hold that particular sacrifice on an
elevated plane. Do you know what I mean? Sacrificially a women may
resolve to "suffer for God" - secretly and be willing to go through
tremendous sorrow and hardships because she believes it is for God and
it is well pleasing to Him for her to suffer this way. She might even
believe it gives her more favor with God as He observes her sacrifice. But this way of thinking can produce pride in the heart- a pride that some may think is humility- it's very deceptive but it is pride.<br />
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There are many examples of what I am talking about. The first is from the previous paragraph. The women suffering secretly and holding that suffering as a special sacrifice to God. A Catholic priest or nun giving their entire lives over to the Catholic Church and secretly suffering as a sacrifice to god. A Hindu monk or priest sacrificing their lives and living in a remote mountain as a secret sacrifice in meditation and worship of their idol gods. A Muslim man or woman sacrificing their time and lives over to prayer and worship of Allah secretly sacrifice their own wishes and desires and reasoning to the god they serve.<br />
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This type of suffering is a type of self-inflicted suffering. Perhaps those sacrificing and suffering think it shows a form of great humility and love. Some of these people have complexions that "Beam". They look clean and fresh in eyes and face. But the truth is- it's all from pride, a self righteousness. If a person believes their sacrifice and suffering is for a holy cause and they are in good standing with God and man, then they will feel really good about themselves and it shows in their outward lives. However it is one of the greatest deceptions I have ever seen because it is and act of human will and self motivation which will send them straight to hell for nothing good can come from the heart of man. Jeremiah 17:9-10 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings"<br />
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Some people will almost "honor themselves" because of past suffering. They will look back at their past and actually place their suffering on a Pinnacle to gaze upon and think, "Look what I have been through, most people would never have been able to suffer like that." - This kind of thinking produces pride and God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.<br />
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So now, why am I bringing this up? It's because there is a warning here
for Christian mothers. Please be careful how you perceive the suffering
you go through. Consider all suffering as a gift from God. He is merciful to allow us to go through suffering! <br />
Why does God allow us to go through suffering? As I said in the first paragraph of this post - I believe the greatest reason for the believer to suffer is to bring us
on our knees to God acknowledging our need for Him and our helplessness
without Him. What better place for a child of God to be but on our knees seeking help from our Lord Jesus and crying out to Him for mercy? Can you not see how kind it is of God to allow us to suffer to bring us closer to Him? But if you will consider suffering as a gift from God- you will no longer consider it as a sacrifice on your part.<br />
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What we must come to realize is, we have done NOTHING for God! But He has done EVERYTHING for us! If you are saved and a child of God through Jesus Christ and born again of the Spirit of God, you will come to realize how great a thing God has done. We do not deserve His mercy and forgiveness yet He saved us and is shaping and forming us into His image, and that means we must go through allot of dieing to self which means suffering and chastening. We should be on our knees thanking God for loving us so much to actually move in such a way in our lives to soften hard hearts so to be molded into His image!<br />
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"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if you be without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then are you illegitimate children, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them who are trained by it. Therefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:5-13)<br />
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<b> So please count it all joy when you are allowed to suffer!</b><br />
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"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)<br />
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In His Love,<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-80454169765958282612012-11-06T12:38:00.000-08:002012-11-06T12:46:33.668-08:00"He Did Fly Upon The Wings Of The Wind"<u><b>In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.</b></u> Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea,<u><b> he did fly upon the wings of the wind.</b></u> He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. <br />
(Psalms 18:6-19)<br />
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<b><u>In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.</u></b> Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, <u><b>he did fly upon the wings of the wind. </b></u><br />
(Psalms 18:6-10)<br />
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<u><b>In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears</b></u>. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub<u><b>, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.</b></u> And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled. The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice. And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils. <br />
(2 Samuel 22:7-16)<br />
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What do you think about these Scriptures so similar to each other? When His own dear people are in distress and they cry to Him- He comes, (Does fly) quickly to help them AND fight for them! That's my God and Savior, and I love Him.What a comfort it is to know Him and read these wonderful Words of Truth!<br />
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Take a look at this Wind Map- doesn't the wind look like feathers to you? Remember- God wrote the Bible through His Prophets- the prophets could not have known unless God told them.<br />
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from:<a href="http://hint.fm/wind/" target="_blank"> http://hint.fm/wind/</a><br />
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For a live video of this map go directly to the link!<br />
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Mothers! Take God at His Word! Teach His Word to your children and explain to them His mighty acts!<br />
Jesus Christ is our Creator!<br />
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God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? <br />
(Hebrews 1:1-14)<br />
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<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-75745445032182132922012-10-21T10:42:00.000-07:002012-10-21T12:53:16.374-07:00Dearest Mothers, What If Your Children Should Gain The World But Have Not Jesus?<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>What If Your Children Should Gain The World But Have Not Jesus?</b></u></div>
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The things of this world are so enticing! The thrills and entertainment are endless. How often do you find yourself entangled in a electronic game or Facebook, Twitter or the numerous other mind boggling enticements? How often do you find yourself planning in your mind the various things you will say, and/or respond to others?<br />
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Isn't it difficult to pull yourself away, and almost impossible? (At least until the guilt of having been on too long over comes the enticement.) There are numerous enticements that await to pull you into their grasp- Not just you but your children as well.<br />
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Wouldn't you agree with me that the pleasures of this world have a powerful influence on the mind and body?<br />
The mind and body revel in these pleasures and always crave, never satisfied but seeks more and bigger and "better" pleasures. Something akin to eating a chocolate candy bar- you always feel like more.<br />
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Dear Mothers beware! These things only lead to leanness of the soul! <b>The more you "feed your flesh" the less you are sensitive to the things of God.</b><br />
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Turn away from the enticements of the flesh and turn to the true and living God. HE is life indeed and satisfies the soul! Seek a deep relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord- not with the World.<br />
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<b><i>Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:1-3)</i></b><br />
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<u>As you seek God you will have a greater desire to point your children to Him- and teach them that life is useless with out Jesus Christ.</u><br />
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<i><b>Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. <br />(James 1:12-15)</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? </i></b><br />
<b><i>(Matthew 16:24-26)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or suffer loss?(Luke 9:23-25)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience you will gain your souls.(Luke 21:17-19)</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.(1 Corinthians 9:19)</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.(Philippians 1:21)</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing let us be with these things content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)</i></b><br />
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<br />
<b>The following Hymn makes my hearts melt. Consider, dear mothers-<span style="font-size: small;"> what if you had not Jesus? </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><u><i>If I Gained The World: </i></u></span></b><br />
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<b>If I gained the world, but lost the Savior,<br />
Were my life worth living for a day?<br />
Could my yearning heart find rest and comfort<br />
In the things that soon must pass away?<br />
If I gained the world, but lost the Savior,<br />
Would my gain be worth the lifelong strife?<br />
Are all earthly pleasures worth comparing<br />
For a moment with a Christ-filled life?</b><br />
<br />
<b>Had I wealth and love in fullest measure,<br />
And a name revered both far and near,<br />
Yet no hope beyond, no harbor waiting,<br />
Where my storm-tossed vessel I could steer;<br />
If I gained the world, but lost the Savior,<br />
Who endured the cross and died for me,<br />
Could then all the world afford a refuge,<br />
Whither, in my anguish, I might flee?</b><br />
<br />
<b>O what emptiness!—without the Savior<br />
’Mid the sins and sorrows here below!<br />
And eternity, how dark without Him!<br />
Only night and tears and endless woe!<br />
What, though I might live without the Savior,<br />
When I come to die, how would it be?<br />
O to face the valley’s gloom without Him!<br />
And without Him all eternity!</b><br />
<br />
<b>O the joy of having all in Jesus!<br />
What a balm the broken heart to heal!<br />
Ne’er a sin so great, but He’ll forgive it,<br />
Nor a sorrow that He does not feel!<br />
If I have but Jesus, only Jesus,<br />
Nothing else in all the world beside—<br />
O then everything is mine in Jesus;<br />
For my needs and more He will provide.</b><br />
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<b><span class="lead">Words:</span> <a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/o/l/a/olander_a.htm" target="_blank">Anna Ölander</a>, 1904 </b><br />
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<b>To hear this song go here:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/f/i/ifigainw.htm" target="_blank"><b>http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/f/i/ifigainw.htm </b></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/f/i/ifigainw.htm" target="_blank"><u> </u></a><i><br /></i></b>
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sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-5151048791499939662012-10-05T19:36:00.002-07:002012-10-05T19:37:58.195-07:00A Lesson On Trusting God.My daughter recently posted in her blog, "Glorious Hope".<br />
It is so encouraging that I would like to invite you to go and read it.<br />
<u><b>The link is:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://glorious-hope.blogspot.com/">http://glorious-hope.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
God bless you dear readers!sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-11417241379679833642012-09-29T15:56:00.000-07:002012-10-05T10:56:00.734-07:00Pray Dear Mothers- For The Salvation Of Your Children- Pray! God Answers!<br />
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It was about 19 years ago, we lived in a house on a hill out in the northern part of Illinois in the country.<br />
I had been saved about three years and learning about my Savior who loves and lives through His own by His Spirit. I didn't know much about the working of His Spirit, and had just learned about the spiritual armor through Ephesians 6.<br />
<br />
As the Lord was teaching me through His Word and experiences of learning
to die to self, I found a great burden in my heart for my oldest son.
He had just been released from four years of army duty. After a year in
South Carolina, two years in Germany, a year in Texas, he had no desire
to re-enlist. But now He was living on his own with a nice job, nice
place to live but with a girl friend. The years of hypocrisy he saw in
me before the Lord saved me had turned him off to the things of God, he
was living in sin and was just like the World.<br />
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My heart was heavy for him. I remember in the evening after I put the
younger kids to bed I could be found face down on the floor crying and
praying for his salvation. This happened often, for the mother love I
have for him is great and I couldn't bear to think of him spending an
eternity in hell. One particular evening after talking to him on the
phone, and after everyone had gone to bed, I made my way to the field in front of our house. The night sky was filled with the glorious array of stars,
all praising the Creator who made them. Looking up I fell on my knees
and cried out loudly to God, "Please save him, oh please save him.." I
wept for a long time in great anguish of soul, and remained there
worshiping the Savior who does all things well.<br />
<br />
As time and years past we moved to Wisconsin but he still lived in Illinois,
about 8 hours from us. He helped us with many financial situations. He
was always generous toward us and God blessed him. Yet many things happened in my son's life that brought
him stress and sorrows with relationships. I continued to pray for him
daily, and wept many times for his salvation. He would call me every
Friday, (and still does) but if I mentioned anything about the Lord he
would say, "Mom don't preach to me."<br />
But as those phone calls kept coming and after a time, he began to ask me
questions about the Bible and of the things of God. I was trying hard
not to "Preach" and would let him lead the conversation. One day while
we were talking I just couldn't help talking about salvation and how
wonderful Jesus Christ is, when my son said,"Mom, I know, you are
preaching to the choir." ! Praise God! The Lord had already saved Him! He had
started reading the Bible and through The Scriptures the Lord opened his
eyes to the truth!<br />
<br />
Now, he listens to the Bible as he drives his hour long ride to work
everyday. When he calls we often get into good discussions about the
things of God, he is growing and learning in leaps and bounds as he
reads the Bible and seeks the Lord Jesus for understanding.<br />
<br />
He has been married for over 5 years to a sweet and dear girl, they have 2 sweet little
boys and I long for their salvation as well. Oh how I pray!<br />
<br />
I have one daughter who is not yet saved, and I find myself weeping for her salvation very often, with great hope- Oh Lord you are able!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Oh how I pray for the salvation of all my children and grandchildren</b>.<br />
<br />
(Our tenth grandchild is about to be born!)- see: <a href="javascript:void(0);" title="Use CTRL + click or middle-click to open in a new tab">http://glorious-hope.blogspot.com/ </a><br />
<br />
May our Savior save them, each one, and bring them into His Kingdom on
that day- Oh how I weep and pray for this and how I long for it!<br />
<br />
Mothers and Grandmothers- PRAY for the salvation of your loved ones, do not give up nor get discouraged, our
God answers prayer in ways we would never dream- keep praying and
praising Jesus Christ our Lord always!<br />
<br />
In His love always,<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-63854820363383833122012-09-02T22:47:00.000-07:002012-09-02T22:47:58.662-07:00Dearest Mothers Pray For Wisdom And Keep In His Word!<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> It happens everyday</b></div>
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When I'm angry so is my child,</div>
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When I'm sad, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm grumpy, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm selfish, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm resentful, so is my child,</div>
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When I gossip, so does my child,</div>
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When I'm greedy, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm disrespectful, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm willful, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm not thankful, so is my child.</div>
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When I ignore Jesus the Lord, so does my child. </div>
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<b>I'm fearing God</b></div>
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When I'm praising the Lord Jesus, so does my child,</div>
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When I'm grateful to Him, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm Joyful in Him, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm thankful to Him, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm forgiving in Him, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm submissive to Him, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm loving in Him, so is my child </div>
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When I'm respectful to Him, so is my child,</div>
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When I'm living in Him, so does my child,</div>
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When I'm singing to Him, so does my child </div>
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When I'm talking about Him, so does my child.</div>
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<b>Let us be careful how we live dear Mothers-</b></div>
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Little eyes are watching, little minds are learning,</div>
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Little feet are following, little lips are mimicking,</div>
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Little hearts are believing, little lives are growing.</div>
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Soon- only too soon they will be grown, and how will </div>
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they have learned from us?</div>
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<b>Pray Always for wisdom and keep in His Word! </b></div>
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sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-52274746424127477452012-07-15T16:31:00.000-07:002012-07-15T16:31:36.377-07:00Be Very Sure. Examine Your Heart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dearest Young Women and Mothers,<br />
<br />
I am fast approaching a land mark in my age, I will be 60 years old this year! I'm very excited about the things of God in life and it seems the older I get the more exciting life becomes! Being active in pro-life work and evangelism does have something to do with it, but that's not all, It's knowing God. I have met God through the Lord Jesus Christ. He saved me 22 years ago when I simply asked Him this question, "What does it mean that Jesus bore the iniquity of us all?" Do you know the answer? God spoke to my heart that Sunday morning as I was driving to Church, in answer to my question He revealed His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior. He is the One who bore our sin on the cross and placed on Himself all of our sins and suffered the fierce wrath of the Father against us because of our sin. I deserved the wrath of God upon me because of my sin, but Jesus took it for me, and suffered the punishment I deserved. In one moment of time I understood and believed on Him in my heart and my life has never been the same since.I was born again, born of the Spirit of God, He came to me, I met Him and He lives in me now! Hallelujah! It was a moment of time, a precious moment when I realized my sinfulness and His incredible love, it caused me to grieve over my sins and repent.<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
Since God saved me I have been growing closer to Him through learning about Him through His Word and communing with Him through prayer. Growing ever closer to Him in trials and afflictions, learning to lean on His everlasting arms. He has taught me some wonderful lessons of His love and faithfulness. God is true, He is perfect, He is all love and perfection I am not any of those,I still need to repent of sins and die daily to self, but He has covered me with the shed blood of Jesus Christ and placed His righteousness on me as a covering- God now sees His Son in me, and as He works in my life to transform me into His image my life becomes more and more joyful, peaceful, and exciting. I have such great peace with God, His presence is ever with me, our fellowship is sweet.<br />
<br />
Fellowship with God through my Savior Jesus Christ, is sweet. If I keep my eyes on Him when the storms of life come, (and come they do and will) Then He speaks peace to my heart, "Peace be still" He says- then my heart can be calm in the storm.<br />
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I love knowing God, He is so precious! I love the riches of God, they are vast and deep, we can never exhaust the storehouse full. But it is God I love, He is my all in all- He satisfies my soul, and because that is true I am very content- I look forward to heaven because Jesus is there.<br />
<br />
It is God who saves. Before I was saved my life was very religious, I had all the right words and outward show. I had prayed a prayer for salvation, yet my heart was just as wicked as it was before I prayed. I was very sorry for my sins but I had no power to stop them. The faith I had in Jesus before God saved me was only human faith, faith I mustard up, faith I willed to have. No human faith no mater how hard a person might work at it can save a person. God is the one who gives saving faith. God gives the faith of Jesus Christ to a person as they seek Him in truth. God knows our hearts and knows if we are true in our desire to know Him.<br />
<i>"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)</i><br />
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<b>I pray each of you dear ones reading this will be sure of your salvation. As Paul says,</b> "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.<i><b> </b>Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? "(2 Corinthians 13:5)</i><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>May our Lord Jesus speak to your hearts today.</b><br />
<b>In His love,</b><br />
<b>Sarah</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Here are some Scriptures that might be helpful to you:</b><i><br /></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
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<i>For by grace are ye saved<u> through faith;</u> and that not of yourselves<u>: it is the gift of God</u>: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)<br /> </i><br />
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in<br />
the flesh I live by<b><i> the faith of the Son of God,</i></b> who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)<br /><br />
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<b>For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)<br /> </b></div>
<i>If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)</i><br />
<i><br />And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:3-5)</i><br />
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<i>He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:9-11)</i><br />
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<i>Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)</i><br />
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<i>For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11-14)<br /><br /> </i><br />
<i>And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5-8)</i><br /><br /><br />
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-75623045882367920832012-06-16T20:55:00.000-07:002012-06-28T16:00:06.131-07:00Dearest Mothers, Who Are You Training Your Children For?Dearest Mothers,<br />
<br />
Today I went with Mark 6:12 Ministries <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/mark612ministries?feature=results_main" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/user/mark612ministries?feature=results_main </a>to give the gospel at the annual running competition in Duluth called, The Grandma's Marathon. Thousands of people from all over the World attend this event to participate or observe. Steve and John preached the gospel while the rest of us gave out tracts and held signs and banners. <br />
It was an exciting day indeed as we had many wonderful opportunities to talk to people, one-on-one about the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
We are familiar with the usual scoffers and mockers, but each year it is worse then the year before. Many people hate the message of the cross, and as the days become more evil the numbers of people increase who exhibit pure hatred of the gospel message.<br />
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This blog is for encouraging young mothers to train their children for Jesus Christ, so even though giving the gospel and sharing with people is very exciting, I want to shift to the purpose of this post-<br />
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My <i>greatest grief and heart ache</i> is when I see more and more of the children and young people becoming despisers of truth. I'm sorry to say it is much worse now- more then ever before in past years. I wish you could have seen the hardness in their very young faces as we offered tracts or as they read our signs, so you could better understand the seriousness of what I am saying. How can children be so hard and exhibit such hatred and scorn for the gospel?<br />
<br />
God tells Parents to train up children in the way that they should go, Proverbs 22:6 He tells us foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, Proverbs 22:15 But He gives instructions in the training of children, see Deuteronomy 6:4. There are so many other verses which speak of training children for God, you can find them in this blog, but better yet go straight to the Bible. The children and young people who are so hateful and opposed the the gospel<i> are </i>being trained but for evil and for satan.<br />
<br />
There is a training of children for God, and<i> <b>there is a training of children for satan.</b></i><br />
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Do nothing to teach children truth, neglect them and just give them over to the World and satan will take over to train them. They will be trained in violence, immorality,<i> </i>disrespect for authority, in hatred and every evil thing imaginable. They will hate God and His people. It is happening today, I quake for the future of America and for the World.<br />
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Judgement is here. America deserves judgement as she has made it legal to shed innocent blood through abortion, close to 60 million babies slaughtered since 1973. She been given over to violence, and corruption. Her people are despisers of God and His Son Jesus Christ the Lord, the Creator of all.This Scripture describes it well:<br />
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<i><b>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. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)</b></i><br />
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<b>- Please wake up Mothers-</b> don't leave your children to be trained by vile and corrupt haters of God. <u><i><b>You </b></i></u>teach them Truth- Jesus said, "I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no man can come unto the Father but by Me."<br />
Read the Bible to them, teach the Word of God, expose the lies of the devil to them (who wants them to hate God and end up in hell.) Give them truth- fight for their souls! Deny yourselves and take up the cross and follow Jesus- it's hard work but with strength from God you can do it. Invest your time in training your children for the Lord Jesus.<br />
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<i><b>He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. <br />(Proverbs 22:8)</b></i><br />
<i><b>The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. (Proverbs 10:27-32)</b></i><br />
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<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-61392656374809768722012-05-12T21:43:00.000-07:002013-04-13T11:11:41.775-07:00Dearest Mothers, "The Words Of The Lord Are Pure Words."Dearest Mothers,<br />
It is Mothers Day tomorrow. Good and sweet this day can be to so many mothers as they are honored by their children and husbands.<br />
Sad and heart breaking it can be to those who have great loss and know not Jesus Christ our Lord.<br />
As you enjoy the honor of motherhood from your dear family, please remember to pray for those who for mothers day is a painful reminder of great loss or suffering. <br />
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There is so much suffering everywhere! There is so much evil everywhere! We live day by day hearing and seeing the suffering of mankind. Daily we are exposed to perverse things. Sorrow may fill our hearts as we think of our children being brought into a World so wicked and wonder how we ourselves can protect them. But our God does have each one of us here in this life, this day, this hour, for a Divine purpose. Our precious children are loved by God more than we can even begin to love them! We must trust Him to take care of them. But we must also be very careful not to be careless with them by allowing them to be exposed to wickedness in our homes. It takes prayer Mothers, ask God for wisdom and creative ways to keep your children from being exposed to evil and perverse things in and outside of the home!<br />
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Don't believe the lie that says children should be exposed to evil so they will know evil when they see it. That is a lie from the pit of hell! No! Children should NOT be exposed to evil but instead should be given truth-truth-truth and the pure Word of God all of their growing-up years so they will be able to identify lies and evil when they come.<br />
Here's an example how it works- A newly hired bank teller is trained to identify false money bills through the means of giving her true money bills for weeks- finally they slip a fake one in and immediately she identifies it as fake because she became so familiar with the true ones.<br />
Teach your children the Pure Word of God daily and do not <i>add a mix of things </i><b>that God hates! </b><br />
Think about this please- are you allowing them to see-do-play-read-hear-<i>anything</i> that God hates?<br />
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I cannot stress this enough- teach your children the Word of God. Bring purity into their minds- pure words that can be trusted. Invest into their lives the greatest asset they will have in life, make this a priority!<br />
<b>The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalms 12:6)</b><br />
<b>Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5)</b><br />
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Be aware- what children learn in their young learning years, they will carry all of their lives. Fill their minds daily with the pure Word of God. We can teach our children the pure, clean Word of God and let Him use it to bring glory to His name throughout their life time.<br />
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<u>One thing you can be sure of-</u> <b>IT IS RIGHT TO TEACH THEM GOD'S WORD. </b><br />
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God bless you dear godly mothers!<br />
With love, <br />
Sarah<br />
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<b>The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalms 19:7-11)</b><br />
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<b> "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
(Jeremiah 29:11)</b><br />
sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-37678284834807634252012-04-01T11:17:00.006-07:002012-04-01T11:41:13.798-07:00THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER By John Abbot- 1833, Chapter 7: Conclusion: Results<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rc6zxfgOQY/T3id6DcPGFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/-Vk1CGUApIY/s1600/Mother%2Band%2Bchild.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rc6zxfgOQY/T3id6DcPGFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/-Vk1CGUApIY/s400/Mother%2Band%2Bchild.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726500546883295314" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Christian Mother</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Results<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">by John Abbott, 1833, Worcester, Mass. Published by the American Tract Society<br /><br />Read Chapter 1 :<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/02/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"> The Mothers Responsibility</a><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div>Read Chapter 2 :<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/02/christian-mother-by-john-abbott-1833.html"> The Mothers Authority<br /></a><br /></span></span></span>Read Chapter 3<span style="font-weight: bold;"> : <a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/03/christain-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"> The Mother's DIFFICULTIES:</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Read Chapter 4:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/03/christain-mother-by-john-abbot-1833_8943.html">FAULTS and ERRORS</a></span><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/03/christain-mother-by-john-abbot-1833_8943.html">:</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Read Chapter 5<span style="font-weight: bold;"> :<a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"> </a></span><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION</span></a><br /></div></div></div></div><br />Read Chapter 6:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833_1984.html">FRUITS OF PIETY</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 7: Results</span><br /><br />Frequent allusion has been made in the preceding chapters, to the fatal consequences which must attend the neglect of duty. In view of this, some parents may have been oppressed and dejected. It is most surely true that the misconduct of children, subjects the parents to the utmost intensity of suffering. But it must be remembered, that when parental faithfulness is attended with its usual blessing—joys, nearer akin to those of heaven than of earth, are the result.<br />The human heart is not susceptible of more exquisite pleasures than the parental relation affords. Is there no joy when the mother first presses her infant to her heart? Is there no delight in witnessing the first placid smile which plays upon its cheek? Yes! The very earliest infancy of the babe brings "rapture a mother only knows!" The very care is a delight. And when your little son has passed through the dreamy existence of infancy—and is buoyant with the activity, and animated with the intelligence of childhood—are not new sources of pleasure opened to your mind? Are there no thrilling emotions of enjoyment in hearing the hearty laugh of your happy boy—in witnessing the unfoldings of his active mind—in feeling his warm kiss and ardent embrace? Is there no delight in seeing your boy run to meet you, with his face full of smiles and his heart full of love—and in hearing him, in lisping accents, call you mother?<br /><br />As you receive daily new proofs of his affection and obedience—and see that his little bosom is animated with a generous and a noble spirit—you feel repaid a hundred fold for all your efforts, troubles and toils. After a few years your children arrive at maturity, and with that divine blessing which we may expect to accompany our prayerful efforts—they will be found with generous affections and established principles of piety. With what emotions do parents then look around upon their happy and prosperous family! They are receiving the earthly recompense of reward. What an affecting sight it is, to see an aged and widowed mother leaning upon the firm arm of her son, as he accompanies her to the house of God! And how many parents have had their declining years cheered by the affectionate attentions of a daughter! Who will so tenderly watch over you in sickness as a daughter—whose bosom is animated by the principles of piety which you have inculcated?<br /><br />Among the sweetest earthly joys to be experienced in old age—is the joy of looking around upon happy and grateful children. The marks of esteem and love you receive from them, will daily be rewarding you for all your toil. And when your children's children cluster around you, giving unceasing tokens of respect and affection—you will find in their caresses the renewal of your youth. When all other earthly joys have faded—you will find in the little prattlers of the fireside untiring enjoyment!<br /><br />But there is a scene of still brighter happiness. The Christian family will meet again! Parents and children will be associated in heaven! And when the whole household are happily assembled there—when they sit down together in the green pastures and by the still waters—when they go in and out at the mansions which God has prepared for them—then, and not until then, will they experience the fullness of the enjoyment with which God rewards parental faithfulness!<br />How full of rapture is the thought—that the whole family may meet again in the world of songs and everlasting joy—where sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away! As from that happy state of existence you look back upon your pilgrimage on earth, you can never regret—any amount of labor you have expended—any sacrifices you have made—any sufferings you have undergone—to train up your children to be with you the heirs of a glorious immortality. O there is enough, abundantly enough—to encourage every parent to unwearied exertions! As with the deep emotions of parental love, you look upon the obedient and affectionate children who surround your fireside—your thoughts may be carried away to enjoyments infinitely richer, and forever enduring, in the world to come!<br /><br />We may be called upon to follow our children to the grave. And heart- rending is such an affliction. But if we have reason to believe that they have gone to the mansions which the Savior has prepared—much of the bitterness of the affliction is taken away. They have gone home before us! They are sheltered from every storm! They are protected from every sorrow! Soaring in angelic flights—and animated with celestial joys—they are ready to welcome us when God in his own good time shall give us entrance to those happy worlds!<br />A gentleman was once asked if he had lost any of his children. "No," he replied, "I have two in heaven—but have lost none." To a truly Christian family, the death of any one of its members is but a temporary absence—and not an eternal separation.<br /><br />1. Mothers have as powerful an influence over the welfare of future generations—as all other earthly causes combined.<br />Thus far the history of the world has been composed of the narrations of oppression and blood. War has scattered its unnumbered woes. The cry of the oppressed has unceasingly ascended to heaven. Where are we to look for the influence which shall change this scene—and fill the earth with the fruits of peace and benevolence? It is to the power of divine truth, to Christianity—as taught from a mother's lips! In a vast majority of cases the first six or seven years decide the character of the man.<br />If the boy leaves the paternal roof uncontrolled, turbulent and vicious—he will, in all probability, rush on in the mad career of self-indulgence. There are exceptions—but these exceptions are rare. If, on the other hand, your son goes from home accustomed to control himself—he will probably retain that habit through life. If he has been taught to make sacrifices of his own enjoyment that he may promote the happiness of those around him, it may be expected that he will continue to practice benevolence, and consequently will be respected, and useful, and happy. If he has adopted firm resolutions to be faithful in all the relations in life, he, in all probability, will be a virtuous man and an estimable citizen, and a benefactor of his race.<br />When our land is filled with pious mothers—then will it be filled with virtuous men! The world's redeeming influence, under the blessing of the Holy Spirit, must come from a mother's lips. She who was first in the transgression, must be yet the principal earthly instrument in the restoration. Other causes may greatly aid. Other influences must be ready to receive the mind as it comes from the mother's hand—and carry it onward in its improvement. But the mothers of our race must be the chief instruments in its redemption. This sentiment will bear examining, and the more it is examined, the more manifestly true will it appear. It is alike the dictate of philosophy and experience. The mother who is neglecting personal effort, and relying upon other influences for the formation of virtuous character in her children, will find, when it is too late—that she has fatally erred. The parent who hopes that schools and education, and the general diffusion of knowledge—will promote the good order and happiness of the community, while family government is neglected—will find that he is attempting to purify the streams which are flowing from a corrupt fountain!<br /><br />It is maternal influence, after all, which must be the great agent—in the hands of God—in bringing back our guilty race to duty and happiness. O that mothers could feel this responsibility as they ought! Then would the world assume a different aspect. Then would we less frequently behold unhappy families and broken-hearted parents. A new race of men would enter upon the busy scene of life—and cruelty and crime would pass away!<br /><br />O mothers! Reflect upon the power your Maker has placed in your hands! There is no earthly influence to be compared with yours. There is no combination of causes so powerful in promoting the happiness—or the misery—of our race—as the instructions of home! In a most peculiar sense God has constituted you the guardians and the controllers of the human family.<br /><br />2. Perhaps someone asks, "Is there nothing for FATHERS to do?" There certainly is much—very much. But this treatise is prepared to impress upon the mind the duties of mothers. Yet, lest it should be inferred from what has been written, that the whole duty of family government rests upon the mother, I would briefly remark—that no father can be excusable for releasing himself from a full share of the responsibility. A father will often make many excuses to release himself from his duty, but alas! he cannot release his children from the ruin—or himself from the woe—which his neglect occasions. It will be a poor solace to him, as he goes in shame and sorrow to the grave—to reflect that he was busily engaged in other employments while leaving his children to develop for ignominy and disgrace! What duties can be paramount to those we owe our children?<br /><br />A clergyman sometimes says he has so much to do, his time is so fully occupied, that he is compelled to neglect his children. And who has the first claim upon his attention—his congregation or his children? God has placed him over a congregation, and has also made him the father of a family—and which duty does God regard as most imperative? And yet not a few instances might be pointed out, in which clergymen of devoted piety and extensive usefulness, have given their whole attention to the labors of the study and public duties—and have left their unhappy children to grow up unchecked and vicious! No one can enjoy the privilege of being a father—without having duties to perform which will require time and care.<br />And can any time be more usefully employed than that which is passed in training up a family of children—who shall remain to do good in the world long after we are silent in the grave?<br />Can we have any influence equal to that of pious sons and daughters? Can we bequeath the world a richer legacy—than the fervent piety and active usefulness of our children? O there is no sin which reaches so far, and extends such wide-spreading desolation—as parental neglect! No father can be guiltless in retiring from these responsibilities. The first duty enjoined upon us, is to keep our own hearts with diligence—the second, to lead our families to God—the third, to consult for the spiritual welfare of our neighbors—the fourth, to do all in our power to evangelize the world.<br />And yet how many Christian ministers have paralyzed their influence, destroyed their peace of mind, and broken their hearts—by neglecting the duties they owe their children!<br /><br />Many of the most eminent statesmen are thus afflicted and dishonored. And the affliction must be aggravated by the consciousness that they are reaping as they have sown! I would not willingly inflict a pang upon the heart of any parent who reads these pages, but I cannot refrain from raising a warning voice, in a view of the destruction which has gone forth, and is still going forth, from the cause we are now contemplating. The temptation is very great, for men who are engaged in literary pursuits, and overwhelmed with public cares, to neglect their domestic duties. But how ruinous is this to usefulness and happiness! It is better to be a poor man, and it is better to be a humble man—than to be disgraced in life by the profligacy of those who call us father—and to have a dying pillow planted with thorns by our children's hands! Every man, whatever be his situation in life, is bound to regard the duties he owes his children as among the most sacred he has to discharge. If he neglects them, he must reap the bitter consequences.<br />One other remark I must here make, as it is intimately connected with a mother's duty.<br /><br />A father should always endeavor to teach his children to honor their mother. If the father does not do this, the difficulties of the mother will be vastly increased. But where harmony of design is seen to exist between the parents, authority is strengthened. There is something in loving and revering a mother, which exerts a delightful influence upon the heart—it refines and elevates the character—and is a strong safeguard against degrading vice. Boys in particular will not long respect a mother, if they see that their father does not treat her with kindness. You can hardly find a dissolute young man, who has been accustomed from infancy to look to his mother with respect and love. It is in disobedience to a mother that the career of crime generally commences. The way is thus prepared for the disregard of all parental authority. And then the progress is rapid to the boldest defiance of all the laws of God and man. Many an unhappy criminal has, from the gallows, traced back his course of guilt to the early periods of childhood, when he commenced with disobedience to a mother's commands—and he has felt and acknowledged that, had he then been habituated to obey, his whole following course of life had probably been different. It is therefore of the first importance that nothing should be omitted tending to give the mother great and unceasing influence over the minds of her children.<br /><br />3. The subject of EDUCATION must be attended to with persevering study. And yet how many parents neglect this duty! Nothing surely can be of greater importance to the parents and child—than a correct system of family government. Every mother admits her need of information. There are many valuable books, easy of access, which will afford great assistance. A mother should consider it one of her first duties to inform herself upon this subject, as far as her means will admit.<br />The art of influencing and guiding the youthful mind is susceptible of almost boundless improvement, and we are unfaithful to our children if we do not become familiar with the results of the experiments of others. We ought not to stumble in darkness, when light is shining around us. There are fundamental principles in operating upon the human mind, as well as in any other science. And many an anxious mother has committed error to the serious injury of her children, which she might have avoided, had she consulted the sources of information which are at every one's hand.<br />How great must be the affliction of that mother, who, in consequence of neglect, has been unsuccessful with her family! She looks upon her ruined sons, and reproaches herself with the just reflection, that if she had pursued a different course, they might have been her joy and blessing. Perhaps even they throw reproaches upon her, and attribute all their guilt and wretchedness to her bad parenting. Few more miserable men have passed through the world than Lord Byron; and he had distinctly attributed the formation of his character, and consequently all his crime and woe, to his mother's unrestrained passions, and neglect of proper government.<br />How must such an incrimination from a dissolute son, pierce the heart of a pious mother! Knowledge of duty might have been attained, but she neglected to attain it, and through inexcusable ignorance ruined her child. An affectionate mother would be overwhelmed with anguish, if she had ignorantly administered some poisonous drug, and had seen her child in consequence expiring in agony. But how much more dreadful is it to see moral ruin caused by our own criminal ignorance! Who would not rather see a son or a daughter lie down in the grave—than see them in the wretchedness and disgrace of profligacy!<br />"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6</span><br /><br />This ends the book of, "The Christan Mother" By John Abbot.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130708189988206998.post-76388271036347338632012-04-01T11:08:00.005-07:002012-04-01T11:41:55.887-07:00THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER By John Abbot- 1833, Chapter 6: Fruits Of Piety: Part Five<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uweJIOUUCx8/T3iaNQsM25I/AAAAAAAAAro/gU5u6VWvNic/s1600/little%2Bgirl%2Bpraying.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uweJIOUUCx8/T3iaNQsM25I/AAAAAAAAAro/gU5u6VWvNic/s400/little%2Bgirl%2Bpraying.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726496478810921874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Christian Mother</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FRUITS OF PIETY<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">by John Abbott, 1833, Worcester, Mass. Published by the American Tract Society<br /><br />Read Chapter 1 :<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/02/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"> The Mothers Responsibility</a><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div>Read Chapter 2 :<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/02/christian-mother-by-john-abbott-1833.html"> The Mothers Authority<br /></a><br /></span></span></span>Read Chapter 3<span style="font-weight: bold;"> : <a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/03/christain-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"> The Mother's DIFFICULTIES:</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Read Chapter 4:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/03/christain-mother-by-john-abbot-1833_8943.html">FAULTS and ERRORS</a></span><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/03/christain-mother-by-john-abbot-1833_8943.html">:</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Read Chapter 5<span style="font-weight: bold;"> :<a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"> </a></span><a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION</span></a></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 6: FRUITS OF PIETY: Part Five:</span><br /><br />10. Cultivate in your children a taste for pure and noble pleasures—instead of a love of worldly gaiety.<br />Pure and noble pleasures last. They wear well. They leave no sting behind. The pleasures of worldliness and gaiety do not wear well. They exhaust the powers of body and mind, and all the capacities of enjoyment, prematurely—and leave a sting behind. That is the reason why the Word of God condemns them—and why Christians abstain from them.<br /><br />There is hardly any reproach more frequently cast upon Christians than the charge of bigotry—because they refuse to unite with the world in these scenes of gaiety. They are invited to a ball, to the theater, or to a card party—and yet no persuasions can induce them to go.<br />"What can be the possible harm," it is said, "in going to a ball? We go to a brightly illuminated hall. We have pleasant music to gratify the ear. In graceful measures we beat time to its cadences in the exhilarating dance. After having thus passed a few hours of heartfelt hilarity, we retire unharmed to our homes. Now, what real objection can there be to this amusement," it is asked, "which is not founded on ignorance and superstition?"<br /><br />This is a very important question, and it deserves a very serious answer. To explain my views upon this subject, let me suppose that you have a son nineteen years of age—a very amiable, correct, and promising young man. He is the darling of the family—attentive to his father and mother—kind to his sisters—all love him. He is a clerk in a store, and is highly respected by his employers. As you have known many amiable young men, in such situations, ruined by such worldly pleasures—you feel great solicitude for him. He has so little of selfishness in his nature, and is so willing to sacrifice his own inclinations to oblige others, that, while he thus promises to be one of the best and most useful of men, he is much exposed to be led away by temptation.<br />Like an affectionate and dutiful son, as he is, he comes to his father some day, and says to him, "Father, there is to be a ball tonight. All my acquaintances are going, and, if you have no objection, I would like to go also."<br />"Well my son," says his father, "what time does the ball commence?"<br />"Between eight and nine o'clock in the evening," he replies.<br />"And what hour will it close?" the father asks.<br />"They tell me," the son answers, "that they will probably go home between two and three o'clock in the morning."<br />"I suppose that wine will be circulated very freely on the occasion; will it not, my son?"<br />"Why, yes sir; I suppose so—but I hope that I have resolution enough not to be guilty of any excess."<br />"I trust that you have, my son. But do you know of any who are going to the ball who have the reputation of being intemperate?"<br />"Yes sir; there will be several there who are known to drink too much wine."<br />"Will there be many present who are considered generally dissolute in their habits—so much so that you would not like to have them for your acquaintances?"<br />"There will be some such, sir, I suppose."<br />"It is rather dangerous," the father rejoins, "for a young man to be thrown into such company, in the midst of all the excitements of music, and dancing, and wine. It will not be easy to shake off acquaintances you may necessarily form there.<br />"I suppose, of course, too," adds the father, "that they have card-playing in some of the rooms."<br />"Yes, sir."<br />"Do they play for money?"<br />"Some of them I believe do, sir—for small sums."<br />"It is not uncommon," the father replies, "under such circumstances, for people to commence with small sums and go on to greater. Under the stimulus of play and wine, they plunge deeper and deeper into the game, until the dawn of morning finds them still with the cards in their hands. Many a young man in these scenes, commences on the road to ruin. I have in my experience known a great number thus lost to virtue, and who have brought hopeless shame upon their parents and friends.<br />"You say, my son, that the ball will break up about three o'clock in the morning. You can, perhaps get home and to your bed at half-past three. You must rise at six o'clock in the morning to get the store opened in time. This allows you two hours and a half for sleep—sleep which, from the previous excitement must be feverish and unrefreshing.<br />"I counsel you therefore, my son," the father continues, "not to go. By going into such scenes, you will be exposed to many temptations—the excitement of wine—the excitement of many dangerous passions. You can hardly avoid forming many very undesirable acquaintances. You will be invited to the gaming table, and may thus commence the acquisition of a taste for all the excitements of gambling.<br />"Many may be there, who, having no pleasures except those of fashionable dissipation, will be glad to secure you as an associate. Invitations will multiply upon you. When a young man once enters this vortex—it is difficult to get out again. When you go to the store in the morning, you will be languid and melancholy—all your energies will be exhausted. With aching head, and bloodshot eyes, and trembling limbs, you will have a day of mental depression, which will much more than counterbalance all the enjoyment of the night—and which will greatly disqualify you from discharging your duty to your employers.<br />"It is for these reasons," the father continues, "that your parents are unwilling to have you enter such scenes. We are satisfied that, on the whole, instead of increasing, they greatly diminish, the amount of human happiness. It is on this account that we have always been desirous that neither you nor your sisters should acquire a taste for these worldly pleasures—for our own observation, as well as the testimony of the wise and the holy in all ages, has taught us that these amusements, by breaking in upon the regular and peaceful enjoyment of domestic life, expose those who engage in them to great temptation—and by prematurely exhausting the mental and bodily powers, and undermining the constitution, seriously interfere with future happiness, and lead to imminent danger!<br />"And when our neighbors have wondered that we should so carefully keep you away from such scenes of gaiety and worldly amusements which to them appear innocent and pleasing—-we have replied, that we could make you far happier by cultivating in your heart a taste for a totally different class of pleasures.<br />"Such worldly pleasures, too, always leave a sting behind them. Discontent and dissatisfaction always take possession of the soul after a scene of unseasonable and excessive gaiety. This is always the case—in all ranks and conditions of life. Madame de Geniis, who moved in the highest circles of Parisian life, and was familiar with the gaieties of the Royal Palace in the highest of splendor, remarked that the days which followed brilliant entertainments were always melancholy.<br />"Therefore, my son," the father continues, "I counsel you not to go! Persevere in the plan of life which you have heretofore laid down for yourself. Come home, and spend the evening in quiet enjoyment with your mother, or your sisters—or by the perusal of some interesting volume from the library—acquire a taste for reading, and store your mind with useful knowledge. At your usual hour, retire to rest. You will then rise in the morning fresh and vigorous, and in good temper you will go to your duties. And as you see your associate in the adjoining store, who attended the ball, dozing in dejection, and lounging the whole day at his desk—you will be thankful that you were more wise than to sacrifice so much substantial good for a few hours of midnight merriment.<br />"By persevering in this course," the father continues, "you will more effectually secure to yourself the confidence of businessmen. Your credit will be better. Your prospects in life will be better. You will soon be able to have a home of your own. You will make that home more happy. Your life will glide away with far less danger of your falling before the power of temptation—and, consequently, there will be a far brighter prospect of your enjoying eternal happiness beyond the grave!"<br /><br />This is, in the main, the argument upon which Christians rely, and have relied, during all past ages, against the amusements and gaieties of the world. They are fully convinced that he who acquires a taste for such pleasures, will find his earthly happiness greatly impaired, and will be exposed to temptations which will greatly endanger his eternal well-being.<br /><br />I have dwelt upon this subject more fully, because the young—inexperienced in the dangers of the world—often wonder why their pious parents are so unwilling that they should acquire a fondness for worldly amusements which appear so innocent and pleasing. But I think that any ingenuous boy or girl, of fourteen or fifteen years of age, may see the force of the above considerations, and may be satisfied that Christians have not, in their decision upon this subject, acted without good reasons.<br />And here I do not intend to enter into the question whether these amusements might not be so far improved and refined as to obviate all objections against them. I wish to refer to them as they now are, and as they ever have been, and as there is every prospect that they will continue to be.<br />They are all of the same general character, leading to peculiar temptations, from the indulgence of bad passions, and the exposure of those who engage in them to unworthy associates. They all tend to destroy the taste for those quiet, domestic enjoyments, which, when cultivated, grow brighter and brighter every year, and which confer increasing solace and joy when youth has fled, and old age, and sickness, and misfortune come. Christian parents endeavor to guard their children against acquiring a taste for these worldly pleasures, because they foresee that these amusements will, in the end, disappoint them—and they can lead them in a safer path, and one infinitely more promotive of their happiness!<br /><br />We have contemplated the influence of one of these scenes of gaiety upon a young man. Let us now consider its effects upon a mother of a family—or a young lady.<br />In the first place in the mere preparation for any assembly of worldly gaiety and dissipation, many hours are taken from the peaceful routine of ordinary duties—in devotion to dress and appearance. Then the temptation is almost irresistible, from the strong rivalry which is called into exercise, to make expenditures which can not be afforded. And then, when the midnight scene of gaiety is at its height, and music's voluptuous swell is loudest, and the smile on every cheek is least clouded—how many secret sources of chagrin are necessarily fostered, though studiously concealed! The spirit of the occasion has the strongest tendency to call into exercise the sinful passions of envy and rivalry. The superior dress of one lady—and the superior beauty of another—the comparative neglect with which one is treated—and the excessive attention which another receives—constitute the most fruitful source of vanity on the one side—and of jealousy and envy on the other.<br /><br />The very nature of the enjoyment, and the whole spirit of the occasion, have the most direct tendency to call these feelings into active exercise. There is no place in which the wicked feelings of the heart are so frequently and so painfully excited—as in gay, glittering assemblies. To use the familiar language of the poet,<br />"Though the cheek may be tinged with a warm, sunny smile, The cold heart to ruin runs on darkly the while."<br />And when, long after midnight, fevered with the heated room and exciting exercise, the young lady returns to her home—how poorly she is prepared for the duties of devotion! In how unsuitable a frame of mind is she, acceptably to commune with God, and to commend herself anew, with an affectionate and a humble heart, to His service!<br />And then when another morning dawns, all the concerns of the family are in disorder. At a late hour she rises unrefreshed from her pillow. During the whole day she feels depressed in spirits, and unable to engage, with any satisfaction, in life's ordinary duties. It often requires one or two days of languor and melancholy for the system to recover its tone—from the exhaustion of the few hours of midnight revelry. Even allowing the pleasurable emotions of the convivial hours to be as great as anyone will venture to estimate them—the enjoyment must be considered as far more than counterbalanced, by the physical, moral and intellectual drawbacks which necessarily ensue.<br />And when we go a little farther; when we consider the inevitable termination of this life of pleasure—when we contemplate the victim—for victim we must consider her—of a mirthful and fashionable life, after having passed through the period of youth and vigor, with her faculties to these excitements worn out—her mind and heart satiated with those pursuits—and yet with no taste formed for more solid and satisfying joys—we regard her with the deepest pity—as an impressive warning for all the young to avoid those quicksands, upon which her happiness has been so fatally stranded!<br /><br />When we turn to the Bible, to the character of our Savior and His apostles, we find these views confirmed by the weight of inspiration—so much so, indeed, that even the idea of our Savior, or the apostle Paul, taking an active part in such scenes, is so shocking to our feelings, that the very supposition is almost irreverent. And why is it that one shrinks from such an idea—but because the spirit of the Bible is so diametrically opposed to these amusements, that the mind recoils from the thought of connecting them with sacred personages?<br /><br />And when we inquire of Christian testimony, we hear but one voice, which comes down from all past time, and from every nation—in attestation of the folly of a life of worldly pleasure. There are thousands now in our churches, who were once the devotees of worldly gaiety; and they will tell you, without a contradicting voice, that, since they have abandoned their former pursuits, and sought happiness in different objects, and cultivated a taste for different pleasures, they have found peace and satisfaction, which they never knew before—and they have no more disposition to turn back to these gaieties, than they have to resume the rattles of babyhood!<br />It is quite important that the young should understand the true reason of the decision, to which Christians have come upon this subject. It is not a gloomy and morose spirit that dictates this decision—or any desire to prohibit real pleasures. But we see that these gaieties are, in the end, promotive of far more sorrow than happiness—and therefore, we wish all whom we love, to walk in those ways of wisdom, which are pleasantness, and in those paths which are peace.<br />And hence, if parents would, in their own lives and in the lives of their children, bring forth the peaceable and joyful fruits of righteousness—they must avoid these scenes of gaiety! You must carefully guard against cultivating a taste for such worldly pleasures. There are, in this world, many avenues of enjoyment, where one may walk in safety. There are many joys which are improving to the heart, and which afford increasing happiness amid the infirmities of old age and approaching death—joys which, in the 'morning of life', are like the morning sunshine—and, in the 'evening of our days'—are like the serene and golden hues of a summer sunset. There are the joys of well-cultivated affections, of an improving mind, of friends, and love of home, of social converse at the quiet fireside, of the flower garden, of the domestic animal feeding from the hand it loves, of the twilight walk in solitude or company, of visiting the sick, and cheering the desponding.<br /><br />There are enough sources of enjoyment which God has opened to us in this world, which are purifying in their nature—and which leave no sting behind. It is not necessary for us to search for happiness in dangerous and forbidden paths.<br /><br />In all the ways pointed out in this chapter, the mother must endeavor to train up her children in the service of God. These are the practical duties of Christianity—duties which bring with them their own reward. There is no other path to heaven than that which is here pointed out—reliance upon an atoning Savior for the forgiveness of past sin, and faithful endeavors to live a devout and holy life.<br />They who will diligently and faithfully pursue such a course, will find the Savior's yoke indeed easy, and His burden light. Duty will continually become more easy and more pleasant. The propensities and passions, whose unrestrained dominion so often mar the peace of others, will cease to trouble them—being subdued by divine grace—and they will go on their way rejoicing to the end!<br /><br />End of Chapter 6<br />Read Conclusion: Chapter 7:<a href="http://preachersathome.blogspot.com/2012/04/christian-mother-by-john-abbot-1833_9787.html"> Results</a>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584640573911899979noreply@blogger.com0