The Gift of the Golden Bow

When I started this blog "Growing in His Love" I wanted to share what things in my life reflected Gods love and how with God's love I am growing. That's why I feel the story of the Golden Bow belongs here.

"She" was casually showing me some of her jewelry when I noticed the golden bow pin. It had clear and black rhinestones and glistened in the light. I commented on how very pretty it was. She reached in and grabbed the pin and gave it to me. "Wow are you sure"? Yes she said, I don't wear it and if someone else can enjoy it then they might as well have it.

I wear that pin every year on my wool winter coat. It makes me think of her every time I see it. Every year I get tons of compliments on it - "What a lovely pin" and "Oh that pin is beautiful". So each time I tell the story of her unselfish giving, by letting go of something she didn't use to someone that would appreciate it more. I also share that since then I've tried to follow that same example of giving to others. Let go of things I'm not using to someone that could use or enjoy it more. So her unselfish act not only touched my life, but can touch everyone I can tell the story to.

But there is part of the story that not everyone knows. "She" is my husbands 1st Mother-in-law. After 25 years of marriage my husbands first wife went to be with Jesus. It was through helping my husband through his grief that we got to know each other and eventually got married. "She" was his first wife's Mother, but gave to me unselfishly.

But there is still more, "She" knew me when I still had one foot in the world and one foot trying to follow Jesus. Before her Daughter went to be with the Lord, she knew me, the old me. And even knowing that, even knowing I am now married to her Son-in-law - "She" gave unconditionally, as God would, in love.

The gift of The Golden Bow - that sparkles every year.

"She" helped me to "Grow in God's Love"

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Listen to my teaching

I had an opportunity ... or should I say God had an opportunity to teach me and He did.

A co-worker called this morning and was rambling on and drawing out a request and putting all these words in there but not getting anywhere - and right when I wanted to wander in my mind God spoke and said "Didn't you say you like to be listened to? Doesn't it upset you when people don't let you finish your explanations?"
Let me back up: See just yesterday I had a situation with a customer service rep, that would not let me finish my story. I was trying to give them the scenario of what had happened and what had been done so far only to be cut off and huffed at. Then she got really frustrated with me because she did some work and found out she didn't need to because she only listened to half of the story. So she transferred me to another Sales Rep, that admitted the first was upset and that she said I had a really long story.
So I tried to be short and sweet only to have him jump in again and start doing things only to find out that he too didn't get the whole story and got a little (not at bad as the first) upset too. When I got off the phone I was really upset and wasn't sure of all the emotions I was having. Was I hurt, angry, feeling rejected, what? So this really bothered me and I prayed to God and asked what am I to do. If I drag out the explanation they get mad, if I don't tell enough they get confused and then mad, what am I to do?

That's what God was reminding me of. Then in this mornings chronological reading Wendy (click for today's teaching ) our host picked -
Matthew 13:12 "To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them."

Thanks Wendy for picking that scripture to teach on today. God didn't really say to much to me yesterday when I was asking why. But He showed me today. Do I think all of this was a coincidence? I don't think so God is just that good. It may have had an impact on all of us in different ways because God works with each of us where we are at, but I know God placed that there for a lesson for me.
Hope my revelations can be a blessing to someone else too! When the light bulb goes on and the bells and whistles of a revelation happens for us we want to share.

I heard God saying "Are you listening?" So I stopped and really focused on what my co-worker was saying, not how she was saying it. All of the sudden it was like a floodgate of understanding that had never been there between us opened up. We had a great conversation, we resolved the issue she was questioning, she took my advice and thanked me.
When I hung up I remembered something our Pastor had told us, if we want to speak into peoples lives and share the gospel with them we need to get to know them and earn their trust and respect. When I got off the phone I felt like that was a step to earning the right to speak into her life someday.

If you want friends be a friend to someone, if want people to listen - listen to people, and not just the easy ones. It's good to love the lovely - it's even better when you learn to love the unlovely.

Blessings everyone.
Lynn

Good Fellowship

I just got home a little while ago from my Bible Study. We took the month of August off due to vacations and scheduling. My friend, the leader of the study and I went to dinner before the study to catch up on life. With her schedule and mine we keep missing each other, it was nice to visit and see what was going on with each other.

We headed over to our meeting place after dinner not sure who would show up since some had canceled and some hadn't confirmed or denied. But one of our members that recently lost her husband was there. She is almost completely deaf and reads lips, and started talking about her life. She shared about her Mom's battle with cancer and the days right before her passing - how she started a chain of people getting saved. Then she told of how her stubborn Dad received Jesus two days before going home. She shared the struggles and triumphs in her life and how God was always with her.

Our friend talked a lot tonight, and we got to know her in a deeper more personal way. We didn't get to our study tonight, but that's okay, we were still learning of God's goodness. As she shared with us and opened her life to us, we opened ours to her, and we shared God's love between us.

Before we said our prayers and left for the night she shared one last story, of a time when money was tight and times were hard. She asked God for a word that would give her strength to go on. The word she got was Psalm 3. She read it a loud to us and I heard it with new ears. Please read it even if you have before -

Psalm 3

¹ LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
² Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

³ But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
⁴ I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

⁵ I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
⁶ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷ Arise, O LORD;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
⁸ Salvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

In Verse 6 she wrote "creditors" above the word "people". She said she finally slept very well that night.
Maybe in this media frenzy of doom, gloom, and panic - we need a little more Psalm 3 "Gods Word" in our lives.

We had a good night of fellowship, bonding with each other and with God.
Chapter 14 can wait, another couple of weeks. :)

Blessings everyone,
Lynn

Loving Him - Loving Me

Loving Him - Loving Me

I Love Him - because He Loves me - He loved me 1st.

He loves me when I'm happy!
He loves me when I'm Sad.
He loves me when I'm naughty,
He loves me when I'm Mad.

He loves me in the morning
He loves me in the night
He loves me in the sunshine
He loves me with all His Might

He loves to hear me praise Him
He loves me when I obey
He loves for me to share Him
He loves me for forever and a day.

And for all of this - I love Him too!

(Lynn R 7/09)

Joy and Blessings
Lynn

Loving Him

Psalm 95 vs 1 Come let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. vs 6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God.

How He loves our praises! As much as us who have children, love to have them honor us with love and gratitude so much more our Lord loves our praises.

As we traveled along the Oregon Coast this weekend to visit my earthly Father, we commented how deep and rooted the rocks off the shores must be to withstand the raging waves of the sea, and still stand above the water. God is that rock for us.

Psalm 96 vs 11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Lynn

Forgiveness

We are told to Forgive others -
^{Matthew 6:14}
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:25
²⁵ “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

God also tells us that we are to love one another -

John 13: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

God also tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, but what if we don't love ourselves? What if we haven't truly grasped Gods love for us. If we can't love ourselves, how do we love others? Then I ask, do we hold forgiveness from others because we haven't forgiven ourselves? Do we still feel unworthy. Do we still think that our sins were too bad. Do we feel that God can't use us because we were just that bad. Or maybe it's not that we were that bad, maybe we think we are just not good enough. I'll let you off the hook - you're not and neither am I. But Jesus is! He is what we could never be. For 33 years He lived Sin free. He took everything on Himself, because God knew we could never bear it ourselves. We all need to really wrap our trust around the truth that because of the Holy Spirit that lives on the inside of us - we have - are and can do everything. Don't forgive with your feelings, don't love with your feelings, love and forgive with the power that Jesus died to give you.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins

Blessings,
Lynn

New Blog for the Crafty Side

Hi Everyone -

Like I don't have enough projects already... as my husband would say, I have started another blog on this site. Just go to my profile you will see my 3 blogs and the new one is "Quiltn 4 Fun".

Eventually I want to put all my quilt and craft pictures and links there, but since I still want to have time to do my quilts and crafts, it may be slow.

Also I signed up for a "Mini Quilt Swap". I'm excited! In a couple of days they will pick a name and send it to me and I will make a mini quilt and swap it with the person I get linked with. However it's a mystery so I don't think I will necessarily get my mini quilt from the same person. Anyway I think it will be a lot of fun and it's due in a month so I better start getting some ideas going.

Thanks for stopping by,
Blessings,
Lynn

Do I want a King or Do I want my God

Here is part of the reading from my chronological reading yesterday, and some of my thoughts.


1 Samuel 8
Israel Requests a King 1 As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. 2 Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. 3 But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.
4 Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. 5 “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”
6 Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. 7 “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. 8 Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. 9 Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.”
Samuel Warns against a Kingdom 10 So Samuel passed on the Lord’s warning to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 “This is how a king will reign over you,” Samuel said. “The king will draft your sons and assign them to his chariots and his charioteers, making them run before his chariots. 12 Some will be generals and captains in his army, some will be forced to plow in his fields and harvest his crops, and some will make his weapons and chariot equipment. 13 The king will take your daughters from you and force them to cook and bake and make perfumes for him. 14 He will take away the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his own officials. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your grape harvest and distribute it among his officers and attendants. 16 He will take your male and female slaves and demand the finest of your cattle and donkeys for his own use. 17 He will demand a tenth of your flocks, and you will be his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.”
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. 20 “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.”
21 So Samuel repeated to the Lord what the people had said, 22 and the Lord replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.” Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.


Today's reading is sad and scary. How many times have we allowed Things and People to capture our God and take Him out of our lives. How many times have we turned to other things and people for comfort, joy, peace and prosperity. I'm guilty. It reminded me of Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.



Even more reason why it is so critical that we build ourselves up in God's word. I know personally that the more I read the more I want to be pleasing to God and the farther from this world I see myself. I feel like I don't belong, and you know what - I'm okay with that. It's hard sometimes to read through so many wars and rules and laws, but it also helps me see the passion and feelings that God has. His emotions, anger, hurt and frustration. If we are made in his image, then why do we think He won't understand what we are going through. Why do we hesitate to go to Him for our answers. Is it because we feel He won't agree with us? Today reminds me that I/we need to slow down and carefully think about the things I think I want in and for my life. Do I really want a King? Or do I want my God?



Thanks for reading, Blessing to all of you - Have a wonder-filled Easter. He is alive!

Lynn

I AM part 2

Last night I did a post about God reminding me that He is the I AM and that He is and always has been with me. Today in my chronological reading, I am reading thru Judges 5 and 6. What is popping out to me is the Lord stating over and over "I AM the Lord your God".
Judges 6:12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him (Gideon) and said "Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!" Gideon feels he is the weakest and can't save Israel, and I was reminded of
1 Corinthians 1:27 - But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of this world to put to shame the things that are mighty. Then as I read on - Judges 6:14 Then the Lord turned o him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I AM sending you!" Then again in vs 16 "The Lord said to him, "I will be with you."

Lord thank you for your signs of reassurance and presence in my life. Thank your for reminding me that you never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus Name, Amen

Thanks for reading,
Blessings,
Lynn

I AM

On the way to work this morning God and I were talking and he brought something to my remembrance. When I was in college straight out of high school, I originally took classes to go into the advertising field. Well one of the classes I took was Graphic Illustration. One of our assignments was to do a phrase or quote in calligraphy on parchment and frame it. For what ever the reason these were displayed on the wall outside the class. The Phrase I choose was from a book that I liked - the phrase was "I AM"
Well here is the long of the story - I didn't know what that meant, but I was drawn to it. Now I grew up going to church and I prayed every night - but I didn't know God. So this morning as God brought this back to my remembrance, I was asking God wow I loved you, but didn't know you, and why would I choose that saying, not knowing what it meant. He said even though you didn't know me personally I knew you, and I was with you.
He chose me before I chose Him.
A nice reflection for the morning.
Thanks for reading,
Blessings
Lynn

For The Twins

We went down to Southern Oregon to visit my Sister for several Birthday's in the family (check out my other blog and posts about the trip).

One of my Sister's friends that has known me and I've known since I was probably 13 yrs old (15yrs ago - ha ha ha ha ha - sounds better than 30+yrs) is going to have twin grand babies.

So what's a quilter to do on short notice. Make two quick and easy quilts. Here are a couple pictures.

Thanks for looking and have a Blessed Day!

Lynn

Happy Sweet 16

Well my oldest Granddaughter will be 16 on the 9th. Yahoo! We are taking her out to dinner tonight at her favorite restaurant that we take her to every year - Olive Garden.

Then she gets to go to the mall and pick out a gift. We have done this for several years because we don't want to be the type of Grandparents that get a 13 - 14- 15 year old a stuffed squirrel on a slab of wood, because it looks like them. (I was grateful, but would have liked something else) :) I have several wonderful memories of that set of Grandparents, the squirrel was just not one of them.

So this year I have a little extra surprise - kinda, her quilt is finally done. I have been working on this for over 2 years. It was my first real quilt that I started out of scraps and learned as I went. I also hand quilted every thing except the borders. The center was cross-stiched off a drawing I made into a pattern when I was much much younger.

You have seen Pictures before, but here is the finished product. Yahoo!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Love you with all my Heart,

G'Ma Lynnie

Awaiting "Taylor Marie"

A Good Friend of mine is going to be a Grandma! Her Son and future and Daughter-in-law are expecting a little girl in May. "Taylor Marie" Here is the Quilt I put together for her. Daddy was being all macho and said he didn't want the whole house to be pink now that they were having a girl, :) so I went with mostly oranges and yellows.

Originally I was going to applique animals and baby stuff where the hearts, flowers and stars are. But after talking with another quilting friend, its for a baby and you want it to be functional too. That and my limited time to get it done for her Baby Shower on March 15th, I just went simple. :)

It may be hard to see but there are animals on the back material.

So that is what I have been doing. I also finished MY Granddaughters Quilt that I have been hand quilting for 2 years (her Birthday is 3/9) and a Table runner for my Sister B-day 3/21 and I am still working on some placemats to match. She knows about the table runner, but not the placemats. :) I will post pictures of those after I finish the placemats.

Well I guess that's all for now.

Have fun, be good and Be Blessed

Lynn

Love is ...God ... and Love never fails!

1 Corinthians 13 says Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth, Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Bears - Believes - hopes - Endures!

Sadly that doesn't sound like the kind of love I see very much of in this world today. I see the more of the

Try it - Didn't like it - What's in it for me - I'm out of here! Type of love.

Let's recap of what this thing Love is according to God.

Love is patient and kind, ( Steadfast, despite Opposition,difficulty or adversity, with a sympathetic or helpful nature) Love does not envy or boast, (does not look upon with disapproval or assert with excessive pride), Love is not arrogant or rude, (not overbearing with a attitude of superiority in a rude or vulgar savage way), Love does not insist on its own way, (it is not concerned with its own welfare or advantage in disregard of others) Love does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in truth, (Love does turn from what is right) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Now let me pull out only my emphasis:

Love is steadfast, despite opposition, difficulty or adversity, with a sympathetic or helpful nature, Love does not look upon others with disapproval or assert its self with excessive pride. Love is not overbearing, with an attitude of superiority in a rude or vulgar savage way. Love is not concerned with its own welfare or advantage in disregard of others. Love does not disregard what is right. For Love bears all things believes all things, hopes all things endures all things.

Is this the type of love you mean when you say I love you, love it, loves and Love ya with the Love of the Lord?

Do you Kill? Do you Steal? Do you commit adultery? Do you honor your parents? Do you put other gods before God? Do you take the Lord's name in vain? You say well never..... however,

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (nkjv)

But do you Love? Gods kind of love? ????

Malachi 1:2 “I have always loved you,” says the Lord. (nlt)

John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (nlt)

I am willing to give my life to save my husbands, or children or grandchildren' life, but have never been able to say I could give their life for someone elses. But God did for me. In fact Abraham loved God so much and trusted Him so much he took Isaac, the son he waited 100 years for (20 years after the promise) to the mountain to sacrifice him for God. Abraham's willingness was all God wanted, and God provided the ram for the sacrifice instead. God provided our sacrifice too, His son.

Read what David wrote: Psalm 63:1-6

1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.

If we have nothing else in this world except Gods Love we are rich. If we learn to live in and give God's kind of love we will have the overflowing life, that is exceedingly more than we could hope or ask for. Do you see that "Love" is not a casual word to throw around? Do you see that "Love" is not just about what all someone can do for you? Do you see that "Love" is a commitment.

"Love" is a choice -it is not a FEELING. If God only loved us when He felt like it, or only when we made Him feel good, we would be in big trouble. God tells us to Love one another, as He loves us. We must choose to do that out of obedience to Him whether we feel like it or not. Feelings do come, but without obedience, submission and commitment it will fail, and God's kind of Love NEVER Fails.

The Greatest Gift

1Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. (nkjv)

Without God's love and God's kind of love we are and have nothing.

Blessings,
Lynn

Love is .........

1 Corinthians 13 says Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth........

Do not rejoice at wrong doing - God's Wrath on injustice

Romans 1:32 Though they are fully aware of God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them themselves but approve and applaud others who practice them.

2 Thessalonians 2: 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

But Rejoices in Truth (For God is Truth)

2 John 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.

Psalm 17:1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips

John3:33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.

3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

If I/we are seeking to be like God, and God is Love and part of Love is rejoicing in truth, then I/we need to rejoice in truth.

To be Continued....

Blessings,

Lynn

Love is ............ (pt 6)

1 Corinthians 13 says Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is Not Irritable or Resentful.............

According to Websters Irritable means:

* Capable of being irritated - easily exasperated or excited

And Resent means:

* To feel or express annoyance or ill will at .. ??

Resentment

* A feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Doing things with the wrong attitude is not pleasing to God who sees our heart and intent. However with balance we must do what is right even when we do not feel like it. If you step out in faith doing what you know pleases God, and ask Him for help, God can and will change how you feel in your heart, taking away any irritation and resentment you may have.

Blessings,

Lynn

Love is ......... (pt 5)

1 Corinthians 13 Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude, It does not insist on its own way ..........

According to Webster "Self-Seeking" means - the act or practice of selfishly advancing one's own ends

According to Websters "Selfish" means -

* concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself - seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others

* Arising from concern with one's own welfare or advantage in disregard of others.

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

When asked are you a selfish person, I/we all want to say no, but I challenge you to examine every motive of what you do, is it for someone else, is it for the glory of God or is what you're doing and the attitude that you have for yourself? Selah...... (Pause and Ponder)

Blessings,

Lynn

Love is .......... (pt 4)

1 Corinthians 13 says Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, It is NOT Arrogant or Rude.........

Here is what Websters has to say about Arrogant and Rude

Arrogant

* Exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate ones own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner

*Proceeding from or characterized by arrogance -

Arrogance

*An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

Rude -

* Being in a rough unfinished state:

Crude

Natural

Raw

Primitive

Undeveloped

Simple

Elemental

*Lacking refinement or delicacy

Ignorant

Unlearned

Inelegant

Uncouth

*Offensive in manner or action

Discourteous

Uncivilized

Savage

Course

Vulgar

As much as I could go through and break down each word of these descriptions I think we can see these are not desirable ways to be and definitely desirable to God.

So if Love is not Arrogant (with an overbearing attitude of Superiority) or Rude (Vulgar, Ignorant, Crude, Underdeveloped or Savage), then I/we need to be elegant, courteous, and civilized in our actions towards others! Selah

Blessings,

Lynn

Love is ........... (pt 3)

According to 1 Corinthians 13 Love is patient and kind; love does not Envy or Boast.....

Websters Dictionary says Envy is to Begrudge - so what is Begrudge:

*To give or concede reluctantly or with a displeasure.

* To look upon with disapproval

What did it say about Boast?

* To puff oneself up in speech speak vaingloriously.

* To speak of or assert with excessive pride.

* To posses and often call attention to (something that is a source of pride)

Proverbs 23:6 Eat not the bread of him who has a hard, grudging, and envious eye, neither desire his dainty foods;

Philippians 1:15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.

Job 5:2 Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.

So if God is Love and we are striving to be more like God, and Love is not puffed up or vainglorious, then I/we need to humble ourselves and not think more of ourselves than we aught to. Giving from our hearts and not begrudgingly or with ulterior motives. Selah...

To be continued...

Blessings,

Lynn

Love is .....

According to 1 Corinthians 13: Love is Patient, and KIND....

What is kind? We hear and say "kinda" or "two of a kind" but what about the act of being kind? I looked the word KIND up in Websters and this is what it said:
1. Affectionate, loving
2. A sympathetic or helpful nature, a forbearing nature, Gentle
3. of a kind to give pleasure or relief.

Ephesians 4:32 Be Kind and compassionate to on another forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

2 Corinthians 6:6 In purity understand, patience and Kindness in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, Kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

So to act in a kind manner, I/we need to be affectionate, compassionate, helpful and gentle.
Selah..... To be continued.

Blessings,
Lynn

Love is .....

According to 1 Corinthians 13, Love is ... Patient.

I looked up patient in Webster Dictionary and it says - *Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint. *Steadfast despite Opposition, difficulty, or adversity. Sounds like what Jesus did don't you think.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

James 1:4 But let Patience have it's perfect work that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord be of good courage and He shall strengthen then heart , wait I say on the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage those who are timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

So if part of walking in Love is being patient, then I/we must learn to wait, bearing any pains, and any suffering without complaint. Selah.....

(To be continued).
Lynn

Study With Me - Chapter 25 The Finale

Hi Everyone-
Well we are here - at the end of the book and at the beginning of a new mindset for living. As we have gone through this book I hope you have taken the time to let God's truths sink in and take residence in your heart. There is a lot of powerful information in here and in the future you may want to read this book again. As I stated in the last chapter, I have gained even more from reading it over. Again I want to thank all who have studied with me now and in the future, I hope any and all of what God has placed in my heart to share here blesses you in some way.

If you have come here for the first time - this is my last post of the "Study with Me" series I have been doing using Joyce Meyer's book "Battlefield of the Mind". Please click the button on my side bar to start at the beginning or feel free to read and comment on any of the chapters along the way.

Chapter 25 - Wilderness Mentality #10

"I'm going to do it my way or not at all."

There are so many things I want to say here. First and most important, I have learned that if it is not God's way it's not the right way. Now to say I practice that 100% of the time would be a lie, but I do know it. :) My husband uses a term called "unteachable" and when I very first heard him use it I didn't understand what he meant. I thought anybody can be taught. But what he meant was there are people that are so caught up in doing things their own way that you can't teach them any other way. Essentially they are "Know it alls". God has shown me that when we think we can do everything or anything without Him, it's a matter of pride. God has also given me the illustration that when we act on our own without consulting Him, we are saying our way is better than His, that we know more than Him. We know more than God, ouch, I don't think so.

God recently gave me a picture of something that is so big, I want to share with you. God shared with me that we need to look at a bigger picture than ourselves and our world. See each one of us were put here with a purpose, that's why we have desires and strong feelings about certain things, it's because He placed those desires in us. We have a responsibility to up hold what Jesus did for us on the cross. He died so we would be set free, healed and have eternal life. So here is part of what God was showing me. Jesus bought something for me. When I don't operate in the peace and healing that Jesus bought for me, it's like a slap in His face. He gave His life for mine and I won't accept it. And why won't I accept His gift, because "It's too hard" or "I'm content where I'm at" or because "I want to do it my way. "

The other part that God showed me it that "It's NOT all about Me" and how I feel. As a christian, like it or not, the life I live is a witness to others of my God. If I am living a broken down, sick, poverty stricken life, what does that speak of my God. Who wants a God of the barely getting by. Who wants a God that leaves you sick, and crippled. Who wants a God that lets you be tormented in your mind. He gave the gift, we need to accept (receive) it.

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (NKJV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

28You heard Me tell you, I am going away and I am coming [back] to you. If you [really] loved Me, you would have been glad, because I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater and mightier than I am.
29And now I have told you [this] before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe and have faith in and rely on Me. (Amp)

I guess at this point the only point left that I can share with you is - I've done it my way and I've done it God's way. God's way is better! I am not perfect and will always be a work in progress, we all should be. God will continue to grow me as long as I am on this earth and submitting to His will and not my own. Seek God and His word in ALL that you do and you will always succeed.

Father God,

Thank you for guiding me on this journey. Thank you for all the wisdom you have shared with me and others as we have dug into our word.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Until Next time,

Blessings my Friends,

Lynn

Study With Me - Chapter 24

Hi Everyone,
Almost there. Thank you anyone and everyone that has taken this journey with me and all who will in the future. This Book has helped me and so many that I know personally that I wish everyone in the world would dig into it. This is my second time through reading it and I got new nuggets from it this time that I didn't get last time. God meets us where we are at. Reading Dick and Jane in the first grade and then re-reading Dick and Jane in the third grade you'll see a different story. Well lets get going....

** If you are coming here for the first time, I am hosting a study using the book "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers. Click the button on my side bar to go to the intro or join in anytime.

Chapter #24 - Wilderness Mentality #9

Why shouldn't I be jealous and envious when everybody else is better off that I am?

Is there anybody out there that has never had to deal with even one jealous or envious thought?

This is such an ugly monster that can creep into any little crack of your life that it can find. It can be as little as, "they got more cereal in their bowl", "their birthday present was better than the one I got", to "I am such a better person, why do they get all the better things in life".

That's not even going into the whole relationship jealousy thing. I have known so many people that have ruined friendships and even marriages by being jealous and possessive.

I like the scripture that Joyce used - Proverbs 14:30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

Notice that is says a "calm and undisturbed mind" . Now look at - 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Again God is talking about having a "Sound Mind". See when we are not calm, when we are not of sound mind, we react in ways we should not. When we get to that point our flesh or carnal nature takes over. Not pretty.

Jealousy and envy is a type of fear. Fear is the opposite of Faith. We need to build up our faith to know without any doubt that God has a plan for each of us. Let God be in complete control. God knows what is best for us and He has us right where we can do the work that He wants us to do.

Father God, as always, help us, to lean on and trust in you. Show us how to rest and trust in where you have us. Give us strength to refuse the evil thoughts that would try to torment us about who we are or are not. Help us to not compare or compete in unhealthy ways.

In Jesus' precious name

Amen

Blessings

Lynn

Study with Me - Chapter 23

Hi everyone hope you are doing well. We are getting closer and closer to the end and I am hoping that the truths that we are and have learned will be life changing for you.

** If you are coming here for the first time, I am hosting a study using the book "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers. Click the button on my side bar to go to the intro or join in anytime.

Chapter 23 - Wilderness Mentality #8

"I don't deserve God's blessings because I'm not worthy"

Well let me just start this right off with - you're right you're not worthy. Brutal huh? Well none of us are worthy in our own strength and ability to receive anything from God. If we were capable to do it on our own, the old testament law would have worked and Jesus wouldn't have needed to be crucified. But there is another side to that as well. Jesus did come to save us, and because He did, we are righteous through Him. All we need to do is accept the gift He gave us, life.

See there is balance in all we do. We can't think too much of ourselves and believe we can do everything without God, because we can't. And we can't think too little of ourselves so that we don't claim what is rightfully ours. God has shown me lately it is like a slap in His face when we won't accept what was given to us when he gave His Son for us. God wants to give us so many blessings, but we all fall short of receiving all God has, for one reason or another.

It may have been a mindset that we were raised with, social conditioning from our childhood or maybe we had bad things happen to us earlier in our lives that has hardened us or made us shrink away, and hide. However, as we have talked about in several of these chapters throughout the book, Satan will pick a little piece of truth or an event that has happened in our life mix it with a lot of lies and drill us with it until it builds a stronghold in our life. These strongholds can be little or they can be so devastating in our life that we are rendered incapable of handling life. That is why it is so vitally important to dig into God's word and see who He says we are.

Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

2 Corinthians5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Father God, Help us to see ourselves through your eyes. Help us to know that through you we are worthy and that all you gave through the Blood of Jesus is for each of us not just some of us. That all was given as a free gift to all that receive not all that earn. We love you and thank you for your mercy and grace in our lives.

In Jesus Precious Name,

Amen

Be Blessed,

Lynn

Study with Me - Chapter 22

Hi everyone,
Hope you are doing well we only have a few chapters left. It seems like it was just a couple of weeks ago I was asking if anyone was interested. Well let's get started.

** If you are coming here for the first time, I am hosting a study using the book "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers. Click the button on my side bar to go to the intro or join in anytime.

Chapter 22 - Wilderness Mentality #7

My life is so miserable;

I feel sorry for myself because my life is so wretched.

I think a lot of us have thought this at on time or another in our life. I know children can get into this mindset when they don't get their way. The world is against them, nobody understands, and nobody cares. As Joyce points out in the book, this is a result of Satan continually whispering these lies in your ear. Again as I have said in many of my posts, the devil uses a little piece of truth and a lot of lie to convince you how bad your life really is. So we have our party, Pity Party that is. We have the planning of the party, that's where we meditate on all the reasons we should have the party. Then we make up the guest list, this is where we think of all the people we can tell our woe's to, that will agree with us. (You can identify that's what you're doing by the fact that some people are not on the guest list) Next you gather party favors, these are the little tid bits that you are storing up for attack and revenge. By now the party is in full force. At this point, the party its self is doing enough damage in your life, however what other areas besides your mind is it affecting.

Are you murmuring, grumbling, or fault-finding? Are you doing the woe is me martyr dance? Are you over eating or using other substances to medicate your wounds? Stop! I know - easier said than done, especially if you have had lots of parties, it takes a while to learn how to not. But you can do it. God says you can do all things through Him that strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)

Something that really helped me is the phrase that God shared with Joyce, "You can be pitiful or powerful but not both". There have actually been times when I wanted to break out into a pity party, and God reminded me of that and it stopped me.

Try to identify the things that trigger you to want to have a pity party, ask God to point them out to you. Lay them down to God and let Him correct your thinking about these things.

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Father God, Please help us as we continue to renew our mind with your word. Help us to release these areas of our life that are not right. Give us strength and courage to face these wrong attitudes or our hearts. Thank you for your mercy and grace in our lives.

In Jesus Precious Name, Amen

Blessings,

Lynn

Study with Me - Chapter 21

Hello Everyone,

I went a little longer than I wanted to between posts again, but better late than never right?

If you are coming here for the first time, I am hosting a study using the book "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers. Click the button on my side bar to go to the intro or join in anytime.

Chapter 21- Wilderness Mentality #6 -

"My behavior might be wrong, but it's not my fault"

This chapter is so rich, and yet I sit here not knowing what all to say. So I am starting in faith that God will give me the right words. I don't know about you, but in my life, I grew up making excuses for everything. Why isn't your homework done? Why didn't you eat all your lunch? Didn't I tell you not to crawl under the house to play with the puppies? "But ...I...Well I Just" I used to tell my daughter when she was growing up anytime she used the phrase "I Just" to answer a question she "Just" got herself in trouble. That was because I knew it was an excuse or a lie. I want to ask something before we go much farther. When is it an excuse and when is it a lie? There are reasons we do things, but by justifying them with an excuse we are not taking our own responsibility for these actions. There is the other side of this - by not doing something when we should, we can fall into the trap of excuses also.

Let's take a look at Adam and Eve. God gave them the rules and boundaries for staying in good graces with Him. Don't eat from the tree. Satan came and deceived Eve into thinking she was missing out on something and tempted her to eat from the tree. So she ate from the tree. She actively did something she shouldn't have. Then she blamed the serpent. Now Adam eats the fruit that his wife gives him, and blames her for giving it to him, and then blames God for the bad woman that God made for him. In Adam's case he didn't take action where he should have. God gave him dominion, Adam should have said no. Neither Adam or Eve took the responsibility for their wrong doing. I wonder if God's punishment would have been so severe if they had fessed up and repented. Does it make you wonder?

I went through a period of time in my life where I let everyone walk all over me. It always starts so small a little teasing as a child at school, a little beating myself up here or there. Until one day you give up and don't even try anymore. Then I fooled myself into thinking that if I wasn't doing anything, I wasn't responsible. Wrong we each are responsible for what we allow and don't allow in our lives. (Adam allowed Eve to give him the fruit) This is a hard one, because I was in a verbally abusive marriage, and relationship with other family members for a long time. It is easy to shrink down and say I can't help it is not my fault. Not so it was because I allowed it. It took many years after the divorce of my 1st husband, for me to be able to say that. Through God I see that I am free, and part of being free is coming to God, not holding anything back. Give it all to Him and let him give you the strength to face what you must.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Everything we see, hear, touch and do in our lives from babies to adults changes and molds us in some way, good or bad. That's why God so often tells us to be very mindful of what we see and hear. Also be very mindful of what you make as your abode. (the place you camp out and live) It is so hard to take responsibility for your actions, but it is so freeing and you will grow so much, one day you'll look back and won't believe you were ever any other way.

Father God

Help us to see our faults. Help us to not look at other people and other things as our source of excuse. Give us the strength to change in ourselves what needs to change to line up with your word. Help us to be more like you.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

In his love, be Blessed,

Lynn

Study with Me - Chapter 20

Hi Everyone,

If you are coming here for the first time, I am hosting a study using the book "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers. Click the button on my side bar to go to the intro or join in anytime.

Chapter 20 - Wilderness mentality # 5

Don't make me wait for anything I deserve everything right now!

I think we can read the title of this chapter and get an idea where this is going to go. We are living in a "instant" world these days. Everything is about convenience, 7-11, Circle K, Am-PM. It is just so much of our lives we have trouble seeing beyond it.

I have probably told this story before, but it is worth repeating. When our oldest Granddaughter was only 3 or 4 we had run into our daughter and son-in-law in a local store trying to do some Christmas shopping. Well they were struggling since our Granddaughter was with them and asked if I could entertain her for a few minutes while they purchased a couple of "Santa" gifts. So as we strolled through the store her and I talked about what she wanted for Christmas and what Santa would bring. To which she would ask "Grandma, won't you get me this or why can't I have that? My comment several times was "honey we have to wait Santa might be bringing that to you." Here was the topper to our conversation, she looked up at me with the most serious face a 3 year old could have with big wide eyes and stated - "No body believes me, I've got to have it now!" Well of course that has been a favorite saying for our whole family for 12 years now, but it has such a truth to it also.

God tells us we have been give self control as a fruit of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

But as with any fruit, it is not mature once the little bud comes out on the tree. It has to be nurtured and watered and fed, before it is fully developed. So what does that tell us about our impatience. (Opps!)

Patience is something that has to be practiced and developed, just like any of the other gifts God gives us. Anything that is fed will grow. Giving in to ourselves is feeding that impatience in us. But learning to wait on and trust in the Lord, to endure, makes us stronger. It is part of the equipping us that is necessary for us to fight the battles that Satan will throw at us. Notice I said will not might. John 10:10 one of my favorite scriptures says: The thief (that is Satan) comes only to Steal (our peace our happiness , our joy our blessings our prosperity) Kill, (again our peace, but our souls our lives) and destroy (anything that God is doing to give us the better life here on earth and eternity in heaven). But I (God) have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

See God isn't trying to hold out on you. He like any good parent is trying to grow us up. If we don't train our children to tie their shoes and comb their hair and do their homework and eat properly, they will not be able to take care of themselves. It works the same with God.

I could ramble on, but hopefully you are getting the picture. We (yes me included) need to grow up and follow Gods instructions, in Gods timing not mine.

Father God, help us to develop our self control. Help us lean on you and not ourselves. In Jesus name.

Amen.

Until the next chapter - Blessings,

Lynn