Titus 2:3-5-"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
"Chaste" is the section we are looking at today. Chaste means free from obscenity. Of course as wives we should not cheat on our husbands or lust after another man that is not our husband. If you are struggling with that I suggest you seek counsel from a Christian counselor. Usually church offices can give you a good one.
I'd like to talk about being free from obscenity as it pertains to our clothing. Please do not think that I am being judgemental because that is not at all where my heart is coming from.
I grew up in a christian home. we had rules as to what we were allowed to wear. When we turned 18 our parents said that we were allowed to make our own choices which included how we dressed. I think I wanted to rebel a little so I started to dress in a provocative manner. Yes, it definitely got me attention from the opposite sex. For whatever reason at that time, I liked that. Part of the agreement for living with my parents after I turned 18 was that I needed to continue to go to church each week. Which I did, wearing whatever I wanted to. My midriff would show, I would wear tube tops, My pants were so low you could see my thong underwear. I look back at that with a little embarrassment but more laughter. I was so stupid! Everything about how I presented myself showed I was not walking with Christ. Obviously, that's not how I want to present myself today. Nor do I want my daughter to.
I tell my daughter the 3 B's need to be covered at all times. Breasts, bellies, and butts. I also do not allow her to wear a bikini bathing suit. She must wear a tankini (one pieces are such a pain for a little girl when you have to use the restroom!) when playing in the pool. If she is not playing in a pool then she need to put shorts on or her cover up which is a towel material dress with hoodie. Now I know other Christian moms are not as strict as I am about this for their daughters or themselves and I know other moms who are even more strict than I am. I'm not telling anyone how they need to handle clothing. Just sharing how I chose to.
I have to add here that my parents did confront me about the way I was dressing as a young adult and I of course argued that there was nothing in the bible about how Christians should dress. As this is technically true my parents didn't say much more about it. However, now that I am actively pursuing a relationship with Christ this following verse does fall into that category.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
Just like doing a job interview, you need to dress the part. Why would God be any different? If I'm standing there in church asking God to use me while I'm dressed in a very breast revealing top and butt tight skirt that is way shorter than my knees, do I look the part of someone who is ready to go tell everyone about Christ? I know I would be turned off by a Doctor who wanted to examine me if they dressed like that! No, I want a professional looking person that I can trust just by their appearance. I believe that it works the same way with Christians. We need to show others that we do take pride in ourselves. Plus I'm not on the market, I don't want that kind of attention except from my husband. So I save that kind of dressing for him only.
I'd love to discuss this, please leave your comments below.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
"Be discreet"
Titus 2:3-5-"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
The NIV version says "to be self-controlled".
Self-control. Well that sounds simple but as females, that's not always so easy depending on the time of the month.
Have you ever heard the joke about how we should never have a female president because we would be going to war every 28 days? Did you laugh or were you offended? Hopefully you just laughed because it's probably closer to the truth than we females would care to admit.
Self control appears 13 times in the NIV bible (I checked on Biblegateway.com). I chose this one for us to look at.
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8
That's good advice right there! There usually is a progression that happens as we seek out God's will for our lives and allow Him to come in and change how we do things. We start off with a basic faith and then because of that faith we want to do good, and then as we are doing good we seek more knowledge which we can find in the bible and then the next step is to act out what we see in the bible which is self-control God's way and then we progress from there.
I'd like to point out the difference between God's definition of self control and the worlds.
The worlds: Well, I tried to find a good definition for self control from the world's viewpoint but apparently they do not have one. There is no sign of self-control anywhere in this world. God's definition of self control is so vastly different from how the world thinks. I think Satan did that on purpose. And it it so easy to fall into Satan's traps of being self involved and self centered that we forget about having self control.
Here's God's:
Proverbs 16:32- Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Tell me some good examples of Christians showing self control in a situation that would look different from how a non-believer would react.
The NIV version says "to be self-controlled".
Self-control. Well that sounds simple but as females, that's not always so easy depending on the time of the month.
Have you ever heard the joke about how we should never have a female president because we would be going to war every 28 days? Did you laugh or were you offended? Hopefully you just laughed because it's probably closer to the truth than we females would care to admit.
Self control appears 13 times in the NIV bible (I checked on Biblegateway.com). I chose this one for us to look at.
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8
That's good advice right there! There usually is a progression that happens as we seek out God's will for our lives and allow Him to come in and change how we do things. We start off with a basic faith and then because of that faith we want to do good, and then as we are doing good we seek more knowledge which we can find in the bible and then the next step is to act out what we see in the bible which is self-control God's way and then we progress from there.
I'd like to point out the difference between God's definition of self control and the worlds.
The worlds: Well, I tried to find a good definition for self control from the world's viewpoint but apparently they do not have one. There is no sign of self-control anywhere in this world. God's definition of self control is so vastly different from how the world thinks. I think Satan did that on purpose. And it it so easy to fall into Satan's traps of being self involved and self centered that we forget about having self control.
Here's God's:
Proverbs 16:32- Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Tell me some good examples of Christians showing self control in a situation that would look different from how a non-believer would react.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"To love their children"
Titus 2:3-5-"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
Most people I know love their kids and would do anything for them. But every person I know has a unique view of what parenting looks like. I thought I knew exactly what parenting looked like before I had kids. Boy was I wrong!
After having kids my relationship with my mom grew because I finally understood all the sacrifices she made for her 6 children. I do not parent exactly like she does but there are lots of little things that I do and say that remind me so much of how my mom did and said things to us as kids. I know she loves me.
"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many" Deuteronomy 11:19-21
I do NOT want to debate about what parenting style is best or most biblical. I just do not care to talk about it at all. I think each mom needs to seek that out for herself and find what works for her own kid(s). But I'd like to discuss showing them love by teaching them about God.
We have an amazing Children's Program at my church. It's one of the things I wanted when choosing our church because we knew that we were not going to be moving and this would be our life long church. But just like regular school (if you do not home school), your child is there to be taught but learning needs to be supplemented at home. Teachers are not required to teach children manners, morals and such. Likewise, I do not believe that the only "churchin'" children get should be at church.
I work with the Children's Program at my church and these kids can absorb SO much and retain SO much, it amazes me. But you can definitely see the difference in children whose parents live it out during the week and the ones who just come to church once a week/month/year to check off whatever personal goal they made for themselves. Some church is better than no church of course. But the bible says to teach our kids about God all the time. That is a great way to show them that you love them by showing them that God is real in your life.
I'm always telling my kids "I love you and Jesus loves you too". Sometimes my love will fail them and their will come a day when they don't want to look to their mom for advice so I better help teach them now who they need to go to instead before that day comes. Living it out is the best example of all!
How will you show your children that you live for Christ today?
Most people I know love their kids and would do anything for them. But every person I know has a unique view of what parenting looks like. I thought I knew exactly what parenting looked like before I had kids. Boy was I wrong!
After having kids my relationship with my mom grew because I finally understood all the sacrifices she made for her 6 children. I do not parent exactly like she does but there are lots of little things that I do and say that remind me so much of how my mom did and said things to us as kids. I know she loves me.
"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many" Deuteronomy 11:19-21
I do NOT want to debate about what parenting style is best or most biblical. I just do not care to talk about it at all. I think each mom needs to seek that out for herself and find what works for her own kid(s). But I'd like to discuss showing them love by teaching them about God.
We have an amazing Children's Program at my church. It's one of the things I wanted when choosing our church because we knew that we were not going to be moving and this would be our life long church. But just like regular school (if you do not home school), your child is there to be taught but learning needs to be supplemented at home. Teachers are not required to teach children manners, morals and such. Likewise, I do not believe that the only "churchin'" children get should be at church.
I work with the Children's Program at my church and these kids can absorb SO much and retain SO much, it amazes me. But you can definitely see the difference in children whose parents live it out during the week and the ones who just come to church once a week/month/year to check off whatever personal goal they made for themselves. Some church is better than no church of course. But the bible says to teach our kids about God all the time. That is a great way to show them that you love them by showing them that God is real in your life.
I'm always telling my kids "I love you and Jesus loves you too". Sometimes my love will fail them and their will come a day when they don't want to look to their mom for advice so I better help teach them now who they need to go to instead before that day comes. Living it out is the best example of all!
How will you show your children that you live for Christ today?
Friday, May 25, 2012
"Love their husbands"
Titus 2:3-5-"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
Someone encouraged me to read a book called "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. It is an excellent book for married couples. Now there are several books that have spun off of the main points in the first book. There are ones for children, teenagers, singles, and specific books for men and women.
If you have not yet read it, I encourage you to borrow it from a friend or the library but you will probably want your own copy to look at often.
The concept is that we love differently. A way that I express love to others may not be the way they want to receive love. Of course we want to receive love the way we also want to express it. After finding out which love language or languages your husband is it becomes easier to see when he is showing love.
I have to remind myself that when my husband rubs my arm or asks for a kiss randomly that he's really telling me "I LOVE YOU!". I also need to make sure I do not refuse his act of love.
When I read "Love their husbands" this is automatically what I thought of. My husband's love languages are physical touch (come on, most men's probably is!) and verbal confirmation. Those are not mine at all. But I have to make an effort to show him love in those ways because he sees love that way. So I have to remember to randomly stop and tell him I think he's handsome or a great dad or husband and hug him and kiss him and of course be intimate with him even if I'm tired (lets be honest, sometimes us women use that as an excuse).
I also want to be loved in my love language. I know for myself that when I'm starting to feel like I'm not getting enough love in my love language its because I have not been diligent about loving my husband in his love languages. Once I get back on track and express love the way he sees it, I find that he is much more willing to show me love in my love language. It's a win, win! Start it first and see how it works!
Because my husband goes away for both of his jobs often, physical touch gets put on the back burner then (I think thats why he has 2 love languages) and that's when I have to step it up with verbal affirmation which include written texts and emails (or FB comments) when I can't talk to him on the phone.
I encourage you to find out what your husbands love language(s) is/are today and start coming up with creative ways to show him you love him.
Someone encouraged me to read a book called "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. It is an excellent book for married couples. Now there are several books that have spun off of the main points in the first book. There are ones for children, teenagers, singles, and specific books for men and women.
If you have not yet read it, I encourage you to borrow it from a friend or the library but you will probably want your own copy to look at often.
The concept is that we love differently. A way that I express love to others may not be the way they want to receive love. Of course we want to receive love the way we also want to express it. After finding out which love language or languages your husband is it becomes easier to see when he is showing love.
I have to remind myself that when my husband rubs my arm or asks for a kiss randomly that he's really telling me "I LOVE YOU!". I also need to make sure I do not refuse his act of love.
When I read "Love their husbands" this is automatically what I thought of. My husband's love languages are physical touch (come on, most men's probably is!) and verbal confirmation. Those are not mine at all. But I have to make an effort to show him love in those ways because he sees love that way. So I have to remember to randomly stop and tell him I think he's handsome or a great dad or husband and hug him and kiss him and of course be intimate with him even if I'm tired (lets be honest, sometimes us women use that as an excuse).
I also want to be loved in my love language. I know for myself that when I'm starting to feel like I'm not getting enough love in my love language its because I have not been diligent about loving my husband in his love languages. Once I get back on track and express love the way he sees it, I find that he is much more willing to show me love in my love language. It's a win, win! Start it first and see how it works!
Because my husband goes away for both of his jobs often, physical touch gets put on the back burner then (I think thats why he has 2 love languages) and that's when I have to step it up with verbal affirmation which include written texts and emails (or FB comments) when I can't talk to him on the phone.
I encourage you to find out what your husbands love language(s) is/are today and start coming up with creative ways to show him you love him.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Teachers of good things....
Titus 2:3-5-"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
Teachers of good things. Well that sounds simple enough. But of course the more I prayed about it, the more God pressed on my heart that there is more to this part than just teaching my kids "good things".
What I got from this part is standing up for what is truth. Teaching truth to people who do not know better or are choosing to do "bad things". It's so easy to ignore when people are saying something is ok when the bible says its a sin. It's easy to keep our mouths shut when people are making fun of Christians because we do not want to cause waves. So I went to the bible to see what it said.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NIV
What did you get from these verses? I hate to put an eisegesis on this passage because my desire is to read the bible with a exegesis style. (Eisegisis is when you try to import a subjective, preconceived meaning in a text and exegesis is an attempt to discover the meaning of the text objectively). I've read and reread this passage several times. It sounds to me like we are suppose to be teaching what is good, right? Even though others may choose to hear "what their itching ears" desire we are suppose to stand up and say "nope, you've got it wrong, here is what is right and I tell you this because I love you".
Ephesians 4:15 says "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
I think this verse is key to teaching good things. Speaking in truth AND love. It's sometimes easy to love someone so we don't tell them the harsh truth or you are upset with someone and sick of holding back and lash out with a hurtful truth. The bible plainly says speaking in both truth and love. Man, I am really not good at that!
This Titus 2 Woman thing is not as easy as it sounds!
Lord, God, Help me to understand how to speak to people I love in truth and love. Help me to say what You want me to in the way that shows them Your love. I need you to shut my mouth until I know for sure I can speak in love what I know is from You. And when I know it is time to speak, give me courage to do so. No matter the cost.
Teachers of good things. Well that sounds simple enough. But of course the more I prayed about it, the more God pressed on my heart that there is more to this part than just teaching my kids "good things".
What I got from this part is standing up for what is truth. Teaching truth to people who do not know better or are choosing to do "bad things". It's so easy to ignore when people are saying something is ok when the bible says its a sin. It's easy to keep our mouths shut when people are making fun of Christians because we do not want to cause waves. So I went to the bible to see what it said.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NIV
What did you get from these verses? I hate to put an eisegesis on this passage because my desire is to read the bible with a exegesis style. (Eisegisis is when you try to import a subjective, preconceived meaning in a text and exegesis is an attempt to discover the meaning of the text objectively). I've read and reread this passage several times. It sounds to me like we are suppose to be teaching what is good, right? Even though others may choose to hear "what their itching ears" desire we are suppose to stand up and say "nope, you've got it wrong, here is what is right and I tell you this because I love you".
Ephesians 4:15 says "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
I think this verse is key to teaching good things. Speaking in truth AND love. It's sometimes easy to love someone so we don't tell them the harsh truth or you are upset with someone and sick of holding back and lash out with a hurtful truth. The bible plainly says speaking in both truth and love. Man, I am really not good at that!
This Titus 2 Woman thing is not as easy as it sounds!
Lord, God, Help me to understand how to speak to people I love in truth and love. Help me to say what You want me to in the way that shows them Your love. I need you to shut my mouth until I know for sure I can speak in love what I know is from You. And when I know it is time to speak, give me courage to do so. No matter the cost.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Interupting our regular schedule blogging
Before we continue with the Titus 2 woman thing I've been doing, I feel its necessary to take a day out and talk about "Legalism". I hate for the verses here to get misconstrued in a way that makes us think that if we follow exactly what these verses are saying that we will magically have a perfect life or this is what will get us into heaven, or worse, we judge someone else who doesn't hold themselves to the same standards or feel guilty when we fail.
This is something all Christians face. It's part of following Christ. We struggle with looking to ourselves to make our lives flow smoothly taking God out of the drivers seat. Yes, the bible tells us rules to follow that are from God. Yes, if we do these things our lives will be better. However, it's more than that.
We have to remember that God desires a real relationship with us. He wants what is best for our lives just like a good daddy does. So He has set rules for us to follow. But just like a good daddy, he still wants us to crawl into His lap and talk to Him and tell Him that we love Him. Legalism takes that whole relationship part out of the equation and we have to be careful not to do that.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ, for if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load" Galatians 6:2-5
Do not forget these bible verses as we look at the rest of the Titus 2 woman.
This is something all Christians face. It's part of following Christ. We struggle with looking to ourselves to make our lives flow smoothly taking God out of the drivers seat. Yes, the bible tells us rules to follow that are from God. Yes, if we do these things our lives will be better. However, it's more than that.
We have to remember that God desires a real relationship with us. He wants what is best for our lives just like a good daddy does. So He has set rules for us to follow. But just like a good daddy, he still wants us to crawl into His lap and talk to Him and tell Him that we love Him. Legalism takes that whole relationship part out of the equation and we have to be careful not to do that.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ, for if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load" Galatians 6:2-5
Do not forget these bible verses as we look at the rest of the Titus 2 woman.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
"Not given to much wine"
Titus 2:3-5-"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
I'm probably going to loose some friends over this next section of the Titus 2 verses.
We are going to look at the "not given to much wine" part. Now, some Christians feel that any alcohol at all is wrong. Because of the affects of alcohol and the example it sets. I don't disagree with them because the bible does say in 1 Corinthians 10:32 "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God". NIV
However, there are other parts of the bible where Followers of Christ do drink wine. So I do not think it is a sin to drink alcohol. But some people go overboard. Some people have alcoholics in their family or friend circle and I think it would definitely be a bad example if you are the Christian in a group full of recovering alcoholics and you are boozing it up.
I have seen lots of pictures (thanks to Facebook) of people looking very intoxicated doing things that do not look all that glorifying to God. I could see how some non-christians would see that as hypocritical.
I definitely think this topic is one that we need to bring to God individually and see what He wants for us. What if He tells you that He doesn't want you to drink anymore? Will you obey?
Someone once asked me "would you still do that if Jesus was standing right next to you?"
Hope I didn't offend anyone today. I'd love to hear your view points on this topic, in a tasteful manner, please.
I'm probably going to loose some friends over this next section of the Titus 2 verses.
We are going to look at the "not given to much wine" part. Now, some Christians feel that any alcohol at all is wrong. Because of the affects of alcohol and the example it sets. I don't disagree with them because the bible does say in 1 Corinthians 10:32 "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God". NIV
However, there are other parts of the bible where Followers of Christ do drink wine. So I do not think it is a sin to drink alcohol. But some people go overboard. Some people have alcoholics in their family or friend circle and I think it would definitely be a bad example if you are the Christian in a group full of recovering alcoholics and you are boozing it up.
I have seen lots of pictures (thanks to Facebook) of people looking very intoxicated doing things that do not look all that glorifying to God. I could see how some non-christians would see that as hypocritical.
I definitely think this topic is one that we need to bring to God individually and see what He wants for us. What if He tells you that He doesn't want you to drink anymore? Will you obey?
Someone once asked me "would you still do that if Jesus was standing right next to you?"
Hope I didn't offend anyone today. I'd love to hear your view points on this topic, in a tasteful manner, please.
Monday, May 21, 2012
"Not slanderers"
Titus 2:3-5-
"the older women
likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much
wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their
husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste,
homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not
be blasphemed."
The next part of these verses that we will be dissecting is the "no slanderers" part.
The definition of a slanderer is "a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report". Basically a liar and a gossip.
Let me just tell you from my own experience that gossipping just should not be done. I've been the one to gossip about others and I've been gossiped about. It hurts if you are being gossiped about, even if its the truth being told. And if you are the one gossipping, even if it never gets back to you (although most times it does) you loose your integrity in the eyes of the one that you are gossipping to, even if they don't come out and say it directly. They begin to see that you are not a trustworthy person. I've learned this the hard way and have learned my lesson well.
Now I pride myself on keeping my friends confidences. I enjoy being the one that they can come to to vent no matter what it is and keeping it just between us. I have learned whom I can trust when I want to confide in someone and I have been very selective with who I choose as a friend now. Being picky has brought me meaningful relationships in the long run.
God is so serious about this because its one of Satan's easiest tools to split a church and split good friendships. The bible is full of verses about this. You can go to Biblegateway.com to search for yourself. I picked this verse today which is in Proverbs 26:22:
"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts"
We are so enticed by gossip as women that its like chocolate to us. Sure it tastes good in our mouths but it goes inside of us and stirs up dissension and makes us sick. Our views change and our reputation changes.
The only way to stay away from it is to see it coming. I'm sure you know the people in your lives that enjoy gossip. Heck, the world says its a great thing. There is even a TV show all about it! But we are not of this world right? For me I need to stay away from gossip magazines as well as people that I know are willing to say "I enjoy a good piece of gossip". It's not easy, but it's biblical.
Lord, I confess where I've been a slanderer. I've lied and I've gossiped and I've hurt people I care about. I want to be different. I don't want to be known as someone who likes gossip. Help me recognize the lie from Satan when it comes near me. Help me to stand firm on the knowledge of Your word.
The next part of these verses that we will be dissecting is the "no slanderers" part.
The definition of a slanderer is "a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report". Basically a liar and a gossip.
Let me just tell you from my own experience that gossipping just should not be done. I've been the one to gossip about others and I've been gossiped about. It hurts if you are being gossiped about, even if its the truth being told. And if you are the one gossipping, even if it never gets back to you (although most times it does) you loose your integrity in the eyes of the one that you are gossipping to, even if they don't come out and say it directly. They begin to see that you are not a trustworthy person. I've learned this the hard way and have learned my lesson well.
Now I pride myself on keeping my friends confidences. I enjoy being the one that they can come to to vent no matter what it is and keeping it just between us. I have learned whom I can trust when I want to confide in someone and I have been very selective with who I choose as a friend now. Being picky has brought me meaningful relationships in the long run.
God is so serious about this because its one of Satan's easiest tools to split a church and split good friendships. The bible is full of verses about this. You can go to Biblegateway.com to search for yourself. I picked this verse today which is in Proverbs 26:22:
"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts"
We are so enticed by gossip as women that its like chocolate to us. Sure it tastes good in our mouths but it goes inside of us and stirs up dissension and makes us sick. Our views change and our reputation changes.
The only way to stay away from it is to see it coming. I'm sure you know the people in your lives that enjoy gossip. Heck, the world says its a great thing. There is even a TV show all about it! But we are not of this world right? For me I need to stay away from gossip magazines as well as people that I know are willing to say "I enjoy a good piece of gossip". It's not easy, but it's biblical.
Lord, I confess where I've been a slanderer. I've lied and I've gossiped and I've hurt people I care about. I want to be different. I don't want to be known as someone who likes gossip. Help me recognize the lie from Satan when it comes near me. Help me to stand firm on the knowledge of Your word.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Titus 2 woman Pt. 2
Titus 2:3-5-
"the older women
likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much
wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their
husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste,
homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not
be blasphemed."
"Reverent in behavior"? I didn't really know what that meant so I decided to check out a couple other bible translations.
NIV says "teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live" which didn't help much.
NLT says "teach the older women to live in a way that honors God". OK, that's better.
The message (which usually is the simplest one) says "Guide older women into lives of reverence".
So it's pretty clear that the word reverence is EXACTLY what God wants us to be.
The dictionary says that the word reverent means to be deeply respectful. OUCH! Respectful, that's pretty much the opposite of how the world says women should act. We need everyone to respect us first, right? But I'm not finding that in the bible anywhere. So, no. I'm not going to talk about being respectful to our spouses because we'll cover that later. I'm just going to talk about respect when it comes to everyone else in our lives.
I'm all grown up now, I don't live with my parents but I still need to respect them. I need to respect everyone in my family, even the ones that keep making choices that are not in anyway going to help them later in life. I have to respect them too? Well, that's what it seems the bible is saying. I thought for so long that my opinion on every subject needed to be expressed and heard and followed. But I'm not finding that anywhere in the bible either. Especially when my opinion doesn't follow along with what the bible teaches.
Well, what about the people we see occasionally in our daily lives like Teachers (if you have kids or are in school), Pastors, Homeless, Cashiers, Neighbors, kids that are not our responsibility, other drivers, Snowbirds?
I'm not doing such a good job of following this verse so far. It's a pretty tough pill to swallow when some of these people I come in contact with I feel do not deserve respect and do not show me respect either. But there was no side note that said "only if they respect you first" in any of those translations.
Lord, I really suck at following this verse. I can't do it on my own strength, I can tell you that right now. So I'm going to need you, Holy Spirit, to gently remind me when I'm not being respectful to people in my life, and show me how I can be respectful without feeling trampled on and taken advantage of.
I know this wasn't the funnest moment with me, but I'd love to hear how this verse spoke to you and if it made you feel differently about how you are suppose to act as a Christian.
"Reverent in behavior"? I didn't really know what that meant so I decided to check out a couple other bible translations.
NIV says "teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live" which didn't help much.
NLT says "teach the older women to live in a way that honors God". OK, that's better.
The message (which usually is the simplest one) says "Guide older women into lives of reverence".
So it's pretty clear that the word reverence is EXACTLY what God wants us to be.
The dictionary says that the word reverent means to be deeply respectful. OUCH! Respectful, that's pretty much the opposite of how the world says women should act. We need everyone to respect us first, right? But I'm not finding that in the bible anywhere. So, no. I'm not going to talk about being respectful to our spouses because we'll cover that later. I'm just going to talk about respect when it comes to everyone else in our lives.
I'm all grown up now, I don't live with my parents but I still need to respect them. I need to respect everyone in my family, even the ones that keep making choices that are not in anyway going to help them later in life. I have to respect them too? Well, that's what it seems the bible is saying. I thought for so long that my opinion on every subject needed to be expressed and heard and followed. But I'm not finding that anywhere in the bible either. Especially when my opinion doesn't follow along with what the bible teaches.
Well, what about the people we see occasionally in our daily lives like Teachers (if you have kids or are in school), Pastors, Homeless, Cashiers, Neighbors, kids that are not our responsibility, other drivers, Snowbirds?
I'm not doing such a good job of following this verse so far. It's a pretty tough pill to swallow when some of these people I come in contact with I feel do not deserve respect and do not show me respect either. But there was no side note that said "only if they respect you first" in any of those translations.
Lord, I really suck at following this verse. I can't do it on my own strength, I can tell you that right now. So I'm going to need you, Holy Spirit, to gently remind me when I'm not being respectful to people in my life, and show me how I can be respectful without feeling trampled on and taken advantage of.
I know this wasn't the funnest moment with me, but I'd love to hear how this verse spoke to you and if it made you feel differently about how you are suppose to act as a Christian.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Titus 2 Woman
I said before what I wanted this blog to be about. Getting real about being a Christian. I am a Christian woman. Most of us know about being a Proverb 31 woman. But the lesser known verses in Titus are often overlooked.
Titus 2:3-5- "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
Did anyone else get a gut check from reading these verses? I know I did. These 3 verses go against pretty much everything the world teaches women to be. If you behave the way these 3 verses tell you to, you WILL stand out as a Christian in this feminist world.
OK, this might sound weird but it makes me think about the Beyonce song about women running the world. I saw the video where she is pretty much naked, gyrating around proclaiming that women are the ones controlling everything. As I watched her all I could think about is "if that were true, you wouldn't have to be gyrating around in a bikini to make sure men watched you and bought the products you sold".
So lets get back to these verses. Each day I'd like to focus on a different part so we can really get to the heart of it. Like I said before, I'm not going to take anything out of the bible because I don't like it or the standard is too hard.
The chapter is talking about every ones positions and how the older ones need to be teaching the younger ones what their positions are. We can start that off with understanding that we as moms need to be teaching our daughters the truth about what the bible says their position as a Christ Follower, a wife, and a mom is and living that example. Hopefully you had that growing up but if not it would be good for you to seek out someone who is "spiritually maturer" than you are to be a mentor.
The definition of a Mentor is "a wise and trusted counselor or teacher." We need to be that to our daughters. But I believe that it doesn't stop there. We need to be that to other women in our lives. Family members who need it, friends, teenagers in Youth Groups. Maybe this is making you consider reaching out to your church's Youth Group as a volunteer to be a mentor and good example. I hope so! We can't ignore these verses now that we know what they mean. We must apply them to our lives.
So tell me, how will you apply it to your life today?
Titus 2:3-5- "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
Did anyone else get a gut check from reading these verses? I know I did. These 3 verses go against pretty much everything the world teaches women to be. If you behave the way these 3 verses tell you to, you WILL stand out as a Christian in this feminist world.
OK, this might sound weird but it makes me think about the Beyonce song about women running the world. I saw the video where she is pretty much naked, gyrating around proclaiming that women are the ones controlling everything. As I watched her all I could think about is "if that were true, you wouldn't have to be gyrating around in a bikini to make sure men watched you and bought the products you sold".
So lets get back to these verses. Each day I'd like to focus on a different part so we can really get to the heart of it. Like I said before, I'm not going to take anything out of the bible because I don't like it or the standard is too hard.
The chapter is talking about every ones positions and how the older ones need to be teaching the younger ones what their positions are. We can start that off with understanding that we as moms need to be teaching our daughters the truth about what the bible says their position as a Christ Follower, a wife, and a mom is and living that example. Hopefully you had that growing up but if not it would be good for you to seek out someone who is "spiritually maturer" than you are to be a mentor.
The definition of a Mentor is "a wise and trusted counselor or teacher." We need to be that to our daughters. But I believe that it doesn't stop there. We need to be that to other women in our lives. Family members who need it, friends, teenagers in Youth Groups. Maybe this is making you consider reaching out to your church's Youth Group as a volunteer to be a mentor and good example. I hope so! We can't ignore these verses now that we know what they mean. We must apply them to our lives.
So tell me, how will you apply it to your life today?
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Help!
I heard on the radio recently that it's time to graduate from learning how to be a good christian and actually step out and act like a good christian. I enjoy reading books by Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Lysa TerKeurst and several others that I can't recall their names. But unless I actually apply what I'm learning to my ever day life, all that time spent reading is just wasted.
I like to be active in my church and in my community. I have the time to do that because I am blessed to be a Stay At Home Mom. If you are a SAHM, I want to encourage you to step out and help in some new area. Lots of Church's need volunteers to clean the campus (I bring my kids along for that which teaches them by example to have a servants heart), there are elderly people who could use some attention, pregnancy centers who could use help and many more.
Now if you are wondering about your priorities getting out of wack if you start spending lots of time volunteering, I would suggest to you to pray about it before you start helping. My church has it set up to switch off volunteers that clean once ever other week. So vacuuming for an hour once every 2 weeks is really not a lot to ask.
A survey once said that 20% of churchgoers do 80% of the work. God will provide the time you need if you are willing to serve Him in this way.
I also know a lot of people who work full time and have families but still serve their church or community on a regular basis. I applaud those people because it would be so easy for me to use my busy schedule as an excuse not to serve. They will be blessed for having such servants hearts.
I'm sure some of you are thinking "put your money where your mouth is Missi". And I wouldn't blame you. The reason that this topic is on my heart today is because I am a Leader for my local La Leche League (a breastfeeding support group) and we have our monthly meeting today. It took me 3 years of studying to become a leader and I very much enjoy helping new moms help their babies have a healthy start to life. It's rewarding for me even if I don't get paid for it. Find something that you are passionate about and find a way to help others with it.
John 13:12-17 is the story of when Jesus washed his disciples feet. Pay attention to what He tells them afterwards-
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I'd love to hear how these verses spoke to you and where you feel God leading you to volunteer or where you are already serving. Leave a comment below.
I like to be active in my church and in my community. I have the time to do that because I am blessed to be a Stay At Home Mom. If you are a SAHM, I want to encourage you to step out and help in some new area. Lots of Church's need volunteers to clean the campus (I bring my kids along for that which teaches them by example to have a servants heart), there are elderly people who could use some attention, pregnancy centers who could use help and many more.
Now if you are wondering about your priorities getting out of wack if you start spending lots of time volunteering, I would suggest to you to pray about it before you start helping. My church has it set up to switch off volunteers that clean once ever other week. So vacuuming for an hour once every 2 weeks is really not a lot to ask.
A survey once said that 20% of churchgoers do 80% of the work. God will provide the time you need if you are willing to serve Him in this way.
I also know a lot of people who work full time and have families but still serve their church or community on a regular basis. I applaud those people because it would be so easy for me to use my busy schedule as an excuse not to serve. They will be blessed for having such servants hearts.
I'm sure some of you are thinking "put your money where your mouth is Missi". And I wouldn't blame you. The reason that this topic is on my heart today is because I am a Leader for my local La Leche League (a breastfeeding support group) and we have our monthly meeting today. It took me 3 years of studying to become a leader and I very much enjoy helping new moms help their babies have a healthy start to life. It's rewarding for me even if I don't get paid for it. Find something that you are passionate about and find a way to help others with it.
John 13:12-17 is the story of when Jesus washed his disciples feet. Pay attention to what He tells them afterwards-
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I'd love to hear how these verses spoke to you and where you feel God leading you to volunteer or where you are already serving. Leave a comment below.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
TV withdrawl
So I've been on a TV fast while my husband has been away for training. It's been over a week now and I have 2 weeks to go. I'm doing horribly! I had no idea how much of a habit I had created. I'd probably be able to do a strict diet much more successfully than giving up TV. It's making me feel very guilty. Something so simple has taken such a vital role in my life that I think about it constantly.
I don't think that I watch anything that is terrible on TV. I enjoy HGTV and Food Network. I enjoy a few sitcoms and of course all the Law&Order, CSI and mostly Bones.
I first felt the call to do a TV fast when I was at church 2 Sundays ago. My church does communion on the 1st Sunday of each month. Our Pastor was talking about asking God if there is any idols present in our lives that we need to get rid of and ask forgiveness for before we took communion. Right away God told me that it was TV.
Do I believe watching TV is a sin? Absolutely NOT! But as Christians we can definitely turn something that is not made to be a sin into a sin by making it become an idol. The crazy thing about it is that it answers so many prayers I had been talking to God about.
I complained about over eating- not sitting in front of a TV is helping big time with that one.
Not having enough energy in the morning- not staying awake late to watch TV is helping a lot.
Not having enough time with God or with my kids- We have had to be creative to keep busy at our house without TV now and I have more time to read His word and listen to His voice now that TV is not drowning Him out.
I don't want to view myself other than God views me- Not having a constant visual of my physical flaws has helped that.
I want "the world" to not have such a strong influence over my children and I- does this really need further explanation?
I had no idea that a TV fast would answer so many of my needs! And yet, even knowing all that, I still want to sit and watch TV. I want to zone out or turn the tube on to babysit my kids for a while so I can cook dinner/sew/shower/fill-in-the-blank in peace.
1 John 5:21
"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." NIV
Well you can't get much simpler than that with a verse from the bible!
The definition of Idols is "any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion". I definitely can say that for me, TV falls under these categories.
I'm not asking anyone to follow in MY footsteps in doing a TV fast. But do ask God what you may have that HE would like you to do without for a short while and replace it with time spent with HIM.
I pray that this post as well as any future post will be an encouraging moment in your day.
I don't think that I watch anything that is terrible on TV. I enjoy HGTV and Food Network. I enjoy a few sitcoms and of course all the Law&Order, CSI and mostly Bones.
I first felt the call to do a TV fast when I was at church 2 Sundays ago. My church does communion on the 1st Sunday of each month. Our Pastor was talking about asking God if there is any idols present in our lives that we need to get rid of and ask forgiveness for before we took communion. Right away God told me that it was TV.
Do I believe watching TV is a sin? Absolutely NOT! But as Christians we can definitely turn something that is not made to be a sin into a sin by making it become an idol. The crazy thing about it is that it answers so many prayers I had been talking to God about.
I complained about over eating- not sitting in front of a TV is helping big time with that one.
Not having enough energy in the morning- not staying awake late to watch TV is helping a lot.
Not having enough time with God or with my kids- We have had to be creative to keep busy at our house without TV now and I have more time to read His word and listen to His voice now that TV is not drowning Him out.
I don't want to view myself other than God views me- Not having a constant visual of my physical flaws has helped that.
I want "the world" to not have such a strong influence over my children and I- does this really need further explanation?
I had no idea that a TV fast would answer so many of my needs! And yet, even knowing all that, I still want to sit and watch TV. I want to zone out or turn the tube on to babysit my kids for a while so I can cook dinner/sew/shower/fill-in-the-blank in peace.
1 John 5:21
"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." NIV
Well you can't get much simpler than that with a verse from the bible!
The definition of Idols is "any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion". I definitely can say that for me, TV falls under these categories.
I'm not asking anyone to follow in MY footsteps in doing a TV fast. But do ask God what you may have that HE would like you to do without for a short while and replace it with time spent with HIM.
I pray that this post as well as any future post will be an encouraging moment in your day.
Launch post
Here is my launch post.
Let me just tell you a little about myself and what I'm envisioning for this blog. I am a Stay at Home Mommy to 3 kids and wife to an Army National Guard Sniper. But more important than those things, I am a Follower of Christ. The reason I say Follower of Christ rather than "Christian" is just to help you understand what category of "Christian" I fall under. So many people call themselves Christians without understanding what that title actually means. I want to be clear here, because this is what my blog will be ALL about, that I will not be adding to or taking away from what is in the Bible. I believe that God has used men to write every word that is in the bible and wanted exactly how each word is put into the bible to speak to and help the followers of Him.
My journey in following Christ has been amazing. I've learned along the way some things that I had been doing wrong and how different the world is from Christ's point of view. God has made me to be an encourager to others and I pray that this blog does exactly that. At times I may write how I am perceiving what the bible is saying and maybe you won't agree with me. But I want you to understand that I am writing all this in complete LOVE for you, not judgement. I pray that what God is placing on my heart to share with you will be an encouraging moment in your day.
Let me just tell you a little about myself and what I'm envisioning for this blog. I am a Stay at Home Mommy to 3 kids and wife to an Army National Guard Sniper. But more important than those things, I am a Follower of Christ. The reason I say Follower of Christ rather than "Christian" is just to help you understand what category of "Christian" I fall under. So many people call themselves Christians without understanding what that title actually means. I want to be clear here, because this is what my blog will be ALL about, that I will not be adding to or taking away from what is in the Bible. I believe that God has used men to write every word that is in the bible and wanted exactly how each word is put into the bible to speak to and help the followers of Him.
My journey in following Christ has been amazing. I've learned along the way some things that I had been doing wrong and how different the world is from Christ's point of view. God has made me to be an encourager to others and I pray that this blog does exactly that. At times I may write how I am perceiving what the bible is saying and maybe you won't agree with me. But I want you to understand that I am writing all this in complete LOVE for you, not judgement. I pray that what God is placing on my heart to share with you will be an encouraging moment in your day.
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