Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Titus 2 Tuesday

HELPFUL SCRIPTURES FOR A TITUS 2 WOMAN


1) Titus 2 : 3- 5 (King James Version
The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, caste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their husband, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


2) Isaiah 50 :4 (New Living Translation)
The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, sh that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.


3) Romans 15 : 14 (New International Version)
I myself am convinced, my sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

4) Proverbs 18 :13 (King James Version)
She who answers a matter before she hears it, it is folly and shame to her. 



Enjoy your day,

Amanda


Friday, May 25, 2012

Friend to Friend Friday

Our Separation from God


Christian Accountability - Biblical Guidance
Open Bible.com

Does the Bible speak of Christian accountability? First of all, the Bible says that God holds us accountable. Romans 14:12 says, "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." This is personal accountability.
Christians are also accountable to one another. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, we read that Christians are all part of the same body - the body of Christ - and each member needs or belongs to the other. This Scripture suggests the importance of strong accountability between Believers. It is important for every Believer to have at least one other person in which to confide, pray with, listen to, and encourage.

Galatians 6:1-2 gives a helpful principle, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." If your accountability friend has done something contrary to the Bible, you are called to confront him gently, forgive him, and comfort him. It also admonishes you to consider yourself because no one is above temptation.

Another aspect of Christian accountability is encouraging each other to grow in their spiritual maturity. Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to, "…encourage one another and build each other up…"

Are you accountable? Do you have a friend to whom you can go? Will that person hold you accountable in your spiritual walk? Are you the type of person that people can come to when they need accountability? Do you want a Christian accountability partner?

So this is my story on accountability.  Unfortunately, in the Christian community of women & men.  There has been a big interest in reading "unbiblical" smut books.  One in particular that has come to mind is a book called, "50 Shades of Grey."

Now, I have never heard of this book until a friend of mine said a group of women in the church had been reading this novel.  So of course I never take conversation at face value.  I pray for guidance and do research. And "BAM" in my face that same day a post on "Face Book" from a sister in Christ in  regards to the main character being "Hot" or something to that affect.

So I thought can this book  be that bad?  Yep!  Can a girl shout out, "wow!" It is xxx rated.  I was reading stuff like this before I began a relationship with our Mighty Savior Jesus Christ.  I call it "BC" (Before Christ) 

So I confronted this friend on the choices of reading material she was choosing. I was taken back by the answer I received.  She said " Christians cant take themselves completely out of the world & reading or watching something isn't the same as actually doing the act."  She also stated other Christian "wives, mothers & Pastors daughters" she knew had or are reading this book currently.  So, does this make it OK, because other Christians are doing it.  No! we should not be doing this because God commands us to be "Holy" Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:15.

I thought to myself, "Can this be happening?"  And I thought, of course it can.  We all fall short of the Glory of God & the adversary packages up things very nicely to entice people with there flesh.  And distracts us from reading God's Word. 

Is there in fact in church today accountability or not?  Does anyone say anything when we see sisters or brothers in the Faith stray off the path of Gods word.  Are we afraid of being criticized of being called a Jesus Freak or a radical for Jesus.

We are commanded by our Lord to be "The Salt of the Earth" Matt 5:13, "The Light of the world" Matt 5:14.

How is the world going to see Jesus in our lives when we don't live any different than the world does. 1 Thessalonians 4: 7-8
Ladies! Gentleman, this is real! Are we living for our Mighty Savior or the lust of the world?

The world hungers for something different & Jesus Christ is that difference. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, with all our hearts, soul & mind. We were & are new creations in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17

God (separated from us) sent His only Begotten Son (without sin) to die a horrible death for us, our sins, so He could have a wonderful relationship with us. Praise God!


1 John 2:15-17
Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

 I pray for you to have Courage today
In His Almighty Name Jesus Christ

 


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Titus 2 Tuesday

GOD'S
UMBRELLA OF PROTECTION
Psalm 91


Scripture is very clear on how we shall live & receive His protection to those who devote themselves to the Lord.

In the home God shall be first. Build your home on solid foundation. Luke 6:46-49
Matthew 22:37-40
1 John 4:10,19
Romans 5:8

In the home your husband shall be second. The head of every man is Christ & the head of the wife is man. 1 Corinthians 11:3
Loving Leader
Provider
Protector
Pastor
Ephesians 5:18-33
Colossians 3:19-21
1 Peter 3:7

In the home a wife shall be third. A wife does him good, and not harm all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:12
Show affection
Loving submission
Ephesians 5:18,21,22,24,33
1 Peter 3:1-6
Titus 2:3-5
Homemaker
Colossians 3:12-20
Atmosphere
Numbers 30:1-8

In the home the children shall be fourth. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. Psalm 127:3
Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1-4

Then Parents - Church - Friends - Hobbies - Etc

*Ladies the enemy is not your husband it is Satan*

Have a Blessed day

Amanda 


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Friend to Friend Friday

Love Your Enemies!

...
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? (Matthew 5:43-47)-Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Titus 2 Tuesday

Becoming a
Loving
Butterfly

"A wise woman is a good lover." Solomon's Song of Songs



Several months ago I was invited to a wonderful "Titus 2" event.  And I was a little uncomfortable & surprised by the speaker (Joanne Frank) when she began to talk about "SEX".  Yes ladies, I did say it.  And she broke it down so beautifully biblically.

1 Corinthians 7:1-5, Song of Solomon, Genesis 2:24 Proverbs 5:18-19 & Hebrews 13:4 breaks it down perfectly. In your quiet time I encourage you to read through them.

Also, have any of ya read the book of Solomon's Song of Songs?  Can we say "steamy"


As follower of Jesus we need to realize the Lord gave us a beautiful gift of "sex" to share with our husbands.  Trust me, I had to change my attitude through prayer and seeking advice from my "WOW" (Wise Older Woman) about the subject..  And I have to tell you,  Only through Jesus Christ can I say my relationship has improved with my husband.

Here is a list given to me through Titus 2 that helped me with my good attitudes about lovemaking & not so good ones too. Let  me know what you think?  And maybe some new ideas that can encourage others & has worked for your marriage.  


Wrong Attitudes
1.Sex is dirty
2.It is my duty
3.It is only for men to enjoy
4.He only loves me for my body
5.To experiment and try new things in our
lovemaking is un-spiritual


Right Attitudes
1.Sex is a gift from God between a man & woman in marriage(Genesis 2:23-25)

2.It is a privilege
3.It will bring me physical pleasure
4.God made my husband with a biological need for sex, as well as for food & water
5.Be adventurous for him and be available.  God will bless this time together.



Enjoy your day

Amanda


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Friend to Friend Friday

Christian Friends Love Sacrificially

Crosswalk.com





John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

Jesus is the finest example of a true Christian friend. His love for us is sacrificial, never selfish. He demonstrated it not only through his miracles of healing, but more fully through the humble service of washing the disciples' feet, and then ultimately, when he laid down his life on the cross.

If we choose our friends based only on what they have to offer, we'll rarely discover the blessings of a genuine friendship. Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." By valuing your friend's needs above your own, you'll be on your way to loving like Jesus. In the process, you'll likely gain a true friend.

Blessings to You

Amanda

Titus 2 Tuesday


Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Friday, May 4, 2012

Friend to Friend Friday

Surrender your tongue to God




"but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)

We cannot tame our tongues without supernatural help. To help you surrender your tongue to God, let me encourage you with a little speech therapy. Before you speak something that may be harmful ask yourself these five questions:

Is it true? Is what I’m going to speak the truth? If not, stop. If it is, second ask,
Is it necessary? Jesus said we are going to be judged for every careless word. There are so many things that we say that are not necessary. Third ask,
Is it beneficial? Is what I’m going to say going to build someone up or tear them down? Fourthly,
Do I have permission to share it?
Before you speak think about what kind of friend you’re being. Finally, ask yourself,
Is my motive pure? Why am I saying this? We all struggle with our tongues to varying degrees. There’s something we can all do about gossip. Remember gossip is when I share with you something about a third person and neither you or I are part of the problem or the solution.

Will you listen more, bite your tongue more, refuse to tear others down, and surrender your tongue to Jesus Christ? This is not some extra thing that God is requesting of us. This is a mandate for being a Christ-follower. Yes, the tongue may be the smallest and largest troublemaker in all the world. It has the 1. Power to direct. 2. the Power to destroy, but also 3. the Power to delight. God can use our tongues to guide others into the way of life, and to sustain them in the trials of life. Give God your tongue each day and ask Him to use you to be a blessing to others.

Enjoy your day
Amanda



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Titus 2 Tuesday

The "I" Syndrome

Hi everyone!  I have  been absent for several weeks from my blog post.  So today instead of writing my normal Titus 2 encouragement.  Let me explain  where I have been.

On April 10th our Son Jenson went into the hospital to have a pace maker put in.

"Yes" I did say pace maker.  That thing that only older people get.

See our son Jenson was born with a condition called "Third Degree Heart Block"  this effects his electrical in his heart.  So his heart beats slower and not as efficient as a normal heart.
"I"  have been preparing my heart for this day since he was born.
"I" have been praying with all I have, to have him cured.
"I" have doubted Christ love for him.
"I" was told that Christ can heal & will heal his heart.(And He can)
"I" was doubting my own heart, believing if I go through with this procedure, my faith in Christ was weak.

So you can see the pattern above,"I"
The Lord revealed & rebuked me several days leading up to the surgery to the day of the surgery, it wasn't about "I".
It is about Him.  And I know this with all my heart, soul & mind.  I was so self absorbed on how "I" was feeling and not on my task at hand to be Christ heart, hands & feet for our family, friends and the people placed in front of me at the hospital.

He reminded me of the below verse:

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

"Yes!" what was "I" thinking!

Succumbing to the flesh is so easy, we can get so caught up in the "I" thing.  We need to keep our eyes & hearts on Him.  Because, if "I" would of closed my heart to His voice on what He had & has planned for our son, our son & others would of missed out on Christ's love that day.

So with that said, it was a day of so many blessings!  Because "I" kept my heart open to others needs. We prayed for & with other parents, that the Lord put in our paths that have sick children. 

Because, it is not about "I" it is about Him and having Faith that the Lord has bigger & better plans for our little one with his pace maker.  This is Jenson's journey to glorify our Savior.


Blessings to You

Amanda