VIRTUOUS

Proverbs 31 lists the attributes of a virtuous woman. That was my bible reading this morning and I thought I would use it as my guide for the blog today. I am not sure I will ever live up to all of these, but I can strive to do it, and with the grace of my Lord and savior maybe some day I will.

Verse 10: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies." In the days that this was written a ruby cost a lot. Probably Kings and the riches of families were the only ones that could afford them. Today, they are still expensive and some more than others, they are more affordable. That doesn't mean that finding a virtuous woman is easier. Virtue is not an easy trait to aquire or attribute to find in someone.

Verses 11- 12:  "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life." These verse tell how a virtuous woman treats her husband. She does not give Him cause to be ashamed because she does not speak poorly of Him in public. Sh treats him with the respect he deserves, and in turn he is to treat her the same way. I am not married and never have been so I can not speak to this, I have seen and heard people treat their husbands with disrespect by telling the "bad" things that do. I do not believe this is healthy for any relationship. 

Verses 13-27: I am not going to place all those verse here, I will do some individually as I move on. These verses show her work ethic. A virtuous woman takes care of her household any way she can. She buys food from far off or she grows it herself. She makes the clothes her family needs and sells other items to help with the cost of raising a family. She rises early in the morning and she stays up long after everyone else is in bed. A virtuous woman is a hard worker.

Verse 17: "She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms." She is strong. That means she probably gets exercise as she is working to support her family. All the cleaning and gardening, lifting children and walking gives her strength to do the things she needs to do. 

Verse 20: "She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy." She helps those who are less fortunate than herself or her family. I am sure if she can't "help" then her heart and prayers go out to those who need it. She probably guides her children to know that giving to others is a blessing and not a fault or harmful to themselves. 

Verse 26: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness." In the time that this was written the only bible was the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the bible) and some of the psalms and proverbs may have been accessible to men but not so much to women. So the words of wisdom she spoke and the laws of kindness were those that had been taught to her by her Father, her husband, and from her God. God spoke to people then as he does now. A still small whisper, in the heart of believers. I believe that a virtuous woman listens to that voice and reads the word we have now and passes on the things God has set in her heart to be true.

Verse 27-31: "She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise

up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates." The virtuous woman receives praise for her deeds from her family. She does not worry about whether or not she gets it. She only cares that God is honored by her work, and seeks to love and glorify Him through all she does. Her testimony will follow her every where she goes. 

Lord please help me to be this woman. I know I fall short of it and I pray that I can become more like her in all that I do. 

The Quote: 

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

The Drawing:

OUTWARD

Inspiration for the blog entry and drawing today came from Lex Wilson.

In life we all wish to touch the lives of others and to leave a legacy when we depart. There are things that must happen for this to be accomplished.

It all begins in the middle. That is in us, in the middle of us, in our hearts. I believe that to truly be able to love and care for ourselves and others we first have to have God in our lives. In our being, to be our center, our core, our middle. Without the middle we are nothing, as far as I see it. I Corinthians 13 says,

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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. 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." 

I John 4:8 says,

"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

We have to have God to have Love. Then our lives grow outward from there.

With our middle where it should be we grow outward to first love ourselves which upon getting to know God that quickly should change to loving others before ourselves. Now we have grown outward some more. As we reach out to others our middle grows and touch more and more lives. Our loves grows until it can hardly be contain, it reaches upward to God, and outward to others, and then inward to ourselves. It starts in the middle and grows outward!
 
The Quote:

"I started in the middle and worked outwards"~Lex Wilson

The Drawing:

Extra: King and Country "The Proof of Your Love"

SUN

The past few days have been really nice and for me not to hot. I have been laying out a bit trying to get my legs tan before my trip because I will be wearing a skirt (o,O) and my legs are white! I know I look like a beached whale, but I have to do what I have to do, I don't want to wear hose.

I have always liked being in the sun, I was a lifeguard for many years during High School and College. I wish I could still do that from time to time. I like to swim, it is great exercise. God knew what He was doing when He created the sun and water... they are a perfect combination for fun and relaxation!

Thank-you God for your lovely creations!

The Quote:

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." ~Buddha

The Drawing:

VERB

Today, while reading my devotion I was lead to think about action verbs. In my reading the author points out that Christianity is a verb! Christian are followers of Christ, they are imitators, they are children, all of which have something about them that makes them active. He also reminded me that the book of Acts was all about the actions of God's people, they didn't just sit around talking about Jesus and what He did, they went out trying to lead people to Him.

He quoted someone who is a missionary to India, who is working with woman and children stuck in the mess of human trafficking. She said. "If Christians believe that the image of God is in every person, why don't we act like it? Why do we turn our eyes from the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the prostitutes? Although prayer is necessary and helps bring comfort, it's not enough to truly alleviate suffering. God didn't send His Son to pray for us but rather to act for us."

God wants action, He wants us to pray for everything, and He wants us to act when it is in our power to do something. We can pray for a friend who needs to be comforted that God would send someone to do that. If we are there, why aren't we doing the comforting, seems God has already supplied the need before we even began to pray. God wants to answer the big prayers, the ones that only he can answer, if it is in your power to supply the need, or hug a friend, or give some money, do it and pray that God will use what you have done for His honor and glory.

The Quote:

"When everything is said and done, God won't say, "Well said, good and faithful servant." He won't say, "Well thought," "Well planned," or even "Well prayed." There is only one commendation He will give: "Well done, good and faithful servant." ~Mark Batterson

The Drawing:

FREEDOM

Today is a day that we set aside to Honor those who have served, who are serving, and who will serve in the military. Those who gave their lives, who are willing to give their lives and who will give their lives so that we can call ourselves free!

Our Freedom in this country comes at a GREAT price! The lives of men and woman, boys and girls have been given so that we can live in a country that has Freedom. Our freedom to free speech, worship as we wish, own weapons, have a speedy trial, and all the others were paid for by the blood of those who stand daily on the wall for us. Everyday there are men and women who stand between us and the world that wish we were not here. Thank-you to all who have stood, who stand, and who will stand on that wall to protect our freedoms.

There is one more who needs to be remembered on this day. He also paid the ultimate price for our freedom. He hung on a cross between Heaven and Hell while a mighty war was being fought for our souls. He carried the weight of all our sin so that we could have the ultimate freedom. He laid down His life freely and gave all He had to give! Because of Him we have the right to be called children of God. Thank you Jesus for hanging on the cross for my FREEDOM!

The Quote:

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." ~John 8:36

The Drawing:

ANSWERS

I have seen God answer prayers in a mighty way this month. I am amazed at just how much He has provided. Everyday new mercies and grace come to my life and the lives of the people around me. As I draw closer to God he draws closer to me and I reap the benefits everyday. Satan is still hanging around and there are times he takes hold of my thoughts and flushes up old thoughts, old fears, and worries, I have to call on Jesus to get Him out of my mind and I have to bring every thought captive to the words of God.

I am still seeking answers to prayers and expecting God to miracles in the lives of the people I am praying for. Some of these people I know, some I do not know, but God knows them all and is preparing their hearts and lives for the miracles he has in store for them

God thank-you for the answers I have received, for those that I will receive, and the ones I have not even prayed for yet. You are all knowing and the answers to my prayers are already in motion. Thank-you!

The Quote:

"Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard. Indeed, I will pray to the Lord your God according to your words, and it shall be, that whatever the Lord answers you, I will declare it to you. I will keep nothing back from you.” ~Jeremiah 42:4

The Drawing:

VOICE

I know I didn't post yesterday. Time Got away from me :(

I was reading in my devotion for the 40 day prayer challenge yesterday and this was the topic. The point was made that if you want to find your voice for God then you have to be able to hear His voice. Is it an audible voice, probably not, although that doesn't mean that it can't be. God could physically reach out and touch each and everyone of us if He wanted or needed too. So I believe He could speak to us. He does speak to us any time we need to hear Him, the key is listening. Tuning our hearts and minds to Him. His word speaks to us, we can't find our voice without studying His word.

His Spirit Speaks to us through our spirit, most of the time that little voice in your head that is telling you not to do something that is potentially harmful or could hurt you testimony... that would be the spirit. Do I believe that the devil has a little demon sitting on your shoulder arguing with the spirit in you, YES! It is called self! He uses our own wants and desires against our spirit and causes us to war inside. The voice of the spirit is a still small voice, you have to be quite to hear it.

I want to have a Voice that proclaims the Glory of God and uplifts people in a way that they see Jesus in me. I have a long way to go, with God's help I will be who He wants me to be with a voice that is pleasing to Him. Thank-you Lord for helping me to have the strength and desire to want to accomplish this.

The Quote:

"Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice." ~I Kings 19:11-12

The Drawing:

WAIT

Today, the devotion for my prayer challange had to do with waiting. Like the writer I do not like to wait. I am sure there are many of us the same way. Waiting is not something that is easy to do. I think about the guys at the barber shop in Mayberry, or Ma and Pa Kettle; how they never seemed stressed by life. They seemed to not have a care in the world. Laid back and taking one second at a time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could live like that now.

My problem is when I get time to be just laid back I feel like I have to be doing something. When I have time to spend praying a lone with God (other than the quick prayers I sometimes utter) I feel like I am "wasting" time. Any time alone with God is never wasted. I need to spend more time there. I need to be patient and wait and listen for God to answer. I may have to wait years, days, hours, minutes, and seconds that cause me frustration. God needs us to be willing to wait, to say "God, your timing is perfect."

Lord thank-you for always answering, even when I have to wait. Help me to realize that growth is taking place in that time, growth that I obviously needed.

The Quote:
" Waiting is part of prayer, and prayer is a form of waiting." ~Mark Batterson "Draw the Circle"

The Drawing:

ARTIST

I believe every person is an artist. The problem is the word artist is thought of in one way; something that has to do with preforming, creating (drawing, painting, etc.), or writing. Art is much more than that.

A mother is an artist when she creates a dinner that her children love, or sings a lullaby. When she cleans the house and make that house a home, she is an artist. A father is an artist when he helps his child learn to ride a bike, or builds a treehouse. Husbands and wives are artist when they live together in harmony and strive to create a home together.

Art flows through the veins of all people builders, doctors, bus drivers, and even garbage collectors. Those who are "handicapped" as the world sees them, are also artist.

Now, the reason I believe that every person is an artist is this, God is the ultimate creator and artist. He made all that we know and see either of His own creation or by giving a man the inspiration to create it. He is part of every human on this earth and because He is we are also creative beings, Artist. So let the artist in you flourish!

The Quote:
" The artist is not a special kind of person; Rather each person is a special kind of artist." ~Ananda Coomaraswamy

The Drawing:

ROBOT

Have you ever felt like a robot. Just kind of going through the business of getting your work done without a thought. There have been many times I have felt this way. It seems more and more that the education system is wanting it's teachers to be that way. They are told what to teach, understandable, and told how to teach it, not so understandable. The people in the bureaucracy of education have long since been gone from the classroom, if they ever were there. They are making policies that our children are having to suffer for. The person in the trenches, the ones who see their kids daily, who understand how those kids learn best should be allowed to make those decisions.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my job, and I have a fairly easy time with what I teach. I am worried about the classroom teachers who have to jump through hoops and put on dog and pony shows to stay on the good side of the education system.The real problem is when you hold a person's job over their head if they can't get their students to score a certain score on a test. Especially, when the teacher and students weren't given the opportunity to teach and learn the material in a manner suited to their growth and development. Teachers are being pushed to their limits, and burning out faster that you know. There are less people going into the education field now for the simple fact they don't want to be dictated too. They know that it would be just a job, instead of the mission it should be. Teachers of the past were in the profession for much more than a pay check, loving and guiding students is what it is supposed to be about. It is no longer that way, and that saddens me.

Maybe the educational bureaucracy should purchase some robots to fulfill their mission of teaching. Then they wouldn't have to worry about the job getting done the way they want it done.

The Quote:

"I am not a robot. I have a heart and I bleed."
~Serena Williams

The Drawing:

GRACE

Grace: unmerited favor, mercy, pardon, approval, favor.

God's Grace is given to all who believe in and put thier faith in all He has done for them. It is unmerited, we do not deserve it. Man long ago turn their back on God and yet God still loved us enough to have mercy on us and give us a way out of the destruction we are bound for.

Grace doesn't stop there. It continues to come to our lives through the love of our God and Father. He pours it out daily, and we are told to grow in that grace. To use it to gain knowledge. I believe we are supposed to impart the same type of grace to others as needed. Many of the people we deal with every day treat us less than nicely. Just as we have treated God. He gives us grace, we need to give it to others. I believe this is one way to grow in grace. The more we give the more we recieve. We can never out give God in any way.

Lord help me to grow in grace and pass on your grace to others in the words and deeds I can do for them through you.

The Quote:
 " But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." ~II Peter 3:18

The Drawing:

CREATION

The Quote:

"What God is, is a reflected in nature, who He is, is reflected in His children." ~ U.A. Dorion

This was a quote from the preacher this morning at the church I attend. It is a statement that I believe wholeheartedly.

Psalms 19 speaks to the heavens and earths declaring the glory of God. All creation cries out that God is God and He is the creator of all things. He is the Lord of Lords and the Most Holy.

God human creation is supposed to be a reflection of who God is. Now, here is the part that bothers me. How often do I actually reflect the true nature of who God is. I would say not very often. You may be thinking how do we even know who God is, the bible tells us. So the way we are to reflect Him is to live a life that is in line with what His word says about Him. 

In one of my earlier post for this blog I told the things I believe. I said " I believe the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God given to men as a revelation of Himself. I believe it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness." Get this God relieve Himself to us through His word, and He has given His Spirit to testify to His Guidance in our lives. "I believe the Holy Spirit lives in me and helps me to do the things God wishes me to do. He leads me in the paths of righteousness if I will let Him."

I want to be a true reflection of God to those around me... Lord please guide me in doing this.

The Drawing:

MOVE

The Quote:

"If you want to see God move, make a move." ~Mark Batterson "Draw the Circle"

I have been praying now for many things during this 40 day prayer challenge I have started with God's help. It has been an awesome journey and I have been amazed by some of the things God has already done. It has only been 18 days, but God has moved in some wild and crazy ways. I started this challenge praying for the Croatia trip, my church, and some other things that need not to be mentioned. I am thankful that God has perfect timing and know exactly what He is doing.

One of the things I have learned in this journey is that in order to be on the path God wants you on you have to take a step, then another and another. God said He would guide our steps now the path He has for us, if we don't move we can't get where He wants us. God will move when we move. I took a step on this path, the day I said, okay God, Croatia it is! And boy has he moved mightily ever since. Yes, Satan has tried to put up some road blocks, and GOD has torn them down. Yes, I am scared, I also know that God is in control and will have the final say in all that is done.

Lord, thank-you for showing up and making moves, and for teaching me to move!

The Drawing:

ORDINARY

Ordinary (adjective)

"1. of a kind to be expected in the normal order of events 2. having or constituting immediate or original jurisdiction; also : belonging to such jurisdiction 3. of common quality, rank, or ability 4. deficient in quality"

I am reading a book called "Creative is a Verb" by Patti Digh. I picked it up in a shop in the Denver Airport last weekend on my long layover. I has a lot of interesting things to offer. It is important to be creative in our lives, as adults many of us forget to throw off the complexities of life every once and a while and be ordinary. When we are ordinary we can create. I do not like the last definition of the word listed above, I do not believe that ordinary is deficient in quality. I believe just the opposite, when we are ordinary we are our real selves and should strive to be that all the time. I do not want to put on a show, or be someone I am not. The world expects that of us too often. I want to be the person I am supposed to be to live life as ordinarily as I can. Be ordinary and be yourself, live life the way you are! Lord help me to be the ordinary person I am supposed to be.

The Quote:

"My ordinary is unique to me." ~Patti Digh "Creative is a Verb"

The Drawing:

PROVIDES

It is so awesome how God supplies, He provides all we ever need. He is a generous giver and expects no less form us.

As those of you who read my blog know I will be going on a mission trip this summer to Croatia. My church is paying for the trip (the plane ticket and the place I stay). I was only going to be able to go for 2 weeks through them. I felt God wanted me to go longer so I had been praying that God provided the money for me to go the extra 2 weeks. Not long after I started praying I recieved some money unexpectantly, which allows me to go for 4 weeks. I have been praying daily for God to bless this trip and continue to supply the needs of the team. All seemed to be going well.

This weekend my father called me and said his church was going to also give me some money for the trip. I was not expecting that. I thought it would be enough to help me with personal expenses while in Croatia and help to purchase some of the workbooks for the students. God had another plan for the money. There seemed to be some issues with funds for the trip. As we all know the best laid plans of man can fail to reach the distance they need too. That is ok God has the master plan and He provided the money to fix the issue.

Now, I am trusting God to help me raise the money for my personal needs again, and I will have it. I know this because God wants me in Croatia for a reason, or none of the funds would have ever been supplied. The doors would not have open as they have. Something amazing awaits us in Croatia. I pray God is honored and glorified in everything!

The Quote:

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. " ~Philippians 4:19

The Drawing:

GOD

There are so many things I could say about God.... and I have already said some of them! Today, I am going to let God talk through His creation, His Beauty, His awe inspiring masterpiece of a Nebraska morning....

The Quote:

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork." ~Psalms 19:1

The ART... by God   Photos by me (they don't do it justice)

FRIENDS

I have been in Nebraska for the past 4 days. I had a wonderful time seeing the beauty of God's creation and visiting with friends.

The main reason I went on this mini vacation was to see my "son" graduate. Tannyn is the son of best friend Kimber and I consider him my son also. Since he was about 2 we have not lived near each other but I have been a part of all their lives through prayer, calls, letters, emails, and pictures. Tannyn has grown up to be a nice young man, and I pray that he will grow in the integrity and compassion that all men should have as he walks the path God has for him.

It was also Kimber's Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. That was a marvelous occasion also. It is so cool to see 2 people who still love each other as much as they do even after 50 years! The whole family is a tight bunch and love each other greatly. I am honored to be considered part of them in a small way. Congratulation Clayton and Ellen Barker on 50 years of marriage.

Sorry I did not post while there. I did not have very good service. So this post today is for all the days I missed this weekend and for today! The Drawing is the front of the card I made for Tannyn. The quote is the verse on the inside of the card.

The Quote:

"Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths." ~Psalm 25:4

The Drawing:

NEBRASKA

God expects all of His creation to be bold and brash for Him. Today, I am traveling to Nebraska for the third time in my life. Everytime I have visited I have seen some new sight and the wonder of it usually awe inspiring. Nebraska has always spoken to me of God in a BOLD way every time I have visited. This time I may not get to see something new, that does not matter. I know that I will find time to spend with God, I will be in His glorious creation, and I will again marvel at His handiwork.

Thanks-you God for your beautiful masterpiece of this world!

The Quote:

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.

Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world. " ~Psalms 19:1-4

The Drawing:

That is a Bison grazing. These a similation for the "Red Cloud Buttes" That will be in the area of Nebraska I will be visiting. I have never been there when the sky was not beautiful!

IGNORANCE

The Quote:

"We pray out of our ignorance, but God answers out of His omniscience. We pray out of our impotence, but God answers out of His omnipotence. God has the ability to answer the prayers we should have prayed but lacked the knowledge or ability to even ask." ~Mark Batterson

God is so awesome. There is no one like Him. I believe that He has, is, and will protect me and the team going to Croatia because it is His will. It is what He wants, He has gathered the people He wants to go, He has started preparing the people He needs to come to the classes. He has prepared the way with the funds. God has everything in His control. And I in my ignorance have thought I had a little to do with what He has done. I have not prayed a big enough prayer yet for this trip, I have not even imagined all that God has in store. God is leading me in ways I can not fathom and I in my ignorance have very little to do with that. Lord help me to pray the prayers you want me to pray and please answer the prayers I am not smart enough to pray. 

This weekend I am going to Nebraska to see my "son" (he isn't really, I think of him as one) graduate from High School. He is a cool kid and I know he will do much in the life he is about to embark on. My prayer for him is that he will grow in the knowledge that God loves him and will protect him through everything he endeavors. Congratulations Tannyn!

I may not be able to get my blog posted this weekend, sorry for that, this graduation is a little more important.

The Drawing:

TRAGEDY

I know you all are probably think where did that word come from. I think it will be evident when you continue reading.

I have been reading "Draw the Circle" by Mark Batterson, I am very glad so far. This book is a 40 day prayer challenge, I started it on May 1st, and the 40 days will be up on June 9th, the Sunday before I leave for my trip to Croatia. That does not mean I will quit praying! The book has been a blessing, in it the writer speaks to the way we should pray and step out on faith if we want answers from God.

This idea of drawing a circle was not started with this writer. He actually wrote about Honi the circle maker. He was a Jewish man who prayed for rain in a time of drought, he was very brash with God, He drew a circle on the ground and told God He was not leaving the circle until it rained, and not just any rain, a downpour that would heal the land. I found a little video about it. This man is not unlike Elijah praying for fire to burn the sacrifice that was soaked with water. Elijah stepped out on faith, and ask God for a miracle, He got it! The Tragedy is that to often we are afraid to ask God for what we really need or want, to ask him for our dreams and desires. He said that he would give us the desires of our hearts if we only asked, BELIEVING! there is the key. I believe God wants me in Croatia this summer, so I stepped out and started moving toward that end, all the while praying for God to supply, and He has mightly!

Thank-you Lord for all you have done, are doing, and will do for this trip to Croatia. Please help me to know who and what to pray for and help me have the faith to step out and take hold of all you have for me.

The Quote:
"The greatest tradegy in life is the prayers that go unanswered simply because they go unasked." ~Mark Batterson

The Drawing:

OVERCOME

"We shall overcome, We shall overcome
We shall overcome someday
Deep in my heart I do believe
We shall overcome someday
We shall live in peace, we shall live in peace
We shall live in peace someday
Deep in my heart I do believe
We shall overcome someday
We shall organize, we shall organize
We shall organize today
Deep in my heart I do believe
We shall overcome someday We'll walk hand in hand, we'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand someday
Deep in my heart I do believe
We shall overcome someday We are not afraid, we are not afraid
We are not afraid today
Deep in my heart I do believe
We shall overcome someday"

This song has been used many times throught history as a song for the down trodden to be uplifted. Galatians 6:9 says that we are to not be weary while doing good, because we will reap the benefits in due time. If God is on ourside who can be against us.

This is the last verse from Romans 12. It states that we are not to be overcomed, we are to overcome. It is hard to be strong in the face of problems, or evil. That is what God wants, He is there with us, and even if it seems the enemy has won the battle, we already have the victory. God won when Jesus died and was ressurected. Yes, battles still rage everyday, we can overcome them. Believe God has everything in control.

Lord help me to believe and put all my faith in your marvelous victory!

The Quote:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." ~Romans 12:21

The Drawing:

ENEMY

When I was reading this morning another verse of set of verses stood out. We have been talking a lot here in my blog and in my church about them. I am beginning to think it is a message that a lot of people need to hear. In Proverbs 6:16-19 Solomon says 

"These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren." 

Do you see what all of these have to do with? Treating people correctly. Solomon does not distinguish between the people who treat us right or the people who treat us wrong, he simple says, God hates these things and the last one is an abomination to Him. God wants us to live in harmony, with all people. He does not want us to be proud, He does not want us to lie, He does not want us to kill people, He does not want us to be devising wick plans or being a false witness and He definitely does not want us to create friction between others. God wants harmony, he wants everyone to love each other, unfortunately with human beings in the way that is a nearly impossible task. God never said I had to like everyone, He said I had to love them. There is a difference.
  
Lord help me to love all people the way you want me to even if I don't like them. Help me not to be the one that cause friction between your children. 
 
The Quote:

Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20

The Drawing:

AVENGE

 Avenge:

1. Inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another)
2. Inflict such harm on behalf of (oneself or someone else previously wronged or harmed)

Okay, there are times when we want to avenge the wrongs that have come to us.  God says that we are not to avenge the evils, He will. What happened to an eye for an eye.... When God had that put in the bible, I believe He meant, He would take care of it. It is not always going to be when we want it to be, in the end, God will have the LAST word. We are supposed to give place to wrath, well in my "human" mind if I give place to something then it has control. I am so glad this is talking about spiritually giving it place, and in that sense God wants us to give it place outside our minds and hearts. Put it away, do not give it the ability to take over our thoughts and hearts. Anger and revenge only bring heartache and pain. Let God take control of those situations that you feel you have been wronged in and let Him take care of it. I know easier said than done....

Lord, Help me to give you control of every aspect of my life, even the pain and hurt, the times when I want to take revenge...all of it!

The Quote:

"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord." Romans 12:19

 The Drawing:

PEACEABLY

 Peace-ably is the way I see this word. So we are to ably live in peace with all men when it is possible. I try to be at peace as much as possible, who wants chaos or strife? I don't think anyone really does. How can we live peaceably? Some of the same things I mentioned yesterday could help us live peaceably. We should not try to upset people, I mean if you know something upsets someone why do it, that is not living peaceably. There are people in this world who are bent on annoying other people, just because they can. Helping others when they need help is a way to live peaceably. If you do have a disagreement with some one fix it as fast as you can so harmony can be had by all. Don't hold a grudge. 

It is not easy to be at peace long in this world. There are times when no peace seems to be anywhere near. At those times I try to pray and get some peace from the one who holds all the world in His hands. If I pray and meditate long enough at least a little peace will come into my life. I want to learn to have more peace even in bad times, to be able to seem peaceful even is it seems impossible. I want to ably live in peace with all people.

The Quote:

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." ~Romans 12:18

The Drawing:

GOOD THINGS

Good things, seems that was a similar verse not to long ago.... Philippians 4:8-9 seem to list a lot of "Good Things". Those that are true, noble, pure, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy. Okay, so what what are some actual good things that we should do in the sight of all men?

Maybe we could pray, not in a way to draw attention to ourselves, for meals in restaurants, if we see something that  needs prayer, a silent bow of the head. We can listen to uplifting music, or let people pass in front of us who seem to be in a hurry. Open the door for someone instead of pushing through first. Not gossip and when someone else is walk away or politely ask them to stop. If we see someone else do a good thing tell them how we thought it was good and nice. Praise people when they deserve it yet not in a way to make them have a big head. Hug a child when they need one. Tell someone how much they mean to you. Do something nice for someone who hasn't always been nice to you.

It always seem I get in too big of a hurry to realize just how much good I could do it I would only slow down. I rush around and get in my own little world, then I get abrupt with people and don't act the way I should toward anyone. God frowns on that so much and I have to learn to slow down and not take MYSELF so seriously! I need more good things in my life, more up lifting things.... That makes me think of a good song by Todd Agnew.

The Quote:

"Have regard for good things in the sight of all men." ~Romans 12:17b

The Drawing:

REPAY

The Quote:

"Repay no one evil for evil." Romans 12:17a

Many time we want to repay people for the things they do for or against us. It is always appropriate to repay the good things with good. God wants us to treat each other way we want to be treated, and we all want to at least be acknowledge a little when we do nice things.

The bad things that are done to us, God wants to handle. We often fly off the deep end and lash out at those who have treated us less than we think they should have. I know I have feelings of wanting to get even, and if I try I always seems to make things worse for myself instead of better. That is because I did it myself. When I let God handle the situations in my life that cause me problems they work out the right way and everyone in the end is happy.

Lord help me to let go and let you have ever situation in my life. Let me treat people with the respect you want them to have and not repay evil for evil.

The Drawing:

HUMBLE

 Here is a word that can stir up so conversation. What does it mean to be humble? The dictionary says:

: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive

: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission

: ranking low in a hierarchy or scale : insignificant, unpretentious

: not costly or luxurious 

In the bible I think that the first definition is the closest to the one used in the quote. It is speaking of people who are not arrogant, and who do not think themselves better than anyone else. Paul is just repeating what he was saying the the first part of the verse. We are all supposed to be of the same mind. No one is better than anyone else.

One problem with this word is that people tend to take it to the second and third definitions. They tend to try and be too submissive, having a defeated spirit, or to seem of little or no significance. I have to admit, I do feel that way at times, but it was pointed out to me that that is actually more an issue of pride than humility. I see the point. I can't explain it really, it is like saying, hey look at poor pitiful me, I am nothing. I am actually trying to make myself stand out more by drawing attention to how "humble" (insignificant and defeated) I am.

We are supposed to seek out people to be with who are truly humble, that do not use puffed up speech, thinking that their opinions are always the best. We need to be of the same mind, living in harmony, and treating each other with love, respect, and encouragement.

Lord help me to be humble in the true sense of the word. Help me stop being defeated and insignificant acting. Help me to seek out others that I can encourage and build up in harmony and in return receive the same from them.

The Quote:

"Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."

The Drawing: