Today my blog idea came to me while folding clothes. Honesty. Being totally honest with people is difficult at times. Especially with our spouses. We don't want to hurt feelings, make other's disappointed, or have others aware that we screwed up. As I look to God's word about honesty, I find these scriptures : Proverbs16:11-Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of His making.
Isaiah 59:12-15-For our offenses are many in your sight,and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities:rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God,fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
Let's not forget the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. The man and wife duo sold property and brought some of the money as an offering to help others, but they lied about how much they received for the land, and they died because of their lies.
Colossians 3:9-10-Do not lie to each other,since you have taken off your old self with it's practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of it's creator.
When we lie-even a small white lie, we hurt others and are not keeping God's law or plan for us. We open ourselves up for Satan to move in and start the destruction on our lives and loves ones that tear our lives apart. We think-I can't tell him/her the truth. It would hurt them deeply. Think how much more lies hurt, especially when the truth is found out by other outside sources. I know from my own personal experiences how lies nearly tore my family apart.
Shouldn't we love others so much that we desire them to know what's really going on with us? Do we not desire that from others? If not, we are walking in darkness. It is only by being truly honest with ourselves, others, and God, that healing can begin. The light of God exposes darkness and strengthens us as we seek Him daily.
Do a self assessment daily. If you have been dishonest, make it right. You will feel more free than you can imagine.
Honesty is the best policy.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Taken for Granted
As I sat reflecting today and reading my bible, I thought about relationships. How many times have I taken my husband, my children, my family, and my friends for granted? Assuming that they will just always be there for me is a mistake with much to high a cost.
Ephesians 5:33 says- Nevertheless, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. How many (many!) times have I disrespected Steve with a look, action, word, or hurtful way? When we allow ourselves to forget this verse, we open ourselves up to temptation, and to the devil's evil schemes. We must put on the full amor of God daily- Ephesians 6:10-20, and remember that satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy our relationships. He wants nothing less, than to see us miserable, spouseless, friendless, and Godless. I love my husband, and never want him to ever question or doubt that.
Let's not forget my beautiful children. I have made many mistakes with Ben, Steven, Katie, and Emma. So many things I wish that I could take back, do differently, and re-do, but I can't. What I can do though, is learn from my mistakes, grow more in the Lord and His wisdom, and try to do things differently. Isaiah 54:13-All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace.
I have many awesome friends, and I don't want to ever take them for granted a single day of my life. I read this- a friend is one who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable. One who understands our silence, one who goes in, when the whole world has gone out. I hope my friends know just how much I love them and treasure their presence in my life.
My parents, sisters,brother-in-law, cousins, and aunts have all been such a great part of my life, and I am eternally grateful for the influence, love, and support throughout the years.
Treasure the people in your life. Do not take for granted their existance in your life. We know not, when they will no longer be there.
Ephesians 5:33 says- Nevertheless, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. How many (many!) times have I disrespected Steve with a look, action, word, or hurtful way? When we allow ourselves to forget this verse, we open ourselves up to temptation, and to the devil's evil schemes. We must put on the full amor of God daily- Ephesians 6:10-20, and remember that satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy our relationships. He wants nothing less, than to see us miserable, spouseless, friendless, and Godless. I love my husband, and never want him to ever question or doubt that.
Let's not forget my beautiful children. I have made many mistakes with Ben, Steven, Katie, and Emma. So many things I wish that I could take back, do differently, and re-do, but I can't. What I can do though, is learn from my mistakes, grow more in the Lord and His wisdom, and try to do things differently. Isaiah 54:13-All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace.
I have many awesome friends, and I don't want to ever take them for granted a single day of my life. I read this- a friend is one who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable. One who understands our silence, one who goes in, when the whole world has gone out. I hope my friends know just how much I love them and treasure their presence in my life.
My parents, sisters,brother-in-law, cousins, and aunts have all been such a great part of my life, and I am eternally grateful for the influence, love, and support throughout the years.
Treasure the people in your life. Do not take for granted their existance in your life. We know not, when they will no longer be there.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Life by the Spirit
As I was reading my bible this morning and thinking about it being a new year, and all I would like to see changed about myself this year God gave me this scripture and word. I want to share it with you.
Galations 5:16-26 says- So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:sexual immorality,impurity, and debauchery;idolatry,and witchcraft;hatred,discord,jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,dissensions,factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it's passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking,and envying each other.
Wow. I have some improvements to make in the new year. I have been jealous, ill tempered, and had selfish ambition at times. I have not always had the best self control with my tongue.
I know I'm not gonna be perfect, and I'm so glad that I have a Saviour who forgives my imperfectness, but I do want to strive to show more of God through my words,actions, and the way I live. I desire, and crave to show the fruits of the Spirit and grow ever closer to my Lord and Savior this year.
This is my wish for the new year ahead of me.
Galations 5:16-26 says- So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:sexual immorality,impurity, and debauchery;idolatry,and witchcraft;hatred,discord,jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,dissensions,factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it's passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking,and envying each other.
Wow. I have some improvements to make in the new year. I have been jealous, ill tempered, and had selfish ambition at times. I have not always had the best self control with my tongue.
I know I'm not gonna be perfect, and I'm so glad that I have a Saviour who forgives my imperfectness, but I do want to strive to show more of God through my words,actions, and the way I live. I desire, and crave to show the fruits of the Spirit and grow ever closer to my Lord and Savior this year.
This is my wish for the new year ahead of me.
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