Beauty For Ashes

I thought beauty was a good way to  finish this study. For those who don’t know Him or never have experienced an intimate relationship with the Lord, it is likely an unrealistic idea. Beauty is only natural, physical, skin deep. With Jesus, He is beauty and perfection personified. Like a diamond that is flawless, any way you turn He is there as you hold onto His promises, and since He was our sacrifice, I suppose He would be a blood diamond, while we are hopefully, in good ground, or diamonds in the rough that He will polish.

In the Bible, people in mourning went into sack cloths and ashes, they would wail, tear their clothes and pour ashes over their heads. We may just weep and wail and cry out on our knees, but it is still the same. Beauty can come from ashes, Atlanta was burned and rebuilt. One of our hotels burned in 1947, it was a horrific fire and killed many people but now it is the luxurious Ellis.  A woman jumped from the eleventh floor, winning a college student a Pulitzer Prize. It appears on the internet as a suicide but isn’t. Lots of things may appear differently than they are.

Women can be beautiful and cruel, and some are just beautiful, true beauty comes from within, no matter your looks, you can walk in beauty, His beauty. Inner beauty. Like the woman from the fire, we may have survived horrific events, perhaps not fires but we have been singed or scorched in other ways. Illness, abuse, lack of income or housing, chronic pain, something we have prayed for that has not arrived, the healing, He has the right time, and we must believe, even if we don’t feel His hand, it is there.

Believe me Jesus knows suffering, and He went to hell to redeem the keys of death, hell and the grave. He desired to give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the heaviness. My heart is and has been heavy for a long time but He has so comforted me with His peace, and I know He holds time in His hands and will make a way when it all looks impossible, I just have to release my faith, a like dove, the prayer soars to Him as a fragrant offering and goes before my Father, and He says, ” Give her beauty, give her peace, let her be perfect and entire wanting nothing, because of my beloved Son. ” We should desire His good judgements, never give in to letting His peace or rest be withdrawn by all the ugliness we encounter.

He wants us to be righteous, and stand on the banks of living waters, wearing our white robes, perfumed and crowned. Isaiah 61 is a beautiful passage and it is what Jesus read and fulfilled Himself. I will leave you with a link, and it is my prayer to be a crown of beauty in the hand of my Lord. And it is my prayer for you to remember that Jesus cares. Please read this beautiful chapter, it is a word for someone today.

And not just here as we close out January but all time, He doesn’t change, it is we who must receive, accept His love and He will give us beauty for ashes. Beauty for ashes Lord, we receive in your name.

Maya / Pixabay

https://biblehub.com/nlt/isaiah/61.htm

Time In A Bottle

Time in a bottle, yes. Because your tears are there.  You have taken notes of my journey caught each of my tears in your bottle, Psalm 56:8. Isn’t that great? He know s the times you have cried in pain, over a wayward child, over money matters. He saw the times your tears fell at being  ridiculed, humiliated or abused.

Another translation says wanderings, have you been wandering in your own wilderness. Let Him offer His rest. The children of Israel refused it. Jesus offers it. Don’t keep wandering away from Him, going around the same mountain, fighting the same battles. Those times and tears are in the bottle.

Perhaps, you can’t actually keep time in a bottle. You can paint a portrait, snap a picture, carve it in stone or write it down, put it in a book. We are in His book too, a book of remembrance was written before Him, Malachi 3:16, like a memory book and in the Lamb’s book of life as a believer.

People really did keep tears in a bottle, it was a mourning ritual from ancient times to Victorian. It really is a spiritual picture of the beauty of Christ. He loves us enough to record our times and keep our tears. If we can’t keep time in a bottle, He surely can. He lives in eternity.

He never wastes time, time is never lost and He restores it. He is the only one who can resurrect lost dreams or lives by His Spirit, He finds everything from lost sheep to coins. Even Peter got one out of a fish’s mouth.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

His thoughts toward us….. Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Psalm 139:18

You see, He remembers, thinks about us, how loving and caring and He will keep the tears and treasure them and one day He will come and wipe them all away.

He may even break all the tear bottles when we get to heaven, we won’t need them anymore, we may not have time in a bottle but we have eternity in Him, are your ready, just believe that love and be forgiven. He’s waiting to receive that last soul before His return, and we are closer than ever, He keeps track of time, don’t wait.

Chrissy Jarvis Unsplash

The Answer To A Prayer

As a believer, do you even realize that you are the answer to someone’s prayer? Well, you are. I am seriously considering writing about marriage for February, and I would imagine that most people just go out, are attracted physically, and today, they think nothing about or very little about God’s ideas.

God had intentions for marriage, and He honors a godly one, as a woman of faith, if you can wait for the right person, live purely for Him to walk in white, He has your match, and you are the answer to his prayers and the same is true of men, who aren’t out romancing every woman he sees, you can be the answer to her prayers.

God is very old fashioned, but He is God and He doesn’t make mistakes. And while marriage is a topic that may come up again, you can be the answer to someone’s prayers in other ways. Just to give an encouraging word, to say a pray for, to spend time with and do something for, run an errand, any little thing and sometimes a big one, if God lays that on your heart.

Perhaps, you gave some clothes to someone, who made good a impression at an interview, shared groceries from a co-op, donated to a church pantry or gave baby clothes to a new mother. Have you bought someone diapers, formula, took them out to dinner? You just never know what can be the answer to prayer.

Are you praying for something or for someone to help you? God has someone in mind, and in His heart. He knows just who to send and when, and how to get our needs met and even wants. He loves to give to His children, He wants to prosper us as our soul prospers. remember not to pray for Him to make anyone do something, the Spirit moves on a willing person, we all have a free will and God does not force love on anyone. And on the other side of that, let’s also know He provides but blesses the one who gives and receives, so don’t just depend on the kindness of others, be a giver, and a cheerful one.

The Lord is our Shepherd and He does not want us in lack, Psalm 23, says we will not want. The Lord knows every need and when He supplies according to His riches, it is something and it is right. He does bless and answer prayer, He knows how and when to answer, and His timing is perfect. Even if it is also spiritual, He knows how to stir faith.

You may not think you are doing anyone any good. I have seen someone who knew the Word, full of the Spirit told she could not participate in a ministry study, that was wrong, she was taking medication  for depression. But she is still faithful while others aren’t so much or never even entered ministry. And guess what? You got it, are either taking medication or have relatives who are. When you are weak, He is strong. I had a lady pray for me in tongues and she was in the hospital, so don’t be so quick to judge or count someone out, just because you don’t see every result of prayer. Or realize who is praying for you.

We minister everyday, and in many ways to people. So never count yourself out of studying the Word, receiving God’s best for you, don’t discount yourself. Pray for healing for others even if you need it. For women to conceive even if you had a miscarriage, there are so many things we don’t think about, and we can easily just think about our problems and forget that while we are going through trials we can still bless others.

He has blessing for us and for others that He can do a work in us and through us, and who knows? You just may be an answer to prayers. So pray for someone today and remember, to speak life and blessings over them.

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Dream God’s Dreams

Do you dream? Real dreams at night? Day dream? I was always awake at night reading or writing from way back, even when I should have been asleep, thankfully, God fills my nights with His dreams and writing, I guess He always has and will. But how do you dream?

I always thought that most people I would tell my dreams to thought I was just a pipe dreamer, and in honesty by that I mean, an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story, something impossible. Well, with God, it isn’t, with me or just me, it failed, without Him I can do nothing.

The  term pipe dream originally comes from seeing the people who smoked opium pipes and their so called dreams or visions, that is not of God. You don’t need to induce God given dreams or visions, the Holy Spirit gives those gifts, not drugs That is from the wicked one.

I have to admit seeing some people I thought were a little crazy in faith, and in some books I read, I wondered about, I have never taken drugs, even migraine medicine prescribed for me, I let go of, I have seen too much addiction, but we are to grow in grace and spiritual maturity. The Spirit gives gifts as He sees fit. A lot of ideas sound crazy at first, telephones, television, airplanes, space travel. Healing and deliverance, tongues, miracles, might go right in there with them.

But you know something, the paralyzed man was glad his friends were crazy enough to cut a hole in the roof and lower him to Jesus. If you stop and think about it the Bible is full of stories that sound like the people are a little crazy, but the woman with the issue of blood was healed, and what about the madman. They too, were glad to see Jesus.

A lot of people in the Bible had dreams and visions. In Samuel’s day there were no open visions, so he heard God call him. With the coming of the Holy Spirit that has changed and He uses dreams and visions, that is why I always tell people to know for themselves what the Bible says and to seek the wisdom and discernment of the Spirit and not be caught up infalse teaching, or occult practices. And no drugs, they are related to witchcraft.

While Abimelech was warned in a dream to leave Sarah alone, Jacob’s ladder, Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus, and Pilate’s wife,  the best known dreamer was Joseph, and while some thought he was sort of a show off or braggadocios, I never had that impression, he was pestered by older brothers, and they were jealous that he was so loved as Rachel’s child as was Benjamin. I could be wrong but I think he just told his dreams. And it got him in trouble, I had that happen too. Being quiet isn’t the answer, going to God is, He has bigger dreams than we do. Believe me, I know.

Don’t be afraid to dream or to let God dream for you, it isn’t impossible with Him even if it is for you. God’s thoughts are not yours and His ways either, so He wants you to get on board, get in His boat, even if you sink like Peter and He saves you, He can have you walking on water with Him, in a sense.

You don’t have to want a mansion, but why not a nice house, instead of renting. You might want to work for business and He might want you to to own it. Dreams, like people come in all shapes and sizes, whatever your dream is, it can come true with God’s blessing and favor as you obey Him and walk in His words, and keep them in your heart, and follow the love of Jesus.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. Proverbs 16:1

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

Deuteronomy 30:9 explains how wants to prosper us abundantly and and Jeremiah 29:7 easy tp pray for the peace of the city, so that we can live in peace and prosper, much like we are to pray for our pastors and leaders, and each other.

And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Numbers 12:6

I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it. Daniel 2:3 ( Daniel also interpreted dreams. )

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear ( reverence ) God. Ecclesiastes 5:7

So don’t be afraid to dream, but do it God’s way, and you don’t have to share with everyone and get thrown in a pit, just wait and they will see God move.

Ivanovgood / Pixabay

• I recommend  Joseph with Paul Mercurio and Ben Kingsley. It is worth watching four hours.
• And please remember to be careful with dream interpretation, ask the Holy Spirit for help, Joseph and Daniel interpreted dreams and some are more specific and individual, Joseph said, in Genesis, that it belonged to God.

A Rested Heart

What a wonderful post to add to our Jesus Cares January, a rested heart. Hopefully, this will have us all ready for February, as we near the end of our study. And I hope you have enjoyed  it. And I hope you do find His rested heart in you, I just never had that before. And now, I have learned to rest in Him.

Jesus went to heaven and sat down on His throne, after He finished His work on the cross, just like the Father rested after creation.  This rest isn’t just Sunday, it is everyday, our rest and worship of the Lord, is an ongoing and personal relationship, with the Father, through the sacrifice of the Son, and by the Spirit. That is the Sabbath rest He offered and withdrew from people who would not rest.

You know, it says would not, as opposed to could not. I have literally been where I could not. I could not rest even if I prayed, my heart was a lot more troubled and not rested. We know He told us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid, in John 14. And He left us His peace in 14:27, something that I also discovered He can withdraw, and it is in the Old Testament, when people refused to obey, that is not unlike Christians today, many are not walking in His perfect love, healing paths, enjoying His peace in a troubled world that aches for His  return.

Like most decisions in life, it is a choice, death or life in our words, blessings or curses, we have a free will and can choose God’s ways and thoughts or the enemy’s lies. Jesus came so we could have life and life more abundantly, the enemy to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10

Sometimes, our decisions are made out of fear and worry, instead of praying from victory, purchased on the cross. Why we must choose rest. Many situations can confound  us and overwhelm our minds and hearts to the point of our not being able to rest, to heal. Pain was one of my problems, and spiritual warfare, which I did not realize was so close or heavy at times, but the war is over with Jesus on the throne, and He has taught me to rest.

I hope these verses will settle in over your heart and give you rest. Remember, the people?

This is what the Lord says:
Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Jeremiah 6:16

He who said to them, “Here is rest, give rest to the weary,”
And, “Here is repose,” but they would not listen. Isaiah 28:12 

and

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1,2

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7

Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from Him. Psalm 62:1

Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. Psalm 132:14

The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. Habakkuk 2:20

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened ( heavy laden ) , and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

…..so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9,10,11

70 Comforting Bible Scriptures on Rest

and finally,

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body  ( flesh )rests in safety. Psalm 16:9

A heart at peace gives life to the body. Proverbs 14:30

No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts His praises! My body rests in hope. Acts 2:26

chantelletaylor1 / pixabay

Speaking Jesus’ Words

Women talk about offering words as well and now I am offering this post in Jesus Cares January, who couldn’t use a kind word? A word of encouragement as opposed to being gossiped about or joked about, even falsely accused. The body of Christ should be ringing with joy and laughter, even song but there is no place for these competitive and snide things people who say they are believers sometimes allow themselves to say. Myself, included.

I don’t like being drawn into arguments, I have had to learn to be firm but not fight about a problem I can’t fix anyway, only God changes hearts, but people have to receive. God never forces His Word or His love on us, and we all have a free will and can choose death or life everyday, by what we speak and think, even feel, what comes up and out our mouths. It takes discipline and love to be in control, let the Spirit rule our hearts. For all these words we speak come from the heart.

When we voice concern, is one concept and fear entirely different, doubts, Jesus can understand but they should not turn to unbelief or your heart can harden and become evil and Hebrews 3:12 is to believers.

You don’t have to agree with everyone or like the same kind of music. But you don’t have to give in to anger, or disappointment. That has happened to a lot of bloggers, thankfully, I get so many wonderful comments, I am very blessed, and thanks to my Pinterest friends who are reading.  I do try to speak the truth in love, I know I am not perfect but I know the one who is. We all say or do something wrong everyday but we are under grace and as long as He knows our hearts are repentant, being a willing sinner is entirely different. We have an advocate and forgiveness. He is our once and for all offering. And we need to speak His words over our lives.

I have been criticized for being charismatic, I don’t think or myself as that though I watch why I say. Everything does not come to pass because you say it or believe it or even because God promised it, people have to receive, and sometimes, they don’t.  I do believe Mark 11:23 and Romans 4:17, and line the prayers as such, but faith can take time and people still have free wills, calling them good won’t automatically make them so. Faith is powerful and so is hope, but nothing works without love.

A lot of those old devils are just that, someone  has been listening to him, believed a lie or been deceived and stay that way, deceiving themselves. Why? The devil isn’t God, He is in control not the old troublemaker and liar. These are all old learned patterns and behavior, which is why I think it is good for people to be saved and baptized in the Spirit at the same time.

Jesus wants us to be fishers of men, women and children. But believe me some of them and really the devil, will bait the hook and wait for you to take it. I have found myself in similar situations but I cannot allow it to overtake me, and Jesus won’t either.  I’m not falling for his lies, accusations or his bait, snares or traps. People will dig a pit and fall in, the rock they roll up the hill will crush them. Proverbs is full of truth and offers words of wisdom.

And those words must be sincere, and from the heart. Jesus said the words from out mouths come from the heart and that we will give an account of them, don’t let that scare you. He is not going to broadcast every expletive or argument.

Let’s speak the words of Christ and what the Bible affirms that we are in Christ over us. I won’t tell you not to se a doctor, take medicine or anything but speak healing as well. Pray over your mind and heart, plead His blood. John is full of His words and He prayed for the disciples to be loved as much as He was by the Father.

I would ask that our visual today be to leave someone a kind word, whether on the phone or FB, and that could be a good idea to help us grow in grace and allow the Spirit to teach us, bring us to maturity and fruition. Let’s look at a few words fitly spoken., God’s and His instructions.

And watch the sense of humor, fun is fun and we can all take a joke but not to the extremes or continuing tor hurt someone’s feelings, exploit or harm them or their reputation. May we be offering words of peace and comfort this year and be joyful in Lord and encourage one another.

And the LORD answered the angel who talked with me with good words and comfortable words. Zechariah 1:13

Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:5

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. Matthew 12:36

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:37

And there are many others to study. Read John and 1st John.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.  John 14:15

This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12

Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 14:16

Rebecca Jones  pexels

A Vessel Of Honor

Therefore if anyone shall have cleansed himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, having been sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

https://biblehub.com/esv/2_timothy/2.htm

This is an interesting chapter and we want to be women of honor, chosen vessels for the Lord, I left the link to the chapter so you can read for yourself the entire word and really get the message but I will sum it up, and it can be a study for later. Good for women’s groups too, as we are winding down the days in Jesus Cares January.

In a fine house, a mansion with servants, there are vessels, china, glasses and vases, even silverware, decanters, tea sets, and there are some that are in use everyday, and some that are set aside for special occasions. At my own house, I can use nice plates, or paper ones.

I always had nice dishes for the holidays, and set the table just so. I dreamed of a house with a huge kitchen, breakfast nook, and formal dining room, and a table for perhaps, eight to twelve people. I have some pieces of a pattern called Old Country Roses, I was working for a whole set. It is nice, but perhaps more even for everyday or Sunday dinner, chosen vessels nonetheless, I chose them. But are they special enough for the Master’s table?

Yes, I think maybe so. Jesus would be pleased to sit at my table, at the head of it. I always liked the thought of candlelight dinners, I don’t really have them, but I would. It is nice at the restaurants. Fresh roses and wonderful centerpieces, water glasses and napkins, place settings with names, that would be a fine dinner. I always thought the buffet was a good idea, allowing guest to serve themselves, even at home with a dozen guests, I can’t imagine servants. I guess because I was always serving, I  taught Bible Study, and hosted lunch. Served dinners and held birthday parties, not so much lately, but I was still being a vessel of honor.

In truth, I did too much for some, not enough for others, not that I took them for granted, I just got tired or serving. Writing this blog has allowed me to be a chosen vessel in another way, reaching more women than ever and giving them the benefit of my mistakes and helping them grow in grace, to learn His rest, and how much they are loved, and to be that chosen vessel, cleansed of all the things that would hold you back in house of the Lord.

There is no room for strife and envy, jealous or fear, worry, doubt and unbelief. John 15: 13 is interesting, I thought I chose Jesus but He chose me, from the foundation of the world when He decided to come to die to save us, He was thinking of me on the cross, and all the time. Do we even understand that kind of love?

I pray that by the power and peace, the presence that we are cleansed, holy, set aside, whether we are servants or masters, or should I say employer, employee. Parent or child. Minister or parishioner. Prayer warrior or in need of prayer. If you are a spoon or spatula, dishing out God’s Word, or if you are a golden carafe, an ornate silver platter of redemption, you are a chosen vessel, a vessel of honor.

There are many rooms or mansions as it translates in God’s house, and no room for all the garbage that tries to flow over us, we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and even broken vessels were repaired in Old Testament times by a mixture, that included lamb’s blood. Living in the desert was not like going to Macy’s. If your pot was cracked, it had to be fixed, it was not always an easy trip to the potter.

But it is now, we are in the potter’s hands, the Master’s hands, and He can make us whole, and set us aside or toss us out, which is what He will do with those who are unbelieving and not on the straight path to heaven, and even those not receiving His words and promises, He may not be able to mend though He is well able to, we still have to choose.

I think I am in need of some repairs, I want to remain a vessel of honor. The Spirit pours over us so we can pour into others, to be fill we have to do as He says as Mary told the servant at the wedding of Cana, thankfully, He prays for us, Romans 8:26.

Nathaniel Jordan Jr. / Freely Photos

Freely has Christian pictures, if you need any for your blog.

Adorned By The King

Haven’t we all read the verse about adornments, here it is from the NIV, New International Version.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 1 Peter 3:3

I can tell you there is nothing more beautiful than Christ. Nothing is more beautiful than His love.  More pleasant than His peace. And no perfume sweeter than His sacrifice. No matter how glamourous, and I like the classic looks, beauty, make up, clothes don’t compare.

Nothing the cruelty and brutality put upon Him marred the beauty of His sacrifice, though He no longer resembled a man, He may have had no beauty or honor on the cross, but He surely does being the risen Lord.

When I was a girl of seventeen and started wearing makeup, I got ridiculed, but that never stopped me,  I was good at makeup, but there were people who did not believe in wearing it. or nothing but powder. Not pants or shorts. I supposed one of the worst things I ever read was about a minister being at a hospital to pray with someone to be saved, the nurse burst into tears saying she could never be saved because she had cut her hair. Thankfully, he told her the truth and she was. Some things are sad, what people will believe, I want us to believe in love, His love.

Samson’s power was not in His hair. Mary must have cut Jesus’ hair, imagine thirty years of it. Braiding, coloring and some of the styles we see would be a mortal sin to some. While a woman’s hair can be her glory, it does not have to be overdone or elaborate. I know so many women who wear wigs, I kidded about not recognizing them. And really, that glory, long or short, braided or not is determined by her walk with God, and if she is married, the threefold cord, that includes Christ. Angels will be over her.

Angels are over a woman, in submission to a godly husband, and that just means, being together or in agreement. Did you know Job’s daughters were named for beauty, the dove, Jemimah, pronounced Ya- mem mah. Kezia, like it sounds, perfume or spice, cassia, and Keren Huppach, translates to a a sort of eyeliner, the box that contains it. Job 42:15 says in all the land no women were as beautiful as Job’s daughters and they inherited equally with their brothers, this is after his ordeal, it is nice to hear about restoration.

While in the Old Testament piercings were out, some women of other religions wore them, there were earrings. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Rebekah had a nose ring but I don’t care for that sort of stuff. And personally, I just don’t like tattoos, if you have to have one, maybe a little one. It is enough that Jesus was pierced,.

And I like to change clothes and colors, tattoos don’t come off, while it would have been a sin before, we are under grace. I suppose I don’t like the fact that slaves were tattooed or their head shaved. And think it was just in the olden days? No, it happened in WW2. Gold and silver equated wealth, and purple was expensive and Lydia made royal robes.

I want to assure you, that He looks at the heart, though we should want to be modest and represent Him in we can look good, clothes don’t make the man or woman, the heart does. And with Jesus in it you can put off the rags of unrighteousness and receive His righteousness at salvation and walk in it. Legalism and judgement have no place in faith and grace.

We all have our preferences and differences. And while we all take notice of appearances they can deceive. A well dressed woman I saw on a show was a hoarder, you could not get in her house. One who read her Bible diligently, had a man killed. You see what I mean, God knows hearts.

What you put on or the act never fools Him. So enjoy your nice clothes and shoes, jewelry.  I like boots, myself, but don’t let fashion rule your heart, let His peace do that. walk worthy or Him so you can walk in white before Him.

…do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Proverbs 3:22

And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 1 Timothy 2:9

We don’t have to draw attention to ourselves, I have seen women, just everyday ones do crazy things and think they looked good. Let’s lift up the Lord as He shines on us and through us, He will draw the people to Him.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what if we could behold the beauty of Jesus in each other?  First we need to behold Him in His beauty, and in His majesty and glory. We will see Him one day soon.

How are you adorned? I hope wearing a robe of righteousness, to walk in white before Him, Hold close His words, as a rich ruby necklace close to your heart. I hope you are clothed in royal purple, a garment of praise, and I hope you enjoy the fragrance of His love. I hope  you are adorned by the King.

Adina Voicu / Pixabay

Taking Thoughts

What did Jesus mean when He said to take no thought, for your life, of what you will eat or drink or even wear, in Matthew 6:25? He meant not to worry but the mere phrase not to take a thought has a deeper meaning. We don’t always have to say what we think, that that is an ugly outfit, for instance. I said it at the mall, looking on a rack and a woman replied, ” I thought it was pretty. ”

I was just giving an opinion she didn’t share and it was nothing, but is an example of how you don’t have to say everything that pops into your head. Once, while shopping, my  mother told a woman I had the mind of a five, meaning size, but after I walked off the woman had a look and I told her, ” She thought you meant mentally. ” Maybe she did, maybe not, it did not come out right. We have all had slips of the tongue, flubs, every faux pas is not going to hurt us, but many thoughts can and will. And sometimes it the devils you don’t see or recognize, it can be easy enough to spot jealous , lies are sometimes harder, but what about the thoughts that creep in, are negative, condemning, critical, is it just you or the enemy sneaking into your thoughts again?

Nobody loves me. – Jesus died for you, isn’t that love enough?

Nobody cares. – Jesus said to cast your cares on Him, He cares.

You just don’t understand. – Jesus went through everything we did and more without sin, it is we who don’t understand.

I’m just too… fill in the blank, fat, skinny, dumb, inept, old or young, not capable?

Isaiah 53 begins with whose report are you going to believe? God even asked Adam and Eve, who told them they were naked, they didn’t know what that was having been covered in glory? The spies saw themselves as grasshoppers, but not the two who made it to the Promised Land.

Somebody told you that you are whatever it is, not good enough, smart enough. I know people who have been called worthless, and so much worse, I will not repeat it. It plays like a broken record in your mind and heart, but it does not have to. We are to think good things, especially as a believer in Christ.

You don’t have to accept anyone’s label or opinion of you as a woman of faith, even God’s, He gives you a choice to believe Him or not. I can promise you worry is a waste of time and effort and fear takes a toll on mind and body, it is much better not to take the thoughts. And don’t ay them.

That is a good way to start the year right, no resolutions, just read who you are in Christ in your Bible. Underline it. You don’t have to believe people’s opinions of you when God has a good one of His beloved child. You don’t have to back  answer, argue or explain, just believe.

Your mind is a part of your soul and as a believer, it can often be at war with the the enemy of our soul, look at what Jesus said, and who is telling you lies.

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires, he was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

In verse 45, He says that is why they don’t believe Him and He is speaking to religious people, they may be forgiven by sacrifices but do not know Him as we do. The same is no less true today. People are at all levels of faith, and some are still immature, so imagine the unsaved. Some of them can be nicer to you, truthfully.

God speaks to us through His Word, through other believers, and the Spirit is our teacher, He speaks what He hears  God say, but we have to learn to discern our thoughts and God knows every intention of the heart, nothing prospers without His love. Now, when I started watching what I said and thought, it went well for a while and then from the parable of the sower, ” satan comes immediately for the word sown in our heart. ” Mark 4:14, When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. Why we have to be good ground, rooted deeply into the righteousness of God and planted by living and still waters. Matthew 13:17

And the old devil is not omnipotent, though he runs things by you, they are the same old thoughts, disappointments, failures or accusations. It is better to brag on Jesus and He will cancel the devil’s plans. Here are a few other verses and I pray we are delivered from all these enemy lies. You may be thinking there is no way, but Jesus is the way, and I am not giving a trite answer, I know all too well what depression, grief and even oppression are like. I just found it better to magnify the Lord, and minimize the problem.

May all my thoughts be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD. Psalm 104:34

The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him. Proverbs 15:26

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways. Isaiah 55:8

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phillipians 4:8

Psalm 139 is a beautiful passage about His love and thoughts toward us and then so is Jeremiah 29:11, His thoughts are of peace to us and not to harm us.  God speaks peace to us and over us like in the Aaronic blessing, found in Numbers. Our thoughts become words so we must choose what we think and say, Jesus said it would come out of our hearts and mouths, so I hope this is helpful and I will attach Affirmations of Faith, we will be judged by our thoughts and words, so what thoughts are we tossing out and which ones do we take? God’s thoughts are the mind of Christ and they are precious.

Words Of Life

When some of Jesus’ followers left Him you know, some after He taught about Communion. He had already fed them, had to withdraw to keep from being taken by force, walked on water and now, those who don’t like the idea of or understand Communion left Him.

After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:66-69

Peter who had also wanted Him to be king at one time realized that Jesus was the only one go to for answers. Did you know that He had to ” withdraw ” or just disappear somehow through crowds on several occasions, what has been called a cloak, a sort of invisible shield of protection at time, in the Spirit. He was a person and people wanted to crown Him and make Him ruler or do away with Him to prevent the fall of their rule, even the religious plotted against Him and accused Him falsely. But it was God’s plan for Him to be crucified to redeem those who would believe.

So, it is wisdom, to turn to Jesus for the words of life and here are a few.

the words — They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. Proverbs 4:22 Good News

What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. Proverbs 18:21 ( the death and life verse )

The Spirit is The Life Giver; the body does not benefit anything. The words that I speak with you are spirit and life. John 6:63 God’s Word Translation

An angel in Acts uses the phrase ” new life, after letting Peter out of prison. Paul also uses it.

The words of Jesus are in red in many Bible, He spoke in parables which have to be studied, the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer are good studies and John, also 1 John, is full of His love.

In the beginning was the Word, ( Jesus ) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 1 John 2:23 ( and really a measure of the Spirit )

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:16,17

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. John 15:26

I encourage people to read different translations, study for themselves and I use Bible Hub, some people want to start with Revelation but I suggest John and get to know Jesus first, and as we have a entered a New Year, a lot of people will be reading the Bible through. You know, I have been a believer for some forty eight years, I was saved at eleven and I am still sure I have not read every word of it, by the time you get to Leviticus or Numbers, but read it and you will better understand the sacrifice of Christ.

But more importantly than reading it or just hearing it, is obedience, as Mary said to the servant, ” Do what He tells you. “