February baby! This marks one month!
So there is this new proposed legislation from Obama that would require any institution to provide birth control of any form to those who want it. The Catholic Church is going insane.
I thought that you could get free condoms and birth control from the local community health center? That was my understanding whenever I took health class back in the day and when I took my Social Welfare class last semester.
I'm honestly not sure what to think about that proposed legislation. I mean, it would be good for people who literally cannot afford to have children at all to have access, but if you are having sex, you should be married anyways. And God will provide. I understand how birth control can be good--mild menstrual cycles, lesser effects of the symptoms, a regulated cycle. Those things are all great! But, most people on this planet don't use it for those reasons, they use it so they can have pre-marital sex with no baby.
You know, I would just prefer the government stay out of our business--especially with controversial affairs such as this. This is definitely going to the Supreme Court I can tell you that much.
It's interesting how this tied into my reading for today. The passage from Matthew is really all about the religious leaders, who essentially ruled the entire nation. They would make decisions for people, and they dictated what was "righteous." In every single passage from Matthew that I have read, literally, Jesus says, "Have you not read the scriptures?" Every. Single. One.
The religious leaders were supposed to be following the law of God, but they cared more about their power and authority over the state than anything. Sound like a parallel?
I have noticed that every single passage that talks of a leader who DID NOT follow the ways of God led their nation to destruction. Hello, Pharaoh! Any nation that does not submit to the authority of God is major issues, problems, and unhappiness and suffering! Also, debt and lack of food.
Hmm... Well, what do you know.
This is my opinion-- Our leaders do NOT have the authority to dictate our religious decisions. We have the freedom of religion guaranteed to us in the constitution, which is why the birth control issue is going to the Supreme Court, most likely. It's a constitution issue. Well, the Bible is God's constitution with us, yet why don't our leaders take guidance and heed from it?
Our nation is turning into shambles because of the lack of God in our leaders lives. I don't care if they get their picture taken outside of the church. Just because they go to church doesn't mean they listen to God when it comes to guiding our country.
God has WARNED us explicitly in the Bible what happens when our religious leaders fail to consult him and his Word! Yet, we, as human beings, keep failing. But we are blatantly disregarding his law. And at that point, we become even more like the despised religious leaders in the Bible.
"Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins."
Matthew 21:31-32
Politics is a tricky issue, but if we truly try to abide by God's laws and consult his Word and prayer for the well-being of our country, then think how much better off we would be.
God bless,
Lauren
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Day 31
I am becoming more and more like my mom everyday. I truly am. She listens to the TV in the mornings while she gets ready, and so do I (although he watches the View and I watch Fox and Friends). We both put on our makeup before we blow dry our hair. We both like to have time to drink coffee in the mornings and read (her the newspaper and me my Bible). We have incredible similar facial features. We have similar body types. We both like half/half and splenda in our coffee (although mine is a dairy-free creamer because my lactose intolerance). We are so much alike.
You know, my mom is an amazing woman. She truly is (although we haven't talked much recently because she is keeping busy with work!). And I am so glad that she was the one who raised me, along with my daddy. If I am half of the woman she is when I "grow up," then I will be totally okay with that. She is so funny, smart, and cares so much about everyone. She is an amazing help-meet to my dad, an awesome cook, and she set aside everything she wanted to do to raise us and be our chauffeur.
My dad is such an amazing man. He is truly our spiritual leader of the home. He is so so so smart, he is funny (in an engineering way, which unfortunately I got his humor), he is so caring. He truly is a man that everyone goes to, they depend on my dad, they admire my dad, and I am so proud of him. Whenever I get the opportunity, I talk about my dad, and my mom as well, but I make sure to let people know how wonderful my father is.
My dad is a perfect (well, nearly) example of what I want in a spouse. My dad, even though he works all day, still does the laundry for my mom. Yeah, he may not do his dishes, but he makes sure to get off work and makes every event that we have ever had, almost. He could've been obsessed with his work, gotten promoted so many times, and be in the hot seat, but you know what? It's his family that's his dream, and his job comes second. He takes care of his girls. He prays for us, prays with us, and gives us spiritual guidance and reassurance.
My mom is an amazing example of how to be a mother, a wife, and an active member in church ministry. Now she is an amazing example of how to balance work with home. She is so so talented, but she makes choices to choose her family over her job.
I was raised with fantastic examples of a Christ-centered home. I was a little brat back in the day, yet they dealt with me with patience and with so much love. I am the straying lamb, and Jesus has used my parents to constantly bring me back. The Lord has given my parents such strength in the hard times, and the enemy is constantly being defeated in our home through my parents' example.
I say all this because not only am I very blessed to have the home I did, but I wonder what it's like for those who don't ever hear about Jesus. I feel for them because they don't have a Daddy God who they can turn to, to pray to, to laugh with, to thank... I feel awful that they never got to walk down the aisles at church with their palms on Palm Sunday and hear the amazing story of Jesus. What do they think Easter is all about? Are their lives void? What does Christmas mean to them?
I was put in the home I was for a purpose... I was put there to have a Biblical example of a marriage, and of parenthood for my own life. My parents have raised me to be a minister to God's Word...
I am so blessed to have grown up like I did. I am thankful to God and I need to give my thanks about that area more in my life.
God Bless,
Lauren
You know, my mom is an amazing woman. She truly is (although we haven't talked much recently because she is keeping busy with work!). And I am so glad that she was the one who raised me, along with my daddy. If I am half of the woman she is when I "grow up," then I will be totally okay with that. She is so funny, smart, and cares so much about everyone. She is an amazing help-meet to my dad, an awesome cook, and she set aside everything she wanted to do to raise us and be our chauffeur.
My dad is such an amazing man. He is truly our spiritual leader of the home. He is so so so smart, he is funny (in an engineering way, which unfortunately I got his humor), he is so caring. He truly is a man that everyone goes to, they depend on my dad, they admire my dad, and I am so proud of him. Whenever I get the opportunity, I talk about my dad, and my mom as well, but I make sure to let people know how wonderful my father is.
My dad is a perfect (well, nearly) example of what I want in a spouse. My dad, even though he works all day, still does the laundry for my mom. Yeah, he may not do his dishes, but he makes sure to get off work and makes every event that we have ever had, almost. He could've been obsessed with his work, gotten promoted so many times, and be in the hot seat, but you know what? It's his family that's his dream, and his job comes second. He takes care of his girls. He prays for us, prays with us, and gives us spiritual guidance and reassurance.
My mom is an amazing example of how to be a mother, a wife, and an active member in church ministry. Now she is an amazing example of how to balance work with home. She is so so talented, but she makes choices to choose her family over her job.
I was raised with fantastic examples of a Christ-centered home. I was a little brat back in the day, yet they dealt with me with patience and with so much love. I am the straying lamb, and Jesus has used my parents to constantly bring me back. The Lord has given my parents such strength in the hard times, and the enemy is constantly being defeated in our home through my parents' example.
I say all this because not only am I very blessed to have the home I did, but I wonder what it's like for those who don't ever hear about Jesus. I feel for them because they don't have a Daddy God who they can turn to, to pray to, to laugh with, to thank... I feel awful that they never got to walk down the aisles at church with their palms on Palm Sunday and hear the amazing story of Jesus. What do they think Easter is all about? Are their lives void? What does Christmas mean to them?
I was put in the home I was for a purpose... I was put there to have a Biblical example of a marriage, and of parenthood for my own life. My parents have raised me to be a minister to God's Word...
I am so blessed to have grown up like I did. I am thankful to God and I need to give my thanks about that area more in my life.
God Bless,
Lauren
Monday, January 30, 2012
Day 30
January is just a very long month. It seems that I have been at school forever already, but I've only been here for 18 days, minus the 3 days in Hot Springs, so 15 days. I feel like my schedule is full, my routine is in place, and my homework is just as daunting as ever.
Psalm 25
"1 O LORD, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O LORD.
8 The LORD is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
10 The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
11 For the honor of your name, O LORD,
forgive my many, many sins.
12 Who are those who fear the LORD?
He will show them the path they should choose.
13 They will live in prosperity,
and their children will inherit the land.
14 The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
15 My eyes are always on the LORD,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies."
I really trust that God will take care of my life. There are some things that he is orchestrating right now that I want to be impatient about. I want to act on my own accord and take things into my own hands. I want what I want and I want it now... But God doesn't work that way. You either trust him, or you don't. Those who trust him won't be disgraced, those who trust him will get to the RIGHT path at the RIGHT time. Isn't that what is most important? I am purposing to live for what God wants me to do TODAY rather than focus on the desires of my heart. Those will come in time. Those will come when I'm ready, and everyone involved is ready.
See that's what we don't get. When we take matters into our own hands, we will be defeated. Things will not turn out in God's perfect design because they aren't. They are the designs of the enemy--they are a victory for the devil. I mean, "The Lord is good and does what is right." But we must have him "forgive [our] many, many sins." We are all sinners. That means, whatever WE decide to do, is going to be centered around sin. Whatever we take into our own hands is straying off God's perfect path.
I promise you, I have made enough mistakes in my life that I don't want anything less than God's perfect plan, because I know what a disaster my own plans turn out to be. I don't want anyone else to rule my life because I know how wonderful God's love is and the amazing plans that he has laid for me.
Again, IT'S IN THE GOSPEL!! ""For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.""
God knows what's up. I mean, he told Moses exactly how many times Pharaoh would refuse before the Israelites could leave. God is omnipotent! Of course he knows!
As for me, I don't want to stray from this path. I mean, I will, and I do everyday. But I don't want my life to turn 180 again. I don't want to go back to the place I was--living for myself and making my own decisions. I have gotten so much gratification from being patient and from waiting on the Lord. I know that God has a perfect an amazing plan better than anything I could ever imagine. And I'm praying everyday.
That's all we can do right?
I'm going to close with the lyrics from the song by John Waller. This song appears in the movie Fireproof and is just a real testament to what my life is doing right now.
God bless,
Lauren
Psalm 25
"1 O LORD, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O LORD.
8 The LORD is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
10 The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
11 For the honor of your name, O LORD,
forgive my many, many sins.
12 Who are those who fear the LORD?
He will show them the path they should choose.
13 They will live in prosperity,
and their children will inherit the land.
14 The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
15 My eyes are always on the LORD,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies."
I really trust that God will take care of my life. There are some things that he is orchestrating right now that I want to be impatient about. I want to act on my own accord and take things into my own hands. I want what I want and I want it now... But God doesn't work that way. You either trust him, or you don't. Those who trust him won't be disgraced, those who trust him will get to the RIGHT path at the RIGHT time. Isn't that what is most important? I am purposing to live for what God wants me to do TODAY rather than focus on the desires of my heart. Those will come in time. Those will come when I'm ready, and everyone involved is ready.
See that's what we don't get. When we take matters into our own hands, we will be defeated. Things will not turn out in God's perfect design because they aren't. They are the designs of the enemy--they are a victory for the devil. I mean, "The Lord is good and does what is right." But we must have him "forgive [our] many, many sins." We are all sinners. That means, whatever WE decide to do, is going to be centered around sin. Whatever we take into our own hands is straying off God's perfect path.
I promise you, I have made enough mistakes in my life that I don't want anything less than God's perfect plan, because I know what a disaster my own plans turn out to be. I don't want anyone else to rule my life because I know how wonderful God's love is and the amazing plans that he has laid for me.
Again, IT'S IN THE GOSPEL!! ""For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.""
God knows what's up. I mean, he told Moses exactly how many times Pharaoh would refuse before the Israelites could leave. God is omnipotent! Of course he knows!
As for me, I don't want to stray from this path. I mean, I will, and I do everyday. But I don't want my life to turn 180 again. I don't want to go back to the place I was--living for myself and making my own decisions. I have gotten so much gratification from being patient and from waiting on the Lord. I know that God has a perfect an amazing plan better than anything I could ever imagine. And I'm praying everyday.
That's all we can do right?
I'm going to close with the lyrics from the song by John Waller. This song appears in the movie Fireproof and is just a real testament to what my life is doing right now.
"I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am hopeful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait
And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait
I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am peaceful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it's not easy no, but faithfully I will wait
Yes, I will wait
And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait
I will move ahead bold and confident
I'll be taking every step in obedience, yeah
While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
And I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You Lord
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting"
And I am hopeful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait
And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait
I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am peaceful, I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it's not easy no, but faithfully I will wait
Yes, I will wait
And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race even while I wait
I will move ahead bold and confident
I'll be taking every step in obedience, yeah
While I'm waiting I will serve You
While I'm waiting I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
And I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You Lord
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting"
God bless,
Lauren
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Day 29
Well short post because it's Sunday. You know, this weekend has been amazing. Yeah, I didn't get all the homework done I needed to so far (I've been trying to do all my hw between Friday and Saturday so I have Sunday for the Lord), but that's alright. I had a great time with my roommates, had amazing fellowship with friends, and now I get to go and worship my God!
I feel bad for the Israelites who were denied that by Pharaoh. I mean, seriously dude?! You have had 6 plagues and your heart is still hard?? Your people are miserable because of the hail that destroyed animals, crops, and landscape. They are disgusting because of boils. Their water was turned to blood. Frogs invaded everywhere and then created a horrible stench. Flies and gnats were looming. Seriously, Pharaoh?!
But you know what, this just resembles us. In all honesty. We see how hard Pharaoh's heart is against letting the Israelites be close with God, but aren't all of our hearts hard?
We make excuses, we continue to sin, we continue to deny that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, we continue to deny God, we continue to live in sin everyday. Whenever there was a plague, Pharaoh would tell Moses, "I know that your God is the most powerful, please make this stop and I'll let your people go and worship."
We say: "God I know that you are Lord and Savior. I know that you sent your son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Please just let these hard times pass and I promise I'll make you the center of my life. I promise I'll tithe, I promise I'll get involved with church, I promise I won't ever talk bad about my co-workers again... Please just make this stop!"
God is faithful and God is loving, so he does. And what do we do? Forget our covenant. We forget our promises and commitments. Just like Pharaoh.
We can look at Pharaoh and judge him and despise him because of how he treated the Israelites, but Pharaoh is a reflection of ourselves. It's not the Israelites we are enslaving, it's our souls. We won't let our souls go and worship God, we won't make the sacrifices for God, rather, we let our flesh get in the way and harden ourselves.
Just thoughts to ponder on.
God Bless,
Lauren
I feel bad for the Israelites who were denied that by Pharaoh. I mean, seriously dude?! You have had 6 plagues and your heart is still hard?? Your people are miserable because of the hail that destroyed animals, crops, and landscape. They are disgusting because of boils. Their water was turned to blood. Frogs invaded everywhere and then created a horrible stench. Flies and gnats were looming. Seriously, Pharaoh?!
But you know what, this just resembles us. In all honesty. We see how hard Pharaoh's heart is against letting the Israelites be close with God, but aren't all of our hearts hard?
We make excuses, we continue to sin, we continue to deny that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, we continue to deny God, we continue to live in sin everyday. Whenever there was a plague, Pharaoh would tell Moses, "I know that your God is the most powerful, please make this stop and I'll let your people go and worship."
We say: "God I know that you are Lord and Savior. I know that you sent your son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Please just let these hard times pass and I promise I'll make you the center of my life. I promise I'll tithe, I promise I'll get involved with church, I promise I won't ever talk bad about my co-workers again... Please just make this stop!"
God is faithful and God is loving, so he does. And what do we do? Forget our covenant. We forget our promises and commitments. Just like Pharaoh.
We can look at Pharaoh and judge him and despise him because of how he treated the Israelites, but Pharaoh is a reflection of ourselves. It's not the Israelites we are enslaving, it's our souls. We won't let our souls go and worship God, we won't make the sacrifices for God, rather, we let our flesh get in the way and harden ourselves.
Just thoughts to ponder on.
God Bless,
Lauren
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Day 28
It has been 4 weeks. Almost a month! Wow! I am feeling so great. Last night, whenever I was deciding what time I needed to get up, I really almost considering not getting up before I gave a campus tour at 10 and just reading my Bible afterwards. But, I know how great I feel when I get the Word into my system before I start my day, so I did it! I got up earlier, got ready, and now I'm doing my routine of drinking coffee and studying God's word!
So, Psalm 23--probably one of the most famous psalms in the history of the Bible, but as I read the NLT today, I realized how much more I like the KJV better.
"1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
I did UIL One Act Play my sophomore year of high school, and we went to state! Our first year! It was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I played about six different characters, and one of the characters said this exact Psalm at the end of the play, during the most climactic and dramatic part. I will never forget that because it's truly the first Bible verse I ever memorized. And it's dear to my heart because whenever I had gone through rough times after that, I would literally just say that psalm over and over because it was the only Bible verse I had memorized verbatim. Yes, I know how to summarize other verses, and knew that there was this one verse that said something like this, but I knew this one. And the Lord's prayer of course :)
So I like the KJV because it think that it gets the point across. There are many verses that are difficult to understand and apply because of the language and the diction, that's why versions such as the NLT and NIV are so great. These translations take the meaning of KJV and translate it to modern-day, understandable text. But this verse, these words, this meaning, comes across better in the language of old.
Everyday, we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death-" life. All around us our world is dying. All around us people's souls are fighting for life, but the light never seems to penetrate the darkness. All the time, the enemy draws nearer and God is trying to fight for us. God is trying to let his rod and staff give us joy and peace. He is trying to anoint our heads with oil and let us drink from his cup of everlasting life. But there is one catch, we have the make him our shepherd that is with us always.
Yesterday's and today's Matthew reading coincide with that point. The Lord is literally a shepherd that tends to his flock. He gives us water to drink, food to eat, care, love, affection, and most of all guidance.
Have you ever seen the movie Babe? It's basically a story about a "sheep pig" who rounds up sheep for a competition and avoids being bacon (among other things, it's a really great movie!). But one of the parts I remember most, it really just popped into my head, was when sheep were being taken by thieves who wanted to have their wool for themselves. They had their own sheepdogs that would take these sheep in the night and attack them, leaving them nearly dead and their wool gone.
The enemy is trying to steal our "wool" per se. He sends his own army in to attack us, to leave our souls nearly dead. But God will go and get that one lost sheep and leave the 99 who weren't attacked, who didn't stray, who didn't let themselves get tempted. God will risk everything to save one. That's why it's so important for us to recognize the enemy's sheep dog versus our master's. Because when we avoid our wool being taken, we can truly be lead "in the paths of righteousness for his name sake."
God Bless,
Lauren
So, Psalm 23--probably one of the most famous psalms in the history of the Bible, but as I read the NLT today, I realized how much more I like the KJV better.
"1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
I did UIL One Act Play my sophomore year of high school, and we went to state! Our first year! It was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I played about six different characters, and one of the characters said this exact Psalm at the end of the play, during the most climactic and dramatic part. I will never forget that because it's truly the first Bible verse I ever memorized. And it's dear to my heart because whenever I had gone through rough times after that, I would literally just say that psalm over and over because it was the only Bible verse I had memorized verbatim. Yes, I know how to summarize other verses, and knew that there was this one verse that said something like this, but I knew this one. And the Lord's prayer of course :)
So I like the KJV because it think that it gets the point across. There are many verses that are difficult to understand and apply because of the language and the diction, that's why versions such as the NLT and NIV are so great. These translations take the meaning of KJV and translate it to modern-day, understandable text. But this verse, these words, this meaning, comes across better in the language of old.
Everyday, we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death-" life. All around us our world is dying. All around us people's souls are fighting for life, but the light never seems to penetrate the darkness. All the time, the enemy draws nearer and God is trying to fight for us. God is trying to let his rod and staff give us joy and peace. He is trying to anoint our heads with oil and let us drink from his cup of everlasting life. But there is one catch, we have the make him our shepherd that is with us always.
Yesterday's and today's Matthew reading coincide with that point. The Lord is literally a shepherd that tends to his flock. He gives us water to drink, food to eat, care, love, affection, and most of all guidance.
Have you ever seen the movie Babe? It's basically a story about a "sheep pig" who rounds up sheep for a competition and avoids being bacon (among other things, it's a really great movie!). But one of the parts I remember most, it really just popped into my head, was when sheep were being taken by thieves who wanted to have their wool for themselves. They had their own sheepdogs that would take these sheep in the night and attack them, leaving them nearly dead and their wool gone.
The enemy is trying to steal our "wool" per se. He sends his own army in to attack us, to leave our souls nearly dead. But God will go and get that one lost sheep and leave the 99 who weren't attacked, who didn't stray, who didn't let themselves get tempted. God will risk everything to save one. That's why it's so important for us to recognize the enemy's sheep dog versus our master's. Because when we avoid our wool being taken, we can truly be lead "in the paths of righteousness for his name sake."
God Bless,
Lauren
Friday, January 27, 2012
Day 27
Whenever I grow up and have children of my own, I'm reading them Bible stories every night instead of fairytales!
Why?
1. Bible stories are just as adventurous and exciting.
2. Bible stories don't put unrealistic notions of life in your head--it's truth.
3. Bible stories express what all God has done for us!!
Today's readings just really hit a chord. I didn't realize how much Moses did NOT want to do what God had told him to. I didn't realize how scared he was, how he wanted to give the responsibility to his brother, Aaron, and I didn't realize that he had such little faith! I guess I had these ethereal notions about Moses based on the movie--how wrong I was.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Moses!!
Matthew 18:7-9
"“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. 8 So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell."
Wow. So let's think about this young ladies- If we wear a short skirt that practically shows our coochie, then we are definitely causing our brothers to lust. If we wear a low-cut top that shows our boobies, then we are definitely causing our brother to lust. Brothers- if you go to the beach and don't wear a shirt, you cause us to lust. If you talk to us in a romantic or sexual way, you are causing us to lust and you take away emotional purity on both sides.
Lust. Probably one of the biggest temptations facing young people today. We see it everywhere. It's how the enemy has penetrated the world even further--through the sin and temptation of lust. Like Jesus said, "temptations are inevitable," but what we can do, is guard our hearts from those temptations. We can choose to dress in a modest way. Now that doesn't mean you have to wear long, pioneer woman skirts and bonnets all the time. Or, if you're a man, wearing trousers and suspenders. But just keep what's supposed to be covered up, covered up. It would do any man or woman of God a huge favor, and maybe even have an unbeliever stop and pause at you're choices.
When the world is telling us that it's okay to look skimpy. That slutty is equivalent to sexy. That ripped is equivalent to attractiveness. That's not okay. That's not okay at all. And if that's the world we have come to, then the devil has already won.
Matthew 18:18 "“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven."
I don't want a slutty and boisterous environment in my heaven. And honestly, I get really uncomfortable when looking at girls who imitate Jersey Shore (I know that's a heavily used reference, but it's appalling). I don't judge, but I get sad at girls who think that they have to wear 7 inch stilettos, bump their hair, wear a tiny dress that reveals their booty and boobies. I just want to give them a hug and tell them, "Jesus love you this I know, for the Bible tells you so!" I look at the "teen scene" these days, and I get terrified because it's like looking in hell. Literally. Into the face of the enemy.
But Matthew 18:19-20 says, " “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”"
So there is hope. We believers and followers of Christ have to unite! We have to ask God to save this world! We have to ask God to make our generation see the error, see the enemy within their ways.
This world embraces immoral sexual sins. They think that it's better to "try them out" before marriage to know if their good in bed or not. Seriously. I have heard that argument from a friend who was trying to get me to give it up to someone. He said, "how are you going to know if you love them and can be pleased by them if you don't try them out first." Wow. And you know, at the time, I didn't know how to respond except, "No, thanks." That was an opportunity missed to share the gospel. That was an opportunity missed to maybe save his soul.
I was reminded of that this morning when reading Proverbs.
"5 Drink water from your own well—
share your love only with your wife.
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
having sex with just anyone?
17 You should reserve it for yourselves.
Never share it with strangers.
18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love.
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
21 For the LORD sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.""
God wants us to have sex! He designed it to be the most amazing and incredible thing! Between a man and woman. And you know, if my future hubby doesn't "satisfy" me the first time, you know what's the best part? Is that WE HAVE OUR WHOLE LIVES TO PRACTICE!!! I don't think people understand that. God gives us the gift us sex and pleasure, but it should only be given in the realm of marriage. I don't know if y'all have ever read studies, but men receive physical pleasure, women receive emotional pleasure. I'm not going to go into detail because we are treading on dangerous waters of lust here, but basically, in the context of marriage, when you love a person so so deeply and it's a love designed through God, you are going to have the best time together no matter what.
But if you are young immoral woman, an amazing Christian man of God will want nothing to do with you. If you dress like a whore, act like a whore, and talk like a whore, then the godly young men will steer clear of you. You attract what you act. So if you act like an immoral and sinful woman, you are going to attract and immoral and sinful man. And how faithful do you think he is going to be? How well do you think he will treat you? How wonderful do you think your love will be after the honeymoon if y'all aren't constantly striving to imitate the love Christ had for us and strive to minister and serve by your relationship?
You will be miserable.
But if you are modest. If you are chaste. If every action you make glorifies God. If you desire to "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," then everything else shall be added unto you. You will get a man who desires to do the same and will love you with everything he has.
Please. Let us believers work to ask God to save this world. To cast out the enemy and his demons from these night clubs and reclaim the world.
God Bless,
Lauren
Why?
1. Bible stories are just as adventurous and exciting.
2. Bible stories don't put unrealistic notions of life in your head--it's truth.
3. Bible stories express what all God has done for us!!
Today's readings just really hit a chord. I didn't realize how much Moses did NOT want to do what God had told him to. I didn't realize how scared he was, how he wanted to give the responsibility to his brother, Aaron, and I didn't realize that he had such little faith! I guess I had these ethereal notions about Moses based on the movie--how wrong I was.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Moses!!
Matthew 18:7-9
"“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. 8 So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell."
Wow. So let's think about this young ladies- If we wear a short skirt that practically shows our coochie, then we are definitely causing our brothers to lust. If we wear a low-cut top that shows our boobies, then we are definitely causing our brother to lust. Brothers- if you go to the beach and don't wear a shirt, you cause us to lust. If you talk to us in a romantic or sexual way, you are causing us to lust and you take away emotional purity on both sides.
Lust. Probably one of the biggest temptations facing young people today. We see it everywhere. It's how the enemy has penetrated the world even further--through the sin and temptation of lust. Like Jesus said, "temptations are inevitable," but what we can do, is guard our hearts from those temptations. We can choose to dress in a modest way. Now that doesn't mean you have to wear long, pioneer woman skirts and bonnets all the time. Or, if you're a man, wearing trousers and suspenders. But just keep what's supposed to be covered up, covered up. It would do any man or woman of God a huge favor, and maybe even have an unbeliever stop and pause at you're choices.
When the world is telling us that it's okay to look skimpy. That slutty is equivalent to sexy. That ripped is equivalent to attractiveness. That's not okay. That's not okay at all. And if that's the world we have come to, then the devil has already won.
Matthew 18:18 "“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven."
I don't want a slutty and boisterous environment in my heaven. And honestly, I get really uncomfortable when looking at girls who imitate Jersey Shore (I know that's a heavily used reference, but it's appalling). I don't judge, but I get sad at girls who think that they have to wear 7 inch stilettos, bump their hair, wear a tiny dress that reveals their booty and boobies. I just want to give them a hug and tell them, "Jesus love you this I know, for the Bible tells you so!" I look at the "teen scene" these days, and I get terrified because it's like looking in hell. Literally. Into the face of the enemy.
But Matthew 18:19-20 says, " “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”"
So there is hope. We believers and followers of Christ have to unite! We have to ask God to save this world! We have to ask God to make our generation see the error, see the enemy within their ways.
This world embraces immoral sexual sins. They think that it's better to "try them out" before marriage to know if their good in bed or not. Seriously. I have heard that argument from a friend who was trying to get me to give it up to someone. He said, "how are you going to know if you love them and can be pleased by them if you don't try them out first." Wow. And you know, at the time, I didn't know how to respond except, "No, thanks." That was an opportunity missed to share the gospel. That was an opportunity missed to maybe save his soul.
I was reminded of that this morning when reading Proverbs.
"5 Drink water from your own well—
share your love only with your wife.
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
having sex with just anyone?
17 You should reserve it for yourselves.
Never share it with strangers.
18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love.
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
21 For the LORD sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.""
God wants us to have sex! He designed it to be the most amazing and incredible thing! Between a man and woman. And you know, if my future hubby doesn't "satisfy" me the first time, you know what's the best part? Is that WE HAVE OUR WHOLE LIVES TO PRACTICE!!! I don't think people understand that. God gives us the gift us sex and pleasure, but it should only be given in the realm of marriage. I don't know if y'all have ever read studies, but men receive physical pleasure, women receive emotional pleasure. I'm not going to go into detail because we are treading on dangerous waters of lust here, but basically, in the context of marriage, when you love a person so so deeply and it's a love designed through God, you are going to have the best time together no matter what.
But if you are young immoral woman, an amazing Christian man of God will want nothing to do with you. If you dress like a whore, act like a whore, and talk like a whore, then the godly young men will steer clear of you. You attract what you act. So if you act like an immoral and sinful woman, you are going to attract and immoral and sinful man. And how faithful do you think he is going to be? How well do you think he will treat you? How wonderful do you think your love will be after the honeymoon if y'all aren't constantly striving to imitate the love Christ had for us and strive to minister and serve by your relationship?
You will be miserable.
But if you are modest. If you are chaste. If every action you make glorifies God. If you desire to "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," then everything else shall be added unto you. You will get a man who desires to do the same and will love you with everything he has.
Please. Let us believers work to ask God to save this world. To cast out the enemy and his demons from these night clubs and reclaim the world.
God Bless,
Lauren
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Day 26
Man, God is good! I've gotten into Exodus (as you can see from my previous post about intro to Moses) and definitely some awesome things have come to mind while I have been reading. I'm almost done with the book of Matthew and the more I read of Jesus, the more I know that he was not this smiling, sweet man. No, he was blunt and serious. But he had a love for people I cannot even fathom those people felt.
I have three HUGE big topics that I want to discuss from my readings from Exodus, Matthew, and the Proverbs, but I really don't have time to do that. So I'll just focus on one aspect of today's reading.
Probably the passage from Proverbs was the most shocking though. Jesus said the disciples couldn't cast out demons because they had little faith. This was the passage about the mustard seed in Matthew. Moses had to strip himself of the world before he could get close with God in Exodus. And the Proverbs told young men "Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house!" Proverbs 5:8
I certainly don't want to be that young woman that God is telling his sons to stay away from. What warranted that command? Whose doors should these young men go to? And what happens?
Well first, this is in the passage of Proverbs, so it has got to do with wisdom. So 1) The girl was not wise. Not wise in what? Well, first and foremost living for God. She is probably what you would call a "Jezebel" or a "Delilah." She is the temptress of the enemy. This is something young Christian men have GOT to watch out for. Girls who put on a facade of a servant of God. Girls whose hearts aren't completely in a relationship with the Lord.
Ladies: Don't be that girl!! You want to know why? Because you will only attract the men whose hearts aren't completely God's. And how happy can you be without a Christ-centered relationship? Not very. Most likely the man you will get will be selfish, will be arrogant, will be lazy--he won't have any qualities of a man after God's heart.
So we know that the girl had no wisdom concerning her life with the Lord. She probably dressed provocatively so as to lure a man's eyes. If young men must "Don't go near the door of her house," obviously that's her physical place of residence because if you do, you will be tempted and most likely succumb to sexual sin, but also her house as in her body. If God has to specifically say that, then that means a lot of her body is showing for you to even be enticed.
Later, Proverbs 31 describes the women that men should seek. The women whose worth are far above rubies. My friend Sarah told me that "Just reading Proverbs 31 already makes me tired;" which is absolutely true. It's hard work to be a lady of God. It's hard work to not only have a job (tending the field) but to also teach your children, keep your home, and serve your husband. I'll go more in depth when I actually read Proverbs 31, but for now, let's just say that young Christian men should flock to her door and stay away from Jezebel/Delilah.
So what happens to those men who defy God and go for the temptress? Proverbs 5:9-14 goes in depth on the consequences:
"9 If you do, you will lose your honor
and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
10 Strangers will consume your wealth,
and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
11 In the end you will groan in anguish
when disease consumes your body.
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
So let's see-- you will be destitute, you will be mocked, you will be scored, you will be dishonored, you will not only be physically but emotionally scarred. There will be a physical disease that takes over your body, and lamenting and regretting not heeding the warnings.
So men: Recognize the good young women. Pay attention to God's warnings about those who don't walk towards Christ.
Women: Don't tempt your brothers. Don't be the woman that God warns men to stay away from.
The consequences are dire. The cost is more than anyone should bear.
God Bless,
Lauren
I have three HUGE big topics that I want to discuss from my readings from Exodus, Matthew, and the Proverbs, but I really don't have time to do that. So I'll just focus on one aspect of today's reading.
Probably the passage from Proverbs was the most shocking though. Jesus said the disciples couldn't cast out demons because they had little faith. This was the passage about the mustard seed in Matthew. Moses had to strip himself of the world before he could get close with God in Exodus. And the Proverbs told young men "Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house!" Proverbs 5:8
I certainly don't want to be that young woman that God is telling his sons to stay away from. What warranted that command? Whose doors should these young men go to? And what happens?
Well first, this is in the passage of Proverbs, so it has got to do with wisdom. So 1) The girl was not wise. Not wise in what? Well, first and foremost living for God. She is probably what you would call a "Jezebel" or a "Delilah." She is the temptress of the enemy. This is something young Christian men have GOT to watch out for. Girls who put on a facade of a servant of God. Girls whose hearts aren't completely in a relationship with the Lord.
Ladies: Don't be that girl!! You want to know why? Because you will only attract the men whose hearts aren't completely God's. And how happy can you be without a Christ-centered relationship? Not very. Most likely the man you will get will be selfish, will be arrogant, will be lazy--he won't have any qualities of a man after God's heart.
So we know that the girl had no wisdom concerning her life with the Lord. She probably dressed provocatively so as to lure a man's eyes. If young men must "Don't go near the door of her house," obviously that's her physical place of residence because if you do, you will be tempted and most likely succumb to sexual sin, but also her house as in her body. If God has to specifically say that, then that means a lot of her body is showing for you to even be enticed.
Later, Proverbs 31 describes the women that men should seek. The women whose worth are far above rubies. My friend Sarah told me that "Just reading Proverbs 31 already makes me tired;" which is absolutely true. It's hard work to be a lady of God. It's hard work to not only have a job (tending the field) but to also teach your children, keep your home, and serve your husband. I'll go more in depth when I actually read Proverbs 31, but for now, let's just say that young Christian men should flock to her door and stay away from Jezebel/Delilah.
So what happens to those men who defy God and go for the temptress? Proverbs 5:9-14 goes in depth on the consequences:
"9 If you do, you will lose your honor
and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
10 Strangers will consume your wealth,
and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
11 In the end you will groan in anguish
when disease consumes your body.
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
So let's see-- you will be destitute, you will be mocked, you will be scored, you will be dishonored, you will not only be physically but emotionally scarred. There will be a physical disease that takes over your body, and lamenting and regretting not heeding the warnings.
So men: Recognize the good young women. Pay attention to God's warnings about those who don't walk towards Christ.
Women: Don't tempt your brothers. Don't be the woman that God warns men to stay away from.
The consequences are dire. The cost is more than anyone should bear.
God Bless,
Lauren
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