some encouragement for May!

Hey friends,
This month has just flown by! we would like to share something that we read today, in hopes of it being a blessing to you! As you read,ask God to speak to your heart about anything that needs to be changed... any area that you need to fully surrender to Him in order to live effectively for Christ's glory.
God has you where you are for a reason. He shines through you! Be a light and live boldly no matter where you are and no matter what your age.

speech-behavior-love-faith-purity

Keep Running!

I just read this encouraging article from a blog called inCourage. It was a timely reminder to keep looking to Jesus, to keep running this race, to not grow weary or faint in my mind, to know that this is a season of training and that God is not finished with me yet. He is faithful. He is loving. Each little experience in life is to build more of JESUS's character in me... with the goal of bringing Him even greater glory: causing others to see and savor and desire Christ!
So, don't give up! Keep on keeping on. The Lord is your strength! He is with you!

notes from April girls group!

Some helpful wisdom from the book of Proverbs for girls of today

Have you ever found yourself in a sticky situation? Maybe you said something that you really should have left unspoken. Perhaps you caused dissension among friends. Or maybe, to your extreme dismay, you find yourself acting in a way you have always despised!

Well, the book of Proverbs is packed full of wisdom for us. God’s Word is fresh, alive and active. See Hebrews 4:12. It’s described as a two-edged sword. Think of a sword for moment. It’s not dull. It can cut. Do you let God’s Word enter deep into your heart? Do you seek God earnestly in prayer, asking Him to root out the sin and to transform you more and more into Christ’s image? This is something we should ask Him to do. David prayed for eyes that would “behold wondrous things” out of God’s law. So, we read God’s Word not just to check off a box, or say that we’ve had our quiet time for the day, but to learn and to grow, to be convicted of sin and to really KNOW HIM more deeply! THE GOAL IS GROWTH NOT PERFECTION.

So, here are a couple Proverbs. Wisdom for gals. Timeless truths!

①He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends, Proverbs 17:9. When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise, Proverbs 10:19. We were recently out to dinner with a couple friends. During the evening, we disclosed a particular issue. It’s something that bothered us… something we observed in someone else that was improper.  Little did we know that the information would travel around after dinner, and that another party would be put in an uncomfortable situation because of it! Ahhh! So, the lesson learned: if we see something improper going on, we should go right then to the proper authority and voice the concern. Another lesson: consider if talking about the issue is GOSSIP. Is it slander, even if no names are mentioned? Can the one we’re sharing our concern with even help in the issue? What will prevent the story from being shared with another party? Like the game telephone, you never know what the final “story” will actually be! So, love does seek to cover sin. It seeks out the best. It hopes for the best. Love does not dismiss sin. It does not justify sin. But love does look for the proper way to deal with delicate issues that come up regarding others. Be respectful of others and sensitive. If in doubt, don’t say it! Prayer from David in Psalm 141:3, Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! 

Luke 6:45 Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. (the message) The good person out of the good treasury of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasury produces evil, for his mouth speaks from what fills his heart. (NET) 

Words start from the heart. How is my heart? What condition is it in? Does it belong to Jesus? Healthy? Whole? Yielded?

-ask God to cleanse my heart in order that I might speak right words.

-cleanse my heart with the Word of God

-evaluate how my words will be understood before I speak them

②The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down, Proverbs 14:1. And from James 1:19, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…  Building a house… building the relationships around you… investing wisely into those God has put in your life. The place where you live is your place to build. The wise woman is going to build up! The foolish is going to tear down. Which one are you? What habits are you forming today that are helping to shape your responses to irritations? Maybe you’re thinking, “I just can’t make myself love him or her!” You’re not alone if you don’t always have those warm tender feelings to those around you, especially your family. For me, it’s helpful to remember that I’m to do everything as to the Lord. It’s helpful to keep GOD in my mind – a healthy fear and reverence of His presence… so that I do seek to please Him and bring Him honor in my actions. This is a great quote from C.S. Lewis on loving even when you don’t feel like it:

 The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. The Christian, trying to treat everyone kindly, finds himself liking more and more people as he goes on- including people he could not even have imagined himself liking at the beginning ~ C.S. Lewis. Learning to love a little more. Actions lead to feelings!!

③[A woman of noble character] watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness, Proverbs 31:27. Doing your share, helping without being asked, caring about others. We recently completed the book of Ruth with our BSF group. Ruth’s character is amazing! She served her mother-in-law Naomi day after day. Going out early and working until the evening, gathering grain, carrying heavy loads. She was unselfish. She was generous. She was loyal and faithful. She was not lazy in the least! And of course we all know that her character did not go unnoticed by Boaz! So, what about you? what about me? Keeping things in order is not easy. Try to set aside an hour or two a week to clean out and reorganize your room. Be alert to the needs of your mom. If you aren’t sure, ask her what you can do to help her out! There are times and seasons for rest and fun… but make sure you take advantage of the times to be productive, useful, and loving to those around you. Be a blessing!

Live in such a way that if anyone should speak badly of you no one would believe it.

storms of life

Sometimes Jesus comes and simply carries us through hard times. This post was so encouraging to read today. We hope it blesses you!

GRL March encouragement

 ~Psalm 23~

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water.

He restores my strength.

He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff reassure me.

You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies.

You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full.

Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days,

and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life. 

(NET Bible)

A Shepherd. A good shepherd. Someone who cares about you deeply. A God who never lets you out of His sight. God wants to make Himself known to you as your good Shepherd. 

Are you trusting in Him as your Shepherd? He wants to lead you. Are you willing to follow Him? He wants to protect you. He wants you to keep in His right paths. He desires to fill your life with all of HIS fullness.

So, think about God's goodness in your life. How has He protected you? What can you praise Him for right now? Try starting with praise for HIM and who HE is! Regardless of how your circumstances change (and believe me, they will change! sometimes all seems to be going great, and other times, it's as if all of life is against you), our God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Nothing can separate you from His love. Do you believe He is with you? What is worrying you today? Go to your Good Shepherd in prayer and tell Him what's on your heart. Praise Him for meeting your every need. Whether it's a life threatening situation, or just getting through your daily routine, remember that you are loved. God cares for you and He gives you His blessings and His protection! He's for you. Never doubt it!!

Isaiah 40:11, He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. 

John 10:27-28, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

Psalm 23:6 is really meaningful in the Message translation: "Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life." Take a minute to think that through. God's love and God's beauty, His goodness and faithfulness, chase after YOU. Not just every now and then, but every day -- He's after your heart, your affections, your love. He extends such grace to us - His forgiveness, His hope, His salvation. He puts people into our lives and arranges our circumstances so that we learn to see more of Him. He is initiating a very special relationship with you, and it's all made possible through the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Slow down. Let His love capture your heart.

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

showing love! February GRL notes

Today’s topic is on love. Since this is the month for Valentine’s day, and we’re still thinking about hearts and flowers and pink and chocolate(!!), we thought it would be good to talk about love and if we are exhibiting the love of Christ to those around us. 

Here is an acronym for love that we came across recently:

L - Listening when another is speaking

O - Overlooking petty faults and forgiving all failures

V - Valuing other people for who they are

E - Expressing love in a practical way

(Seeds of Greatness, Dennis Waitley)

Before you say - “wait! I can’t do that. I can’t show love to everyone around me!” remember that it’s not your love, but the love of God that the Holy Spirit brings to you to give. The fruit of the Spirit is --- what? The first fruit mentioned is love! There's a source for love beyond myself to tap into. It's available! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can do things I couldn’t... feel things I didn’t... know things I wouldn’t... show things I normally wouldn’t. So, first you have to be connected to God’s love. You have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:16-19, filled with Him. He transforms us and renews our mind so that we think differently! He gives us a healthy heart. be willing to let God love others through you!

Here is something from Sheri Rose Shepherd - special words written as if they were being said by Christ Himself to you:

I believe if the Lord was going to invite you to dinner tonight He may send you a letter that reads like this..... 

My Beloved,
I am knocking at the door of your heart and hoping you will dine with me. If you will open the door I will come in. I prepared a feast for you my beloved. Will you accept my invitation? I long to feed your hungry soul until you are completely satisfied. Let your prince come in and nourish your spirit, your mind and your body. I am the only one who truly can.
Love your Prince Jesus

Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and I come in and we will share a meal together as friends Revelation 3:20 (NLT) This verse isn’t talking about salvation, but about your fellowship with Christ. Once you are saved and you do believe and trust in God’s way of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, you do need to grow and nourish your relationship with Him. It’s as if He’s saying: I’m here. Be filled by Me. I will satisfy you and can supply you with everything you need for life and godliness... and that includes the ability to love others! 1John 4:11

So, let’s break it down. L-O-V-E.

Listening -- your friend and you are talking... you can’t wait to tell her about this cool and yummy dessert you made for Valentine’s day... however, your friend keeps talking, and talking.. and talking. You really aren’t paying attention. Even though you’re looking at her and nodding and smiling. But, your mind is in a whole other world! Listen!!! It shows you care. 

Overlooking petty faults and forgiveness -- your cashier didn’t smile at you. The man slammed the door in front of you. The teller didn’t even greet you. No one complimented you on the dinner you worked so hard to prepare. Manners - or should we say lack of manners, got under your skin. Petty faults. Things you should overlook. 1 Cor. 13:5, Amplified: Love... is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. Not touchy! Above all, keep love for one another constant and fervent (Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8). Love covers! It’s a picture of Jesus. You won’t have perfect relationships....there will be conflict but with forgiveness and grace. A grace-based life.

Value people -- You only like Sally because she dresses just like you. You only speak respectfully to your parents when what they say pleases you... when they talk to you about what concerns them in your character, you ignore them and get angry. You look down on Liz because she’s just a little worldly... you keep your distance and never talk to her. Is that right? Are you judging? Are you proud? think of others more highly than yourself. Read Philippians 2:3, "do nothing from selfishness." Love is the opposite of selfishness. Honor shows love and respect. Honor and value the godly authorities that are in your life. Obedience shows you honor God! It’s not always easy, but it’s a part of your sanctification, of God changing and growing you... removing the sin in your heart and making you more like Christ. 

Expressing love in practical ways -- Decide to smile at the one who never reaches out to you. Say thank-you and be quick to express gratitude - and mean it! Write a note. Give a gift. Send a Bible verse. Pray for them. Yield your rights... don’t insist on being right... or being first. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God, Ephesians 5:1,2.

***1 Corinthians 13, read it and substitute "God" for "love" and then read it again and put your name in. Read it in the Amplified. Does this chapter describe you? Pray through this chapter. 

We love Him because He first loved us..." 1 John 4:19

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor. 2:9 ~for those who love Him~ Amplified:who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed. Greek  meaning for love in this verse: Affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits received.

....nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39 Remember this!

A couple thoughts from author, J.D. Greear (bottom line: you are loved!):

"Perhaps you've asked a similar question, even as a believer: God, why won't you bless my ministry? God, why aren't I married yet? God, why isn't my business prospering? I'd use the profits to bless others! God, why won't you heal me? God, don't you see? Why won't You help? Don't you care? Do You not love me? I can't answer all the 'why'  questions, but I do know this: We must not reinterpret how God feels about us based on our circumstances. The cross settles forever how God feels about us, and the resurrection shows us how much power He is using to bring about His good plan for our lives."

-In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.

-Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy.

-As You have been to me, so I will be to others.

-As I pray, I'll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection.

Extra Fun:

Take the Love Languages test to determine how you express love to others and how you feel most loved (words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch). Remember that others around you probably have a different love language than you do. Be sensitive and thoughtful in how you express love in a way that makes them feel loved!

January Gathering :-)

Today we’d like to share about beauty - what’s beautiful in God’s eyes, and in the eyes of those around you. And we’re also going to talk about those things that turn others off, that irritate and provoke... things we should purposefully think about and avoid.

We first of all need to realize that God has created us for a personal relationship with Himself. He loves you and He loves me... so much that He gave Jesus as the atonement for our sins. Do you know Him as your personal Savior? Because of Him, we are “accepted in the Beloved.” Secondly, it’s important for us to study and know who we are in Christ. He’s saved us, He’s called us, He loves us. We are made righteous and clean in His eyes through Jesus. We’ve been adopted, set apart, prayed for, given the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are forgiven, healed, redeemed, satisfied, renewed. As you read your Bible, take note of WHO you are in Christ! Meditate on it. Pray prayers of thanks. Let it sink down into your heart. (talk about His Princess book, by Sheri Rose Shepherd). Thirdly, you need to come to the place where you realize that you cannot change or control anyone except YOURSELF. Life is full of ups and downs. People will come and go in and out of your life. There will be frustration, joy, pain, and laughter. You cannot guarantee how everything will turn out! You can only be responsible for how you respond to what God allows. What does this mean? Well, the challenges you face today - a brother or sister who irritates you... a hard school assignment... sickness or pain... the loss of a loved one... an unsaved family member... trying to fit in... making friends... these are things God uses to shape you into the girl He wants you to become. A girl growing in character. A girl seeking God’s approval. A girl delighting in Jesus. A girl falling more and more in love with the Lord. A girl getting into God’s Word. A girl praying and listening to God. A girl that is willing to be used as God sees best. Surrendered. At peace. Beautiful!

1 Peter 3:4, let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. This is what God delights in! Invest time with Him!! Inner beauty, the hidden person of the heart (your desires, your emotions). Proverbs 3:5-6

...captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in (the Message, 1 Peter 3:3-4).

As you grow into the girl God wants you to become (by praying through tough things... by seeking Him despite discouragement... by being grateful for who you are in Christ), you will become a powerful influence to those around you! This is what is so beautiful. It’s not merely you... but Christ in you, Who shines to those around you. He makes you a sweet fragrance! Read 2 Corinthians 2 :14. 

What should we purpose to avoid? how about complaining? you know, a negative attitude is just as contagious as a cheerful attitude. (Pollyanna!) Do you tend to irritate others with your words? Do you find joy in seeing another becoming provoked??! Do you nag and nag, and then nag some more? Criticize? Do you act out of fear? What about acting out of envy or jealousy? These things will only push your family and friends, and even onlookers, far away from you. They create disappointment and discouragement. 

Read Hebrews 3:13. You only have today to make a difference in another’s life. So do it!

--Ask yourself: what needs do I see around me? what can I do to help meet those needs? who can I encourage today? Write a note... send an email... make a phone call... talk to God about them. Can you see the blessing in the challenge you’re facing? How’s your heart (a glad heart is like a good medicine!)?

A Woman of Discretion: using wisdom to avoid damaging attitudes, words, and actions and giving insightful counsel. –avoid getting involved in fruitless and endless arguments. Value God’s Word. Discern needs around me. The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning - Prov.17:27

The key verse we want you to remember is from Proverbs 11:22, Like a ring of gold in a pig’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who rejects discretion (NET). What a lovely verse, right?!!!

Here are some other translations: 

-As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion. Amplified.

-Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful face on an empty head. The Message

-[As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion. KJV

-A beautiful woman lacking discretion and modesty is like a fine gold ring in a pig’s snout – The Living Bible. 

Notes: physical attractiveness without inner strength soon wears thin. We are to seek those qualities that help us make wise decisions, not just those that make us look good. 

Commentary—

How absurd to think that a ring could make a pig look beautiful!!! It’s just as silly to think that a woman’s physical beauty can excuse her lack of discretion (moral perception). Are you beautiful, but lacking in values and morals, thoughtfulness and love towards others? Then you’re just like the pig described here – kinda ugly. 

What are others attracted to? People around you will not be interested in a “hot girl” who doesn’t have compassion and joy. 

So!, a fair and attractive and beautiful woman – WITHOUT discretion is not a pretty sight!

The word “without” means to turn aside, depart, avoid, take away, dispose. This woman had been a discerning woman. But, she. left. it. She purposely turned away from discretion.

“discretion” is taste, discernment, reason, judgment. No moral sensibility, no propriety, no good taste, unchaste (not pure).

Remember this:

Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

The way the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) translates this verse is:

As a ring of gold in a nose of a pig, so is beauty to an evil-minded woman.

The word for evil-minded in Greek (kakophrwn) is only used one other time in the Bible, also in the Proverbs of the Old Testament:

Proverbs 19:19 - An evil-minded man shall be penalized much; and he shall add even his life if there should be injury.  (( “If you deliver [him by paying the fine for him once], you will have to do it again”)) Evil-minded, without discretion. You can't serve two masters! Either you're pursuing the wisdom of God's ways, or you're being pulled by the flesh. Submit to God! Resist the devil! Pray and ask God to help you desire to the wise, all discerning heart that He so delights to create in you. 

The heart must be changed first, before any beauty can be a blessing to those around you! Seek wise, God-honoring choices. Do not turn away from solid truth. Live pure! Fear God! Let your beauty be from Him. Your physical beauty is a reflection - a glimpse of the beauty of your godly character and wisdom...and that is a reflection of God's ultimate beauty and wisdom and love. It's all a reflection - of something which is the greatest beauty. And it all points to God. 

Beauty. Pigs. Discernment. Knowing who you are in Christ. Encourage. Reflect.